Elvis Moyo, North-West University (NWU) final-year PhD candidate in applied radiation sciences, has been selected as part of the Ju-Jitsu national team that is set to participate in the World Morganti Ju-Jitsu championship. The championship will take place in Brazil on 23 October 2023.

Elvis earned his place in the national team after competing in the South African national championships earlier this year. He competed in the higher division, which was open only to black and brown belts. Despite facing stiff competition, Elvis emerged victorious and won a gold medal.

Prior to the national championship, he competed in the Morganti ju-jitsu provincials and won a gold medal, qualifying for this year's national team selection.

The Pampierstad-born Elvis obtained his brown belt in the sport in 2022 and participates in both stand-up and group fighting.

Elvis says he started martial arts at the age of five, and his interest in ju-jitsu was sparked by his desire to acquire self-defence skills. “After I read an article about Moses Radebe, a former South African champion going to Brazil, I wanted to learn more about the sport,” says Elvis.

“Besides the physical benefits, ju-jitsu boosts your self-confidence and teaches you self-defence techniques – something everyone can benefit from. In jiu-jitsu, you constantly learn new techniques, and therefore you always learn new skills to protect yourself in threatening situations,” says Elvis.

He holds multiple world, national and provincial titles in jiu-jitsu. In 2019 he earned two gold medals at the world championships in South Africa and an award as the best fighter at the world championships tournament.

Elvis says as much as he is looking forward to the World Morganti Ju-Jitsu championship, there is one major obstacle standing in his way – funding.

“As a student, I don’t have the financial means to cover the expenses of the trip, and I hope that someone or some organisation will reach out to help me realise my dream.”

Despite the challenges, Elvis remains optimistic. He continues to work hard, both in the gym and in the laboratory, determined to succeed in both his academic and athletic pursuits.

“I cannot wait to step onto the mat and represent our country in front of the world.”

 Elvis Moyo.