Predstavljamo vam vizijo KAF Malte in vam predstavljamo Amirja Samhana, ki je na nedavnem tekmovanju pisal zgodovino kot prvi športnik iz otoka Gozo, ki je tekmoval v MMA, in si priboril zmago po soglasni odločitvi proti zahtevnemu grškemu nasprotniku. Amirjeva zgodba dokazuje, da je z ponižnostjo, disciplino in vztrajnostjo vse mogoče. To pa je bistvo Kempo Arnisa.
Why Competition Matters: Our Direction and Vision
After careful analysis and discussion, it became clear that competition plays a vital role in our journey. It provides measurable goals, builds self-confidence, and motivates our team to improve. For children in particular, competition is an essential learning tool. It teaches resilience, discipline, and valuable life lessons that go far beyond martial arts. Competing also allows us to pressure-test our skills under real conditions and step out of our comfort zones, which is key to growth. We chose to participate in this specific competition circuit “The Arena Combat Sports Promotions” because it offers multiple disciplines, including Kickboxing, K-1, and MMA, under Mr. Simon Chetcuti who is the official representative of the World Kickboxing and Karate Association (WKA) in Malta and all bouts are sanctioned by the WKA.
This gives our athletes the opportunity to compete on an international level against high-caliber opponents. In Malta, we’re putting in consistent effort to cultivate a strong competitive spirit. Our junior athletes are enthusiastic and dedicated, supported by parents who understand the importance of these opportunities for their children’s development. Our senior members are equally motivated, knowing that their experience will one day be passed on to guide the next generation. Although opportunities on the island are limited, we remain committed to participating and growing whenever the chance arises.
Amir joined our school at the age of six, and from the beginning, it was clear he stood out. Polite, respectful, and determined, he quickly earned the admiration of his peers and instructors. At just 13, he became the first junior in Malta to earn a junior black belt. He has never missed a training session, and in 2023, he achieved his Shodan in Novo Mesto, Slovenia.
Throughout his journey, Amir has remained humble and always eager to help others, embodying the spirit and values of KAF Malta. In 2024, he stepped into the ring for his first K-1 bout, which ended in a decision loss. Undeterred, he returned stronger, defeating a skilled Italian opponent unanimously. In June 2025, Amir made history by becoming the first athlete from Gozo to compete in MMA and secured a unanimous decision victory against a tough Greek opponent. Amir’s story is proof that with humility, discipline, and persistence, anything is possible.
The Champion’s Mindset
The mindset to becoming a champion is humility, respect, and discipline in every aspect of life. No matter the outcome never give up. Learn from mistakes, adapt, and overcome. That’s what makes a true champion but as in any other aspect in life the ingredients to become a champion is in built in stages.
Building Success One Step at a Time
In every meaningful pursuit, success is not accidental, it is built in stages. The first, and perhaps most important, stage begins with a choice. Selecting the right school, the right instructor, and the right environment sets the tone for everything that follows.
In martial arts, this choice is particularly crucial. While it may seem like an individual sport, martial arts is deeply team oriented. No athlete grows alone. Behind each performance stands a dedicated team of coaches, sparring partners, nutritionists, and peers, who support, guide, and challenge each other every step of the way.
From the very beginning, we made a clear and intentional choice: to represent Kempo Arnis Federation in Malta. We knew it aligned with our philosophy, our values, and our long term vision. That decision has proven to be the cornerstone of our development. As the saying goes, “What you sow is what you reap.”
I still remember meeting Shihan Borut Kincl for the first time. He said something that has stayed with me throughout the years:
“It is not what you do, but how you do it.”
Those words continue to shape our approach in training, in competition, and in life. But perhaps the greatest measure of success isn’t found in medals or championships. It is in the journey of our students. There is no greater joy than seeing children as young as six years old join our school, begin their path, and remain with us into their twenties. Watching them grow. Not just as athletes, but as people, succeeding in competition, excelling in school, and maturing into confident, respectful young adults, is the most fulfilling achievement of all. This is what we strive for every day, not just to teach techniques, but to shape lives.
KAF Malta remains dedicated to building not just strong martial artists but strong individuals. Through competition, community, and commitment, we continue to grow together.
Ossu!
by Joseph Porteli, KAF Malta
