David Verster
In 2016, David Verster retired from MMA to focus on grappling, BJJ teaching and building a team.
Biography
Sources for this profile
Highway Mail, November 2015.(opens in a new tab)
A November 2015 profile traced Verster’s wrestling, judo and boxing background. After five professional boxing fights, he retired from that sport, earned a traditional jiu-jitsu black belt and became a personal trainer, developing weight and cardio training experience. The report also credited him with South African grappling championships in 2012 and 2013.
Where in the source: Verster’s background.
Accessed:
Berea Mail, April 2016.(opens in a new tab)
In April 2016, Verster announced his MMA retirement after retaining his South African MFC lightweight title. The Lions Den founder said he would focus on grappling, BJJ teaching and building a strong team; he was glad his last MMA fight ended with a good win.
Where in the source: Retirement plans.
Accessed:
Highway Mail, 2024.(opens in a new tab)
Verster coached Lions Den, Westville, heading Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Durban.
Where in the source: Coaching.
Accessed:
Berea Mail, January 2014.(opens in a new tab)
In January 2014, Verster traced his BJJ practice to the late 1990s and its appeal to leverage and technique. Competing abroad eased pressure and fear. His planned US trip included a week at Gracie University, time with former boxer Gary Ballard and a championship. A caption identified his son Daniel Reece.
Where in the source: Personal training account.
Accessed:
Highway Mail, April 2015.(opens in a new tab)
In April 2015, Verster described teaching self-defence with an emphasis on ending encounters quickly, alongside kettlebell conditioning and cardio. The profile placed his coaching at Lions Den, Pinetown, in the context of his MMA preparations.
Where in the source: Teaching and conditioning.
Accessed:
Lions Den SA, home.(opens in a new tab)
Lions Den’s undated website says Verster received his black belt from Marcus Soares in March 2016. It lists children’s and junior classes and Saturday Gracie anti-bullying and combatives teaching.
Where in the source: Biography and junior programme.
Accessed:
Lions Den SA, classes.(opens in a new tab)
The school’s classes page describes BJJ as positional control while seeking submissions, separately listing MMA training and boxing classes focused on fundamentals and fitness.
Where in the source: Classes.
Accessed:
DUT, May 2024.(opens in a new tab)
DUT reported that Verster led a self-defence workshop for its staff and students on 7 May 2024 at Steve Biko campus’s Fred Crookes Sport Centre. Demonstrations included choke defences, a throw and responses to knife attacks; the following day’s fitness session was led by other instructors.
Where in the source: Workshop and separate fitness day.
Accessed:
South Africa REAL, May 2018.(opens in a new tab)
The written introduction to his May 2018 South Africa REAL episode described newcomers becoming friends at his school, with students helping develop one another’s skills.
Where in the source: Written episode introduction.
Accessed:
Lineage
No teaching connections are shown on this page.
Open lineage