The Zimbabwe Martial Arts Kobudo Team, under the banner of the Zimbabwe Karate Union, has departed for Wales to participate in the prestigious International Combat Organisation (ICO) World Martial Arts Championships, which run from 15 to 19 October in Swansea, Wales. The team, led by Shihan Wilfred Mashaya, leaves Zimbabwe with high hopes of showcasing the nation’s martial arts talent on the global stage.
Zimbabwe will be represented by nine participants in total, including eight young athletes aged between eight and sixteen. Shihan Mashaya will serve a dual role as both coach and competitor, guiding the youngsters as they compete against top martial artists from around the world.
The children, four boys and four girls, hail primarily from the Zim Ninja Academy and have undergone rigorous training over several months at Mkushi Training Academy and Aquaview Resort on Lake Chivero. Their selection ensures a balanced representation in line with Zimbabwe’s Junior Policy in sports, promoting equal opportunities for boys and girls.
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In the girls’ category, Thandeka Moyo, Dean Gwatah, Anotida Hove, and Anenyasha Hove will compete, while the boys’ section features Wilfred Mashaya Jnr, Brian Mupindu Jnr, Takudzwa Chizema, and Arnold Mudzengerere.
The Zimbabwean team will participate in a wide range of events, including Traditional Weapons, Creative Weapons, Freestyle Weapons, and Advanced Weapons competitions. Weapons on display will include the Tonfa, Nunchaku, Katana (sword), Bo (staff), Kama, Sai, among others.
The tournament promises a global showdown with countries such as Spain, Ireland, Ukraine, Italy, Cyprus, the USA, Wales, England, Scotland, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, France, Nepal, and Zimbabwe among the competitors.
Speaking ahead of departure, Shihan Mashaya expressed confidence in the young athletes, stating that their dedication and hard work during months of intense preparation have equipped them to compete at the highest level.
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