Zimbabwe Martial Arts Kobudo Team Heads to ICO World Championships in Wales

The Zimbabwe Martial Arts Kobudo Team, under the Zimbabwe Karate Union, has departed for Swansea, Wales, to compete in the International Combat Organisation (ICO) World Martial Arts Championships from 15 to 19 October. The team, led by Shihan Wilfred Mashaya, aims to showcase Zimbabwe’s martial arts talent on the global stage.

Nine participants will represent Zimbabwe, including eight young athletes aged eight to sixteen. Shihan Mashaya will serve as both coach and competitor, guiding the team as they face top martial artists from around the world.

The children, four boys and four girls, come mainly from the Zim Ninja Academy. They trained for several months at Mkushi Training Academy and Aquaview Resort on Lake Chivero. Their selection follows Zimbabwe’s Junior Policy in sports, ensuring equal representation for boys and girls.

In the girls’ category, competitors include Thandeka Moyo, Dean Gwatah, Anotida Hove, and Anenyasha Hove. The boys’ lineup features Wilfred Mashaya Jnr, Brian Mupindu Jnr, Takudzwa Chizema, and Arnold Mudzengerere.

The team will compete in events such as Traditional Weapons, Creative Weapons, Freestyle Weapons, and Advanced Weapons. Weapons on display include Tonfa, Nunchaku, Katana, Bo, Kama, and Sai.

The ICO tournament draws competitors from Spain, Ireland, Ukraine, Italy, Cyprus, the USA, Wales, England, Scotland, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, France, Nepal, and Zimbabwe.

Shihan Mashaya said the team’s dedication and hard work during months of training have prepared them to compete at the highest level. He expressed confidence that the young athletes will represent Zimbabwe with skill and discipline.