The First African Kobudo Team to be crowned World Champions in Weaponry Martial Arts arrived safely back in their home country yesterday. The Zimbabwe Kobudo team, led by Master Wilfred Mashaya and his dedicated student Vincent Fambira, received a warm welcome from their fellow countrymen. A multitude of people gathered at the RGM International Airport to honor the two Zimbabwean heroes who had not only raised their nation’s flag high on the global stage but also garnered a total of 11 medals, comprising 8 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze. Affiliated with the Zimbabwe Karate Union (ZKU), the Zimbabwe Martial Arts Kobudo Team’s triumph has brought immense pride to the nation.
The notable figures present at the airport to greet the World Champions included the esteemed Zimbabwe Republic Police Command, led by Commissioner Priscilla Makotose, along with Assistant Commissioner Ali Simbarashe Hondo, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Chief Superintendent Laxon Sibanda, Superintendent Abel Chimukoko, Superintendent Shamiso Jaricha, and other ZRP commanders and members. Commissioner Priscilla Makotose, representing the Commissioner General of Police Cde Tandabantu Godwin Matanga, had been delegated to extend a special welcome to the two Zimbabwean World Champions.
The welcoming crowd also consisted of members of the Zimbabwe Karate Union, various martial artists from different organizations, bodybuilders, sports enthusiasts from diverse disciplines, members of the Zim Ninja Academy, media personnel, members of the ZRP, as well as family, friends, and relatives. Notably, Master Mashaya’s mother had journeyed all the way from the rural areas, traveling nearly 400 km from Gokwe, to greet her victorious son. Overwhelmed with pride, she was moved to tears at her son’s remarkable achievements. The depth of a mother’s love was poignantly evident in her dedicated efforts to be there for her son.
The younger generation, inspired by Master Mashaya’s remarkable journey, also joined in the welcome. Many of the children present at the airport viewed the Zim Ninja as their role model, with aspirations to follow in his footsteps within the realm of martial arts. Various performances and displays were organized by different groups at the airport to celebrate and honor the two World Champions, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and elation.
Master Mashaya and his dedicated student, Sempai Fambira’s outstanding victory in England has firmly established Zimbabwe on the global map of Martial Arts. Their impressive performances have garnered admiration from various countries worldwide, with accolades pouring in, particularly on social media platforms.
The ICO World Martial Arts Championships, which took place from October 20 to October 22, were hosted at the Allam Sports Centre, situated at the University of Hull in Hull City, England. The event was organized under the leadership of Mr. Andrew Hennessy, representing the International Combat Organisation based in England. More than 15 countries and over 500 athletes participated in the championship, including teams from England, Wales, Ukraine, Germany, France, Lebanon, Hungary, Ireland, Scotland, Cyprus, Isle of Man, Portugal, Spain, and Brazil, among others.
Master Mashaya’s individual excellence shone through as he claimed 3 Gold Medals and one Silver Medal in the Black Belts Individual Weaponry Categories. His student, Fambira, emulated his Master’s success by securing 3 Gold Medals and one Silver Medal in the 17 Years Individual Weaponry Categories. As a team, they achieved further glory, taking home 2 Gold Medals and one Bronze Medal in the Team Weaponry Categories. Master Mashaya expressed his elation at Fambira’s performance, viewing it as a testament to the growth of Kobudo Martial Arts, a discipline he introduced to Zimbabwe in 2016 after his triumphant endeavours in Russia. The categories they excelled in featured weapons like Katana Swords, Chuckle Sticks/Nunchaku, Tonfa, Kama, Sai, and Bo, among others. Their proficiency in these areas made them stand out, with very few individuals in Africa possessing such expertise.
The resounding success of the Mashaya-Fambira duo has ignited a sense of national pride. They pledged to continue their remarkable journey, promising to uphold the Zimbabwean flag on the world stage in Weaponry Martial Arts, provided they receive the necessary sponsorship. Their resounding message is that they attribute their success to unwavering faith in the Almighty Lord and to the values of hard work, humility, respect for others, commitment, focus, and above all, the discipline that propels one to scale new heights in the realm of sports.
