Eight young athletes to represent Zimbabwe on global stage
The Zimbabwe Martial Arts Kobudo Team, representing the Zimbabwe Karate Union, has departed for Swansea, Wales, to compete in the International Combat Organisation (ICO) World Championships. The competition runs from 15 to 19 October 2025 and will see teams from across the globe showcase their skills in one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
The delegation is led by multi-award-winning martial artist and coach, Shihan Wilfred Mashaya, who has been instrumental in nurturing young martial arts talent in Zimbabwe. Under his guidance, the country will be represented by eight junior athletes, four boys and four girls, aged between eight and sixteen.
The team includes Thandeka Moyo, Dean Gwatah, Anotida Hove, and Anenyasha Hove in the girls’ category, while Wilfred Mashaya Jnr, Brian Mupindu Jnr, Takudzwa Chizema, and Arnold Mudzengerere make up the boys’ side. All eight athletes train under the Zim Ninja Academy, a youth-focused martial arts institution committed to promoting discipline, respect, and athletic excellence.
Shihan Mashaya said the team has been preparing for months and is ready to compete with confidence. “Our athletes have trained extremely hard both physically and mentally,” he said. “They are disciplined, focused, and proud to represent Zimbabwe. We believe this competition will give them international exposure and help build their confidence for future tournaments.”
The team’s composition reflects the Zimbabwe Karate Union’s commitment to the Junior Policy in Sports, which emphasises gender equality and youth empowerment. “We’re proud to strike a balance between boys and girls,” Mashaya said. “It’s important that martial arts continues to open doors for all young people, regardless of gender or background.”
The Zimbabwe Martial Arts Team will compete in a range of events including Traditional Weapons, Creative Weapons, Freestyle Weapons, and Advanced Weapons. The weapons categories feature tools such as the Tonfa, Nunchaku, Katana (sword), Bo (staff), Kama, and Sai, showcasing both traditional and modern martial arts disciplines.
The championships bring together competitors from more than a dozen countries, including Spain, Ireland, Ukraine, Italy, Cyprus, the United States, Wales, England, Scotland, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, France, and Nepal.
Mashaya, who has represented Zimbabwe in numerous international tournaments, said the experience will be invaluable for the young competitors. “For these kids, it’s more than medals, it’s about learning, exchanging cultures, and realising that Zimbabwean talent can stand proudly on the world stage,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Martial Arts Kobudo Team’s participation marks another milestone in the nation’s sporting history. Their journey symbolises resilience, determination, and the growing strength of Zimbabwe’s martial arts community.
As the tournament unfolds in Wales, supporters back home will be watching closely, cheering for a new generation of martial artists who carry not only their skills but the hopes of a nation.
