Zim Team Set For International Combat Organisation World Championships in Germany

Zimbabwe Kobudo National Team has been invited to participate in the prestigious International Combat Organisation (ICO) World martial arts tournament in Frankfurt, Germany from October 11-13.

Leading the talented Zimbabwean contingent will be reigning Kobudo (weapons) World Champion, Shihan Wilfred Mashaya, who will look to defend his title at the same event.

The previous ICO tournament was held in 2023 in England where Master Mashaya together with his student Sensei Vincent Fambira were both crowned world champions in Weapons.

The Zimbabwe squad features a 20-member team, including 7 adult male competitors, 3 adult female competitors, 4 boys, 4 girls, and 2 officials.

Kobudo, the Okinawan weapons-based martial art, has been pioneered in Zimbabwe by the experienced Shihan Mashaya, who has helped to popularise the discipline and groomed over 30 students capable of competing at the international level. To watch as the major attraction are 8 kids in this team who are between 7 Years to 15 Years. Shihan Mashaya has invested his energy in support of the Junior Policy and “catch Them Young” mantra where the kids are deemed the future of sports.

The Team is busy running around looking for sponsorship support towards this cause from the corporate world and well wishers who are willing to partner with them so that they can go and raise the country’s flag high at the world stage in Frankfurt, Germany.

Zimbabwe Kobudo Team

LADIES

Simone Noma Zanele Mfiri; Shamiso Gugulethu Natalie Makombe; Tariroyashe Ndhlovu

BOYS
Wilfred Junior Mashaya; Takudzwa Chizema; Arnold Anotidaishe Mudzengerere; Brian (JNR) Mupindu

GIRLS
Thandeka Percy Moyo; Anenyasha Amia Hove; Anotida Amie Hove; Dean Matipaishe Gwatah

MEN
Wilfred Manenji Mashaya; Vincent Kurai Fambira; Prince Mpofu; Brian Shepeni; Fredson Mhondiwa; Allen Tatenda Badzarigere; Tapiwa Simba Ngwenya.

Officials
Joselyne Dadirai Muchenje; Humphrey Vambe.