Story by ZBC Reporter
The Zim Ninja Academy has honoured eight young martial artists and their coach following an impressive medal haul at the ICO World Championships held in Wales, United Kingdom, in October, an achievement that marks a historic milestone for Zimbabwean children competing in Kobudo weapon categories on the global stage.
The contingent, comprising children aged between eight and sixteen, returned home with a combined 43 medals, underscoring Zimbabwe’s growing presence in international martial arts.
Among the standout performers was Dean Gwatah (8), who secured a silver medal in individual freestyle weapon and three bronze medals in team events. Nine-year-old Anenyasha Hove earned four bronze medals, while Anotida Hove claimed three gold medals and a silver.
Thandeka Moyo and Takudzwa Chizema each produced remarkable results, with both athletes securing three gold medals and three silver medals apiece.
Wilfred Mashaya Jr contributed one gold and three silver medals, while Arnold Mudzengerere collected a gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. Brian Mupindu Jr added another gold, three silver medals, and two bronze medals to the tally.
The team’s coach and academy founder, Shidoshi Wilfred Mashaya, was also crowned Kobudo World Champion, further cementing his status as a leading figure in Zimbabwean martial arts. The honouring ceremony coincided with Shihan Mashaya’s birthday celebration, drawing parents, students, supporters, and prominent guests from the sports and arts sectors.
Invited presenters included sporting personalities such as Victor “Coach Rambo” Kazembe, Valerie Madanire, Coach Levi Mapudege, World Champion Martial Artist Sensei Austin Mucheni, as well as musicians Trevor Dongo, Vee Mhofu (Virimai Edmore Nhedega) and Tapiwa Nhedega.
Coach Rambo commended the academy’s discipline and commitment, announcing a new community safety initiative.
“I am offering free swimming lessons during the school holiday to all Zim Ninja students. This initiative is aimed at reducing drowning cases in the country by teaching them how to swim,” he said.
As the academy prepares for its next major international outing in France, he appealed for corporate and community support.
“I would like to appeal to well-meaning individuals to support the academy with sponsorship for uniforms and flight tickets,” he added.
Shihan Mashaya urged athletes to remain committed to their training and noted the significance of the team’s groundbreaking participation.
The academy is positioning martial arts as a tool to combat drug and substance abuse among young people by offering discipline-focused training that keeps children engaged and off the streets.
“The event motivated the athletes and many young ones, showing them what’s possible. If you train and work, you will definitely get yourself far, and we thank these eight children for raising our country’s flag high in the United Kingdom,” Master Mashaya said.
With growing talent across both junior and senior categories, the team expressed confidence that with adequate support they can deliver even greater achievements in 2026.
