Zimbabwe’s Kobudo team, led by Master Wilfred Mashaya and student Vincent Fambira, returned home early this week after dominating the ICO World Martial Arts Championships in England with 11 medals, including 8 golds.
The duo’s electrifying performance earned them a place in sporting history as the first African Kobudo Team to win the World Championship in Weaponry Martial Arts.
As their plane touched down at the RGM International Airport, a jubilant sea of supporters ranging from top Zimbabwe Republic Police Command officers to young martial arts enthusiasts awaited their heroes. Members of the Zimbabwe Karate Union, martial artists from various disciplines, bodybuilders, sportspeople, and media also attended.
A touching moment was witnessed when Mashaya’s mother, having travelled nearly 400 km from Gokwe, embraced her son, her eyes glistening with tears of pride.
The atmosphere at the airport was charged with excitement as different groups showcased their displays to honour the noteworthy achievements of Mashaya and Fambira.
The championship took place from October 20-22 at the University of Hull’s Allam Sports Centre and featured over 500 athletes from over 15 countries.
Master Mashaya won 3 gold medals and a silver in Black Belts Individual Weaponry Categories, while Sempai Fambira won the same number of medals in the plus 17 Years Individual Weaponry Categories. Together, they secured 2 gold medals and a bronze in the Team Weaponry category.
The competition categories spanned an array of weaponry disciplines such as Katana Swords, Nunchaku, Tonfa, Kama, Sai, and Bo.
Given the scarcity of Kobudo expertise in Africa, Zimbabwe’s exceptional performance on the global stage deserves special recognition.
Mashaya and Fambira are dedicated to raising the Zimbabwean flag in Weaponry Martial Arts. Their success stems from hard work, discipline, respect, and a fierce determination to advance their skills.
Commissioner Priscilla Makotose led the police command’s welcoming committee, representing the Commissioner General of Police, Tandabantu Godwin Matanga, to show deep appreciation for the champions’ outstanding achievements.
