Inside the Mind and Spirit of Zim Ninja, Master Wilfred Mashaya

IN the early morning calmness of Harare, while most people are sleeping, one man’s journey towards mastery is unfolding.

This man is Wilfred Mashaya, affectionately known as the Zim Ninja, and he is a giant in martial arts whose rise has rewritten the story of sportsmanship in Zimbabwe.

The Zim Ninja commences his daily routine at 5:00 AM with a morning jog, followed by rigorous exercises. This is only the beginning of his training, which he approaches with precision and dedication.

The martial arts expert carefully plans his day, acknowledging that discipline is the cornerstone of greatness. Despite the intense nature of his training, the Zim Ninja is always in good spirits.

He approaches each day with a positive attitude and a determination to succeed. Whether he is practising his martial arts moves or working on his endurance, he gives it his all and never gives up.

“When you work hard, commit yourself, believe in yourself, you can be whatever you want to be,” Master Mashaya revealed in a recent interview with EnterSportNews.

Master Mashaya is an accomplished individual who has achieved a lot through dedication and a strong spirit.

Having achieved great success, the Zim Ninja’s triumphs are celebrated worldwide, from the streets of Zimbabwe to the halls of international recognition.

As a young boy, he was fascinated by the movements of Jackie Chan and the spirit of Bruce Lee, which led to the creation of the Zim Ninja legend.

This story was a product of his imagination, which eventually led to great success and achievement.

The history of martial arts shows that the mind leads the body. Shidoshi Mashaya, the reigning Kobudo Weaponry World Champion, knows that success in martial arts is not just about physical strength but also about having a solid mindset.

“To achieve mastery in martial arts weaponry, a disciplined mindset is required,” he affirms.

When faced with challenges, he repeats his mantra “I can do it” to maintain his determination. This attitude helps him stay focused on the path to victory and not be discouraged by the possibility of losing.

In a recent interview, he talked about his extraordinary achievements and emphasized the importance of hard work and divine grace in his path to success.

“I felt thrilled to have clinched the world championship and doing this for my country,” the Zim Ninja expressed with pride.

His victory at the regional Sportsman’s Championship in 2019 marked a pivotal moment in his career, a milestone that brought immense joy and fulfilment.

“It was a moment of glorifying the Almighty Lord and having that feeling that when you work hard for something, yes, it can bear some fruits,” he reflected.

“Especially knowing that it was the first time in Zimbabwe that anyone has ever clinched that title,” he remarked.

The Zim Ninja stands out for his athleticism and faith in the power of training.
“Achieving in a sport that very few Africans can do and achieving in a sport that I self-trained myself,” he emphasised.

Master Mashaya achieved a great deal as an individual and is also credited with introducing Kobudo to Zimbabwe, where it has since become a prominent martial art in the sports scene.

His achievements have been recognised globally, as he has been inducted into the Hall of Fame in India, Italy (Rome & Venice), Spain, Poland, Portugal, Serbia and England. This indicates his substantial impact and influence in martial arts.

Sensei Mashaya has accomplished remarkable success in different martial arts competitions.

Additionally, he has assumed leadership positions as the President of the International Combat Organisation Zimbabwe (ICO) and the Vice President of the Zimbabwe Karate Union. These roles demonstrate his commitment to promoting the growth and advancement of martial arts in Zimbabwe.

Shidoshi Mashaya is an exceptional martial artist who has achieved black belts in Kobudo, Ninjutsu, Kyokushin, and Self Defence. His journey inspires those who value perseverance, passion, and dedication in pursuing excellence.

Master Mashaya’s expertise is unparalleled, and he is recognised as a true master of his craft. His commitment to martial arts demonstrates the importance of hard work and determination.

“Success is not a destination, but a journey fuelled by passion, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. It is in the daily commitment to excellence that true success is forged, and it is through the trials and triumphs of the journey that we discover the true essence of our potential,” he said.

Mashaya draws his inspiration and values from the rich heritage of Kyokushin, a Japanese martial art.

The Japanese culture is a source of comfort and guidance for Master Mashaya as it places emphasis on time and respect. Kyokushin is not just a fighting style but a way of life for him. It teaches discipline, humility, and the unbreakable spirit of human endeavour.

Through the discipline of Kyokushin, he has discovered a framework for life.

Beyond the competitive spirit of martial arts lies the compassionate heart of the Zim Ninja. He believes that martial arts can be a powerful tool for social change. From teaching self-defence skills to mothers to imparting wisdom to young people, Sensei Mashaya’s altruism has a positive impact on society. He firmly believes that with God, anything is possible, and he encourages others to have faith and dream big.

“With God, everything is possible,” he avows.

Master Mashaya has received numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career, including Regional Sportsman of the Year, Zimbabwe Sportsperson of the Year, and induction into the Hall of Fame. His achievements go beyond the mat as he is a trailblazer, visionary and protector of Zimbabwean traditions, raising the flag high.

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Shidoshi Mashaya attributes his unparalleled success to his parents’ unwavering support and guidance, particularly his mother and late father.

“My first role models are my parents, mother, and late father,” Shidoshi Mashaya reflects.
“Unfortunately, my father passed away in 2020 on a Christmas day. So I can say my parents are my first role models because of the way they nurtured me; it is them that I say I am what I am today.”

The loss of his father strengthened the Zim Ninja’s resolve to honour his parents’ legacy through martial arts.

“For me to be what I am today is because of my parents,” he shares. “They were so strict on me, but I thank them for that because they were moulding me to be a better person and a better version of myself in society.”

The Zim Ninja grew up as the only boy in a family of five girls. This presented him with unique challenges and expectations.

“I realised that growing up, my parents were strict on me because they loved me,” he reveals. “As the only boy in my family with five girls, they wanted nothing but the best out of me.”

Master Mashaya aims to nurture young martial arts talents, developing them into future champions with solid values and principles that serve them well as good members of society.

The Zim Ninja is a skilled coach who has effectively trained a world champion, Vincent Fambira. This is a clear indication of his exceptional coaching abilities.

Regardless of gender, he treats all his students equally in his training sessions. His students come from diverse backgrounds and range from beginner 3-year-olds to veteran 62-year-olds.

Sensei Mashaya is a socially responsible person with outstanding abilities who is committed to empowering others instead of merely seeking personal victories.

One of his most notable initiatives was the self-defence training program he organised for mothers on Mother’s Day. Working with the Minister of Sports, he provided able-bodied mothers and women with disabilities with the tools to protect themselves. This kind gesture of support and solidarity reminded us that we are strongest when we help each other.

“I make sure that I set a good example in society,” the Zim Ninja said.

And indeed, his actions speak louder than words. Through his free self-defence workshops and outreach programs, the Zim Ninja has positively impacted the lives of many individuals, regardless of their social status, by spreading the message of equality and empowerment.

The Zim Ninja’s secrets to his success are not hidden in the shadows but are visible to everyone: a heart of gold, a spirit of generosity, and a commitment to making the world a better place, one kick at a time.