ZIMBABWE’s finest full contact karate athletes converged at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza over the weekend for the Zimbabwe So-Kyokushin Karate Selection Tournament.
It was a high profile two day championship organised by Shihan Samson Muripo’s So-Kyokushin Do organisation that attracted competitors from South Africa and Malawi, top Japanese martial arts experts and corporate backing from RM Plumbing and the National Building Society (NBS).
Held on August 1 and 2, the tournament served as the federation’s flagship selection event, with karateka battling for national team places ahead of upcoming international assignments. The championships were graced by Japanese instructors Sensei Marty Yamagata (3rd Dan) and Sohonbu Uchideshi Senpai Naoto Kusakabe (2nd Dan), while the South African contingent was led by respected Shihan Thulani Sibisi.
The senior men’s competition produced some of the weekend’s most exciting contests as Robert Mashingaidze emerged champion after an outstanding display of technique and composure. His biggest statement came in the semi finals, where he eliminated one of the tournament favourites, Simbarashe Khumba, before defeating Arnold Kashiri in the final to lift the Senior Men’s Open title.
Kashiri finished second, Donnie Kadohwata claimed bronze and Khumba placed fourth after a spirited campaign.
Mashingaidze’s performances also earned him the accolade of Most Technical Competitor in the men’s division.
In the Senior Women’s Open category, Tsitsi Muranda underlined her class by defeating Antonella Zimbodza to secure the national title. South Africa’s Vunene Baloyi finished third, while Muranda was recognised as the tournament’s Most Technical Female Athlete.
The Senior Men’s Lightweight division was won by Tafadzwa Biggie Mutize, who overcame Samson Sairi in the final. Malawi’s Rodney Msiska completed the podium in third place.
Day One focused on junior development and showcased the depth of Zimbabwe’s emerging talent. Munenyasha Chitsungo won the Girls Open Under 11 category, while Taropafadzwa Njerere claimed the Boys Under 30kg title.
Abiathar Dhliwayo triumphed in the Boys Open Under 11 section and Prosper Mutinhiri lifted the Boys Open Under 13 crown.
Ashwin Mufundisi secured the High School Boys Under 17 title, while Alicia Mufundisi won the High School Girls Under 17 division.
Blessing Musimbirachako claimed gold in the High School Boys Under 15 category, with Holy Muganhiri emerging victorious in the High School Girls Under 15 competition.
The participation of visiting teams from South Africa and Malawi added a strong regional dimension to the championships, while the presence of Japanese experts provided local athletes with invaluable exposure to international technical standards.
The successful staging of the selection tournament reinforced Zimbabwe So-Kyokushin Karate’s growing stature, with the federation using the event to identify the country’s best talent as it prepares for future regional and international competitions.
The event was also graced by Zimbabwe Karate Union President Shihan Tawanda Mufundisi and Vice President Wilfred Mashaya. The
president of the Zimbabwe Judo Association Moses Mutende was also present.
