Antony Chawagarira
ZIM Ninja Academy is set to stage its inaugural National Martial Arts Tournament at Harare City Sports Centre on September 26, with both young and senior athletes expected to compete for honors in full-contact Karate and Kobudo.
The competition, held under the Zimbabwe Karate Union banner, will run under the theme “Building a Drug-Free Generation Through Sport” and is expected to attract both male and female competitors across various age and weight categories.
Academy founder Shihan Wilfred Mashaya said the tournament is part of efforts to use martial arts to nurture discipline, develop talent, and provide young people with positive alternatives to drug and substance abuse.
“Through Zim Ninja Academy, we continue to channel our experience into developing younger generations, using martial arts as a tool for talent development, discipline, and the fight against drug and substance abuse,” Mashaya said.
Full-contact Karate Kumite will cater to athletes from the age of seven, with competitions ranging from junior to senior and veteran categories.
Meanwhile, Kobudo will give younger athletes an opportunity to participate, with competitors as young as four years old expected to take part.
Participants aged four to 39 will compete in their respective age groups, while those aged 40 and above will compete in the veterans category.
The Kobudo competition will feature both Traditional Weapon and Freestyle Weapon events, giving athletes the opportunity to demonstrate their technical ability and combat skills.
Mashaya said the tournament will provide martial artists with valuable competitive exposure while creating a platform for them to showcase their abilities.
Top performers are expected to walk away with prize money and accolades, providing further incentive for athletes preparing for the competition.
Admission to the tournament will be free, and parents, families, martial arts enthusiasts, and members of the public are invited to attend.
Zim Ninja Academy is working with Fleximarble Investments and has secured partnerships with Baines Intercare Medical Centre, Musabvunda, Gas Up Energy, Quality Glass Warehouse, Jandrup Group, and Aqua Rangers Lifesaving and Water Safety Services.
The academy has also appealed to companies, organizations, and individuals to support the tournament and its broader youth development programmes.
The event comes at a time when sport is increasingly viewed as an important vehicle for engaging young people and promoting healthy lifestyles, discipline, and talent development.
Zim Ninja Academy said it hopes the inaugural tournament will lay the foundation for a sustainable national competition that will contribute to the growth of martial arts in Zimbabwe.
