Online Reporter
Muvhuso Chibi [email protected]
What started with bare feet, dust and a dream has grown into an academy that is determined to use martial arts to transform the lives of young people in disadvantaged communities.
Boyka’s Academy Africa was founded by Beitbridge-based Sensei Donald Mugandi in March 2022 with the vision of giving children an opportunity to develop discipline, confidence and a sense of purpose through karate.
From the beginning, the goal was not only to teach punches and kicks, but to provide a safe space where young people could learn values that would help them in school, at home and in their communities.
Mugandi said the idea for the academy was inspired by his own journey in karate and the influence that his Grandmaster had on his life.
He explained that he started the academy after watching many children in the streets without direction.
“I started this academy because I wanted to save kids. I saw many kids in the streets with no discipline, no direction, no hope,” he said.
For Mugandi, karate was more than a sport because it taught respect, focus and responsibility, and he wanted to share those lessons with the next generation.
He said his long-term aim is to create a platform where children from ghettos, villages and townships can grow into champions not only in martial arts but also in life.
Mugandi said the academy places a lot of emphasis on character development alongside technical training, and coaches are encouraged to speak to students about school, behavior and goal setting during sessions.
However, building the academy has not been without challenges.
“The academy still lacks training equipment such as mats, gloves and pads, and this makes it difficult to train safely and to prepare athletes for competition,” said Mugandi.
“The absence of a permanent dojo also means that athletes often train in open spaces where dust and weather affect the quality of training.”
In addition, financial constraints have placed an additional burden on the founder, who said he frequently uses his own resources to cover basic expenses including transport, water and tournament participation for the students.
Despite these difficulties, Mugandi remains committed to his vision of producing national, African and world champions from the communities he serves.
His ambition is to eventually establish a proper dojo where children, including those who cannot afford training fees, can train for free and have access to proper equipment.
“I want to take kids from drugs and give them karate gi,” he said, adding that a structured training environment would help more children stay away from negative influences.
Beyond martial arts, Mugandi has also taken responsibility for the welfare and education of some of his students.
He said he has assisted with school fees for a number of children because he believes that education and sport must go together if young people are to succeed.
His experience as a Sensei has taught him that leadership requires more than technical knowledge.
“I have learned to be a father, a brother and a teacher,” said Mugandi.
“I believe that the greatest reward comes from seeing the transformation of my students, especially when shy children begin to speak up and carry themselves with confidence after months of training.”
He said the academy was now taking another important step in its development by hosting a Beitbridge versus Harare martial arts tournament this Friday at Machembere Bar, opposite
Dulivhadzimu Stadium.
Mugandi said the tournament will bring together young martial artists aged between six and 14 years, with Boyka’s Academy Africa facing S.J.K Go-Ju-Ju C.M.A in what is expected to be a day of competition and learning.
He said the event will be held under the theme “One Spirit, One Fight, One Victory”.
The academy is describing the young participants as “Young Warriors, Big Future” to capture the spirit of growth and possibility that the event represents.
“The tournament is part of a broader plan to expose young athletes to competitive opportunities and to build links between different communities through sport,” said Mugandi.
He said hosting teams from Harare this year is the beginning of a bigger vision that will see the academy welcoming participants from across the country in future editions.
“This Saturday we are hosting kids from Harare, but next year I want to host all of Zimbabwe,” he added.
Mugandi also stressed that the competition helps children to test their skills, to learn how to win and lose with respect, and to understand the value of preparation and hard work.
The event , he added, will also be used to promote the academy’s core values of discipline, respect and focus.
He said they were expecting parents, teachers and community members to attend and support the young athletes.
“We also hope that the tournament will encourage more children to join martial arts as a positive activity. Every tournament is an opportunity to reinforce the message that martial arts can be a tool for building responsible and confident young people who understand the importance of rules, teamwork and self-control,” said Mugandi.
As Boyka’s Academy Africa continues to grow, the founder said he remains guided by the belief that talent can be found anywhere if children are given the right support and guidance.
From training in the dust to planning national events, the journey has been difficult but it has also shown what is possible when commitment meets purpose.
“With more support from the community, partners and well-wishers, my hope is for the academy to have a permanent home where we can train more children and continue to produce athletes who make their families and the province proud,” said Mugandi.
