Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIM Ninja Academy will host its inaugural National Martial Arts Tournament at Harare City Sports Centre on September 26, with the event aimed at identifying talent and using sport as a tool to combat drug and substance abuse.
The tournament will be held under the Zimbabwe Karate union banner.
Competitors will battle for honours in full-contact karate kumite and kobudo across junior, senior and veteran categories.
Prize money and other accolades will be awarded to outstanding performers, while admission for spectators will be free.
Zim Ninja Academy founder Shihan Wilfred Mashaya said preparations were on course for the event, which will be held under the theme, “Building a Drug-Free Generation Through Sport.”
“We are expecting a big and successful event which will bring together martial artists of different ages,” said Mashaya.
“This tournament is not only about competition. We want to use martial arts to promote discipline, confidence, respect and healthy lifestyles among young people.
“Drug and substance abuse has become a serious challenge in our communities, and organised sport can provide young people with a positive outlet while keeping them active and focused.”
Kumite competition will start from the age of seven, with participants competing in age and weight divisions.
Kobudo will cater for athletes from the age of four, who will compete in traditional and freestyle weapons events.
Mashaya believes the tournament will provide emerging athletes with valuable competitive exposure and create a pathway to international competition.
“We want to discover and develop athletes who can become Zimbabwe’s future national, continental and world champions,” he said.
“It is also important to give established athletes more opportunities to compete at home. We hope this tournament will become a permanent feature on the national martial arts calendar.”
Mashaya, a kobudo world champion and multiple Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee, received the People’s Choice Award and the Coach of the Year silver award at the 2026 Annual National Sports Awards.
