Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
THE Samson Muripo docuseries is expected to reach the business end of its story with the screening of the penultimate episode on Friday.
After a lukewarm introduction, the four-part story made some huge strides in storytelling by delving into the Kyokushin master’s journey towards greatness during its second and more revealing episode yet last week.
The biggest takeaway from said episode was how the fighter’s sheer force of will has been a major driving force during his journey.
The ‘never give up’ spirit has a common trait during his rise to stardom, whether it was getting back onto the mat after being pretty banged up during his competitive fight back in 2001, the many obstacles towards gaining international recognition or the amount of work his put to strengthen both his body and mind.
“Around 2001, I competed in a tournament at Rutendo Hall in Mufakose,” said Muripo.
“I won my first fight, but after many draws, and fought a very senior person in the final.
“He was very conditioned, and when I got home, I remember, my sister expressing over my injuries.
“My leg was swollen.
“However, that did deter me. It actually challenged me to work and train harder, so I can become fitter and stronger than the person who had injured me,” he said.
Another master, Sensei Sam Gara, was the referee of said fight, and gives a unique take to it.
“It was one of the most interesting bouts that I have ever officiated over, up to now I have never come across such a fight,” said Gara.
“It should have been Muripo’s first professional bout, and he was so relaxed.
“When we talk of tournaments, there are certain karatekas who take advantage when they realise that they are losing the fight and end doing illegal stuff.
“Here Shihan Muripo was actually laughing, and I could not even punish the other fighter because Muripo did seem affected.”
There are a couple of other instances of Muripo sheer force of will scattered around in the episode, with the main being Shihan Tendai Marange describing his journey towards self-improvement.
In it, Marange describes how Muripo worked on his craft, taking lessons twice a day, until both his mind and body were well-conditioned to the fighter that would twice become a world champion.
A few notable names like Sempai Tangayi Mighty Mhlanga, Sempai Onisimo Ndyari and Sempai Juliet Machoba take turns to speak on their admiration and the influence Muripo has had on their careers.
Online Reporter