adminLatwell Nyangu
OVER 200 karatekas last week took part in a first grading seminar from Kyodo Kyokushin Dojos across the country with the grand finale set for December.
The grading seminar, which is courtesy of KyodoKyokushin Zimbabwe, saw young athletes, old people and those living with disabilities gracing the occasion.
The event was held at New Glen View Hall and organisers believe that it will unite all ages across the country.
KyodoKyokushin Karate Zimbabwe Branch Secretary-General, Sensei Brighton Muyambo, said the objectives are to bring people together through karate.
“This was the first of a series of Grading Seminars and the finale will be in December.
“The event was graced by Shihan Tawanda Mufundisi of IKO Nakamura and other full contact styles.
Sensei Brighton (right)
“We had around 200 karatekas who came and partook in this first grading seminar.
Sensei Mutongwizo
“Overall, the event was very successful as it attracted many karate athletes, including one of the oldest Kyokushin Practitioners Senior Citizen Sensei Mutongwizo, who is turning 70 next week.
“We also had renowned karateka, Sensei Brian Gahadzikwa Chikara, who also participated from the wheelchair,” he said.
Sensei Muyambo added:
“The idea is to spread Kyokushin Karate to all people of various creeds and all social groups, including people with disabilities.
“Karate enhances the physical wellbeing from the young, to the old, and to harmonise, possibly unite all full contact karate styles in Zimbabwe.
“We also aim to push for every agenda necessary for the growth of Karate in Zimbabwe.”
Kyodokyokushin Zimbabwe is registered with the Zimbabwe Karate Union (ZKU).
“KyodoKyokushin was registered in Zimbabwe in 2022 and since then it has grown in leaps and bounds. “Kyodo” is Jap-anese and it means “United we Stand” and “Kyokushin” is Japanese for Ultimate Truth.
“KyodoKyokushin Zimbabwe is headed by Renshi Bakari Jamali 4th Dan and his executive Committee.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter