Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SENSEI Sneider Adam has been officially appointed as the national representative for Zimbabwe by the International Kurodaiya Federation (IKF).
The move is expected to bolster the country’s presence on the international martial arts stage.
The appointment designates Adam as the leading figure for the development and promotion of Kurodaiya within Zimbabwe.
Kurodaiya is described by the IKF as an authentic Japanese universal full-contact competitive system designed for all karate styles and combat martial arts.
The IKF serve as the global governing body for the discipline, with a membership of more than 45 countries. Its stated missions include preserving ancient budo traditions, contributing to future generations, and pursuing official recognition from the International Olympic Committee as an independent sport.
Adam’s selection followed a rigorous process co-ordinated by the federation’s headquarters in the Netherlands.
He was nominated for the role by Francis Okyere, president of the Ghana Kurodaiya Federation. According to Adam, the IKF’s decision was also influenced by reviewing the grassroots engagement work he has undertaken alongside Sensei Moses Mutende.
Mutende, an accomplished judoka, serves as Adam’s assistant and as the sponsorship and marketing director at the Zimbabwe Mixed Martial Arts Association.
“This is definitely going to help Zimbabwe and the locals at large,” Adam stated regarding the appointment.
“We will be able to expand to different parts of the country, reaching out to those who are in need of our support.”
The role is expected to involve organising national events, facilitating instructor certifications, identifying talent, and integrating Zimbabwean athletes into the IKF’s international competition circuit.
It represents a significant step in formally connecting Zimbabwe’s martial arts community with the global Kurodaiya network.
Adam is now tasked with establishing the foundational structures for Kurodaiya in Zimbabwe, with an emphasis on nationwide outreach and development.
“The idea is for us to reach all corners of the nation and continue with positive growth,” Adam said.
Mathew Masinge