Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE So-Kyokushin Karate-Do Organisation are not leaving anything to chance ahead of the 2027 World Karate Championships, with a selection event already lined up for August.
The Zimbabwe So-Kyokushin Karate selection tournament is scheduled for August 1 and 2 at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex and will cater for both juniors and seniors.
Zimbabwe So-Kyokushin Karate-Do Organisation branch chief Samson Muripo confirmed the forthcoming event marks the beginning of the preparations for next year’s World Championships.
“The Zimbabwe So-Kyokushin Karate-Do Organisation, under the national technical committee, is the official host and sanctioning body for this selection.
“We run it in line with International Karate Organisation Kyokushinkaikan: World So-Kyokushin rules and standards.
“The immediate purpose of this selection is the World Championships in October 2027, in Shizuoka, Japan.
“However, we also use the same process to build our pool of ranked national athletes.
“Those who meet the standard but don’t make the final World Championships team remain in the national squad for regional and international invitational events.
“So, it’s October 2027 World Championships-focused, with a longer-term team benefit so we can have enough time to build a strong team, exposing them to regional and international tournaments, as well as sourcing sufficient sponsorship well in advance,” said Muripo.
The selection event is open to all full contact styles. And they are looking at coming up with a 36-member team.
“We don’t cap numbers by quota, we select by standard. Each weight or age division will take the athletes who meet the technical, conditioning, and OSU requirements.
“Our target is roughly 12 senior men, eight senior women, and 16 High School girls and boys. But final numbers depend on performance on the day.
“The selection karate tournament is meant to produce a 36-member team from all full-contact styles in good standing with the Zimbabwe Karate Union as an open national representation.
“This will ensure rule consistency, safety standards, and continuity of training.
“Preparations are progressing well. Dojos are in training phases, referees are refreshing rule sets, and logistics, the venue, and medical teams are being finalised.
“We are on track for weigh-ins, brackets, and medicals. The athletes’ discipline and spirit in training have been encouraging,” said Muripo.
As part of the build-up to the selection event, the organisation will host an athletes’ technical skills seminar and a referees’ seminar between July 29 and July 31.
This will be graced by top Japanese karatekas Sensei Marty Yamagata and Sohonbu Uchideshi Senpai Naoto Kusakabe.
Competition roars into life on August 1 with the juniors’ competition. It will be followed by the senior men and women’s tournament the following day.
“We have two purposes for the seminars — for athletes to sharpen kumite strategy, conditioning, weight management, and Kyokushin rules or scoring so that we go to the world stage with no surprises.
“Also, mental preparation and fighting spirit under pressure.
“For referees and judges, to standardise calls on ippon, wazaari, warnings, and safety stoppages to match international judging. Consistency protects athletes.
“Focus areas include clean technique over brawling, active fighting, control, and correct etiquette. With World Championships more than 12 months away, this is alignment time.”
