Shihan Wilfred Mashaya Scoops 5 Gold Medals at IMA...

Shihan Wilfred Mashaya Scoops 5 Gold Medals at IMAC English Open Tournament in England

Patience Muchemwa- Senior Reporter

Multi-award-winning martial artist Shihan Wilfred Mashaya once again proved his dominance on the global stage by clinching five gold medals at the International Martial Arts Corporation English Open Tournament, held at York Leisure Centre in England on Sunday, 15 June 2025.

Affectionately known as the "Zim Ninja," Master Mashaya showcased his exceptional talent and experience in various ancient Okinawan and Japanese weapons, including swords, nunchaku, tonfa, sai, and kama. He won gold medals in all five categories he competed in: Black Belt Traditional Weapon, Black Belt Freestyle Weapon, Black Belt Creative Weapons, Musical Weapons, and Advanced Weapon Category divisions.

Mashaya’s stellar performance was a result of his extensive martial arts background. He holds multiple black belts in disciplines such as Kyokushin Karate, Bujinkan Ninjutsu, Kobudo/Weapons, and Self-Defense. He is a Sixth Dan Black Belt holder.

The tournament brought together martial artists from around the world, including participants from England, Wales, Scotland, India, Nepal, Zimbabwe, Romania, and Poland, among others. Mashaya’s triumph was a major milestone as he gears up for upcoming events, including the World Championships scheduled for October in Wales.

In recognition of his outstanding performance, the IMAC organizers named him "Athlete of the Tournament" and presented him with a special trophy.

As the founder of the Zim Ninja Academy in Harare, Mashaya continues to inspire and train the next generation of martial artists in Zimbabwe — from children as young as four years old to adults of all ages. Demonstrating the success of his academy, he hopes to take a team of 15 or more athletes to compete at the World Championships in Wales later this year. The team will include both children and adults, ensuring gender balance and promoting inclusivity in sport, provided sponsorship and support are secured.

At the tournament, the Zimbabwean champion received heartfelt support from Zimbabweans based in the UK. William Mahlunge, also known as Muparendi Wigo, travelled from Wales to welcome Mashaya at Heathrow Airport and was present during the competition to cheer him on.

Five members of the Mhundwa family, based in England, also attended the event, waving Zimbabwean flags and singing in support, giving Mashaya the emotional boost to bring home all five gold medals.

Shihan Mashaya is a multi-award-winning martial artist and Hall of Famer. He was named Zimbabwe’s 2018 Sports Person of the Year, became the first Zimbabwean Regional Sportsman of the Year, and is the first African Kobudo World Champion.

As Zimbabwe’s first certified Ninja, he has proudly represented the country in Russia, Spain, Italy, Wales, Bangladesh, Montenegro, Poland, England, and other nations — earning trophies, medals, and prestigious accolades throughout his career.