Eight young Zimbabwean martial artists, under the guidance of their coach and mentor, Shihan Wilfred Mashaya, made history at the International Combat Organisation (ICO) World Championships held in Swansea, Wales, by winning an impressive total of 43 medals.

The team faced strong competition from countries such as the United States but delivered a commanding performance that brought pride to Zimbabwe. Altogether, the athletes won 14 gold, 18 silver, and 11 bronze medals, demonstrating skill, discipline, and determination.

“This is a proud moment for Zimbabwe,” said Shihan Mashaya. “The kids worked hard, showed great discipline, and gave their best. I’m so proud of what they achieved.”

It was the first time the young athletes had travelled to the United Kingdom to represent the Zimbabwe Martial Arts Kobudo/Weapon Team under the Zimbabwe Karate Union (ZKU). They competed in the Traditional Weapons, Creative Weapons, and Freestyle Weapons categories.

In preparation for the championships, the team trained extensively at Mkushi Training Academy and Aquaview Resort at Lake Chivero. These facilities were made available by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) with the support of the Commissioner General of Police, Stephen Mutamba. Through martial arts, Master Mashaya seeks to empower young people and steer them away from drugs and substance abuse—a growing challenge in Zimbabwe—while instilling discipline, focus, and respect. As he often emphasizes, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

The competition produced remarkable performances across both the girls’ and boys’ divisions. In the girls’ division, Dean Gwatah earned one silver medal in the individual freestyle weapon event and three bronze medals in team creative, team freestyle, and team traditional weapon categories. Anenyasha Hove collected four bronze medals in team traditional, team freestyle, team creative, and individual creative weapon events. Anotida Hove secured three gold medals in team traditional, individual creative, and team creative weapon events, as well as one silver in team freestyle weapon. Thandeka Moyo won three gold medals in team traditional, team creative, and individual traditional weapon events, along with three silvers in team freestyle, individual freestyle, and individual creative weapon categories.

In the boys’ division, Takudzwa Chizema stood out with three gold medals in individual traditional, individual creative, and team creative weapon events, plus three silvers in individual freestyle, team traditional, and team freestyle weapon categories. Wilfred Mashaya Jnr earned one gold in team creative weapon and three silvers in team traditional, individual creative, and team freestyle weapon. Arnold Mudzengerere won one gold in team creative weapon, two silvers in team creative and individual traditional weapon events, and two bronze medals in team traditional and individual creative weapon. Brian Mupindu Jnr took home one gold in team creative weapon, three silvers in individual freestyle, team freestyle, and team creative weapon, and two bronze medals in team traditional and individual traditional weapon events.

Wilfred Mashaya himself also competed and was crowned Kobudo World Champion, winning two gold medals in individual creative weapon (black belt category) and individual traditional weapon, along with two silver medals in individual freestyle weapon and mixed creative weapon events.

Mashaya credited the team’s success to dedication, teamwork, and community support. “The children fought with heart and carried the Zimbabwean flag high,” he said. “This victory proves that our country has world-class talent. It is also a success in our ongoing fight against drug and substance abuse among the youth.”

He expressed special gratitude to Delight Samanyanga, a Zimbabwean based in the United Kingdom, and her son, Munyaradzi Chiwara, who welcomed the team at the airport and assisted in looking after the children, particularly the four girls who required extra care. Mashaya also thanked the many Zimbabweans in the UK who came to cheer for the team during the tournament.

The ICO World Championships attracted participants from across the globe, including Spain, Ireland, Ukraine, Italy, Cyprus, the United States, Wales, England, Scotland, Brazil, Portugal, Romania, France, South Africa, Germany, and Nepal.

The victorious Zimbabwean team is expected to return home this week, carrying with them not only medals but also a story of perseverance, unity, and national pride.