Zim Ninja Wins Four Gold Medals at ICO Scottish Open

Zimbabwean martial artist Wilfred Mashaya, popularly known as Zim Ninja, won four gold medals at the 2026 ICO Scottish Open Martial Arts Tournament held at the Easterhouse Sports Centre in Glasgow from 22 to 23 August.

Mashaya won gold in traditional weapons, freestyle weapons, creative weapons and musical weapons at the tournament, which featured competitors from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Speaking after the competition, Mashaya said the result reflected the work he had put into his preparations.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe and to bring home four gold medals. It was not easy, but the training, discipline and support from home and the Zimbabwean community in Scotland helped me perform at my best,” Mashaya said.

The Glasgow success adds to Mashaya’s international record. At the 2025 ICO Martial Arts World Championships in Wales, he won two gold and two silver medals while coaching eight Zimbabwean athletes who collectively won 43 medals.

Mashaya also thanked Zimbabweans in Scotland and England for supporting him during the tournament, including Fungai Sagwidza, Sebastian Mutizirwa and John Mhundwa and their families.

He also acknowledged Thaton Property, Coach Rambo, Allen Badzarigere and the Zim Ninja Academy family for supporting his international campaign.