There was celebration, pride and plenty of reason to smile this October when eight young martial artists from Zim Ninja Academy travelled to the ICO World Championships in Wales and returned home with an extraordinary collection of medals for Zimbabwe. The team, all aged between eight and sixteen, not only represented the country with distinction but also made history as the first Zimbabwean children to compete in world weapon categories known as Kobudo.
Their achievements were more than results on a podium. They were a powerful message of what is possible when discipline, guidance and opportunity are placed in the hands of young people. Collectively, the team earned dozens of medals across various categories, including impressive wins by Dean Gwatah, Anenyasha Hove, Anotida Hove, Thandeka Moyo, Takudzwa Chizema, Wilfred Mashaya Jr, Arnold Mudzengerere and Brian Mupindu Jr. Their coach and academy founder, Shihan Wilfred Mashaya, also made Zimbabwe proud by being crowned Kobudo World Champion at the tournament.
Several of the gold medallists were also officially crowned world champions in their categories, cementing their place in Zimbabwean sporting history at such a young age. For Shihan Mashaya, this success is only the beginning. Described by parents as “a man on a mission,” he is already preparing for next year’s ICO Championships in France and hopes to take more than thirty young Zimbabweans to compete. His ambition is to see Zimbabwe recognised internationally as a serious force in contact sports and to continue raising the national flag high on the global stage.
Back home, the celebrations continued. Parents, friends and well-wishers gathered to honour the young athletes and congratulate their coach on both his world title and his birthday. It was a joyful moment filled with music, encouragement and appreciation, and one that highlighted just how far these young Zimbabwean martial artists have come.
Among the guests was well-known instructor and athlete Victor Kazembe, popularly known as Coach Rambo. He praised the academy for its dedication and congratulated the children for raising the Zimbabwean flag at a global level. He also spoke passionately about the academy’s wider purpose.
Zim Ninja Academy has become known not only for international medals, but for the work it does to steer children away from drug and substance abuse. Through structured training, mentorship and discipline, the academy offers a safe environment where young people build confidence, purpose and life skills. “They went, they saw, and they conquered,” said Master Mashaya, “but most importantly, they inspired many other young people to dream.”
Coach Rambo also used the occasion to announce free holiday swimming lessons for all Zim Ninja students, saying he wanted to play his part in protecting children and reducing drowning cases in Zimbabwe. He explained that swimming was not simply about sport, but about safety, survival and giving children knowledge that might save lives.
“I am offering free swimming lessons during the school holidays. This initiative is aimed at reducing drowning cases in the country by teaching children how to swim and giving them basic lifesaving skills,” he said.
The children are now preparing for their next challenge in France, and support will be needed for flights, uniforms and travel arrangements. Coach Rambo encouraged the public and private sectors to help make the trip possible. “Your support will help these young champions continue representing Zimbabwe internationally,” he said.
Looking ahead, the academy believes the best is still to come. With more children joining, more families becoming involved, and more young people choosing martial arts instead of drugs, the programme hopes to build a generation of strong, confident, healthy young Zimbabweans.
“What these children achieved is proof that with support and belief, young Zimbabweans can compete and win anywhere in the world,” said Master Mashaya. He expressed gratitude to families, supporters and every organisation helping to give children a positive path.
From Wales to Zimbabwe and soon to France, the Zim Ninja story continues to inspire. It is a reminder that sometimes the fight worth fighting is not just on the mat, but in the everyday battle against drugs, hopelessness and wasted potential. Through martial arts, water safety and positive mentorship, the academy and its partners are proving that every child deserves a chance and that with guidance, they can go further than anyone imagined.
A united effort, a shared mission, and a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s children, that is the partnership between Zim Ninja Academy and Coach Rambo.
