Shihan Wilfred Mashaya, the reigning Kobudo World Champion from Zimbabwe, showcased his exceptional martial arts prowess at the International Martial Arts Corporation (IMAC) English Open Tournament held at the York Leisure Centre in England on Sunday. The esteemed martial artist clinched an impressive four gold medals and one silver medal, further solidifying his reputation as one of the world's leading martial arts practitioners.

Mashaya, affectionately known as the "Zim Ninja," competed in five categories, demonstrating his extraordinary skills with various ancient Okinawan and Japanese weapons. His mastery of the sword, nunchaku, tonfa, sai, and kama earned him gold medals in the Black Belt Traditional Weapon, Black Belt Freestyle Weapon, Black Belt Creative Weapons, and Mixed Weapon Category divisions. His only silver medal was in the highly competitive Advanced Musical Weapons category.

The victory was a testament to Mashaya's extensive martial arts background. He holds multiple black belts in disciplines such as Kyokushin, Bujinkan Ninjutsu, and Self-Defence, and his diverse expertise was on full display throughout the tournament.

The IMAC English Open Tournament attracted top martial artists from around the world, with participants hailing from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Zimbabwe, India, Nepal, Morocco, and the USA. Mashaya's outstanding performance at this international event marked a significant milestone in his preparation for the upcoming martial arts World Championships in Germany this October.

In recognition of his exceptional skills and achievements, the IMAC organizers appointed Mashaya as the representative of the Martial Arts Body in Zimbabwe, presenting him with a certificate of appointment. This prestigious honour reflects Mashaya's unwavering commitment to the martial arts community and his dedication to promoting martial arts in Zimbabwe.

As the founder of the Zim Ninja Academy in Harare, Mashaya continues to train and inspire upcoming martial artists in Zimbabwe. His academy serves as a beacon of excellence, fostering the next generation of martial arts champions.

Shihan Mashaya's accolades extend beyond his recent triumphs. He is a multi-award-winning martial artist and Hall of Famer. In 2018, he was named Zimbabwe Sports Person of the Year and became the first Zimbabwean Regional Sportsman of the Year. Notably, he is also the first African to hold the title of Kobudo World Champion.

Mashaya's remarkable achievements and his dedication to the martial arts world have earned him a place among the greats. His success at the IMAC English Open Tournament is a shining example of his skill, hard work, and passion for martial arts.