The Multi Award Winning Shihan Wilfred Mashaya, once again dominated the International Martial Arts Corporation (IMAC) English Open Tournament held at the York Leisure Centre in England on Sunday , 15 June 2025 clinching 5 gold medals in all the 5 categories he participated in.
By Our UK Correspondent
Master Mashaya, affectionately known as the “Zim Ninja”, proved his experience and extraordinary skills in various ancient Okinawan and Japanese weapons including swords, nunchaku, tonfa, sai, and kama. He took home gold medals in the Black Belt Traditional Weapon, Black Belt Freestyle Weapon, Black Belt Creative Weapons, Musical & Advanced Weapon Category divisions.
His performance was a result of his extensive martial arts background, holding multiple black belts in disciplines such as Kyokushin Karate, Bujinkan Ninjutsu, Kobudo/Weapons and Self-Defense. He is a holder of Sixth Dan Black Belt.”
The tournament brought together various martial artists from around the world, including England, Wales, Scotland, India, Nepal, Zimbabwe, Romania Poland among others. Mashaya’s victory was a significant milestone and booster as he is facing other upcoming martial arts events including the World Championships in October in Wales.
In recognition of his exceptional skills and achievements, the IMAC organizers awarded Zim Ninja with Athlete of the tournament award Trophy.
As the founder of the Zim Ninja Academy in Harare, Mashaya continues to train upcoming martial artists in Zimbabwe from Kids as young as 4 Year olds to Adults of any age. To prove that he has groomed and nurtured Warriors at his Academy , Master Mashaya is aiming to take a team of 15 or more athletes to Wales in October for the World Championships if Sponsorship permits and if he receives all the support needed to make it a success. The team will include both children and Adults (Men and Women striking gender balance in sports).
At The Tournament Our Zimbabwean Champ received support from fellow Zimbabweans staying in the United Kingdom. William Mahlunge a.k.a Muparendi Wigo came all the way from Wales to Welcome Zim Ninja at Heathrow Airport on Saturday and also was there Supporting Zim Ninja on the day of the Tournament. 5 family members from the Mhundwa Family based in England also came to support our Zimbabwean Ninja and this boosted his spirit and motivated him to win all 5 Gold Medals. The Zimbabwean supporters were waving Zimbabwean flags and singing in support of their own.
Shihan Mashaya is a Multi Award Winning Martial Artist & Hall of Famer. 2018 Zimbabwe Sports person of the year , First Zimbabwean Regional Sports man of the year and First African Kobudo World Champion. The First Zimbabwean certified Ninja has proudly represented Zimbabwe before in countries such as Russia, Spain, Italy, Wales, Bangladesh, Montenegro, Poland , England among others winning trophies, medals and prestigious awards.
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