World Champion, Master Wilfred Mashaya
By George Swarei
Master Wilfred Mashaya, widely known as the Zim Ninja, has made history by being appointed as the first Zimbabwean judge for the prestigious 2024 WNA Golden Combo Tournament. Renowned as a Kobudo World Champion and martial arts expert, Mashaya’s selection underscores his exceptional proficiency with the Nunchaku, colloquially known as Chuckle Sticks.
The WNA Golden Combo Tournament, organized by the World Nunchaku Association (WNA) since 1996, attracts participants globally to compete in an online nunchaku freestyle competition, showcasing their skills within a concise 25-35 second window.
Master Otto Koedooder, the authority behind the tournament, praised Mashaya’s esteemed reputation and exceptional nunchaku skills as decisive factors in his selection.
Mashaya’s appointment marks a significant milestone not only for Zimbabwe but for Africa as a whole, as he joins a select panel of judges, only the third from the continent following previous selections from Tanzania and Cameroon.
In a letter addressed to Mashaya, Master Koedooder highlighted the importance of Mashaya’s unique perspective in enriching the judging panel.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Mashaya commented, “It is an honor to be selected as a member of the panel of judges for the World Nunchaku Association tournament.
“It shows that my contributions to martial arts are being recognized internationally, and I am grateful to the Almighty. This also highlights the potential within our country’s sports community,” said Mashaya.
With participants expected from over 35 countries worldwide, the registration portal for the tournament will open on April 1st, with the qualification round deadline set for May 1st, 2024.
The top 30 contestants will advance to the finals, which have a deadline of September 1st, 2024.
The Nunchaku, popularized by the legendary Bruce Lee, continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide, evolving into a fascinating discipline and sport specializing in this unique weapon.
