By George Swarei
Zimbabwe’s celebrated martial arts maestro, Shihan Wilfred Mashaya, has been named “Master of the Year” at the prestigious Humanitarian Martial Arts Festival and Seminar in Montenegro. The accolade, awarded on Saturday, celebrates Mashaya’s exceptional contributions to the martial arts community, particularly his mastery of the traditional Okinawan art of Kobudo. He is also an accomplished practitioner of Bujinkan Ninjutsu, Kyokushin Karate, and self-defense.
Affectionately dubbed the “Zim Ninja,” Mashaya has garnered global recognition for his outstanding performances in Kobudo, a discipline focused on weapon-based techniques. His latest honor is a testament to his unwavering commitment and perseverance, qualities that have inspired a new generation of martial artists in Zimbabwe. Among his protégés is Vincent Fambira, a world champion groomed from Mashaya’s rapidly growing, award-winning academy.
Mashaya’s impressive resume includes a wide array of accolades, most notably the coveted Kobudo World title, which he claimed in England in 2023. His confidence is high as he prepares to defend his title in October, buoyed by a string of recent victories, including multiple medals in international competitions held in Bangladesh and England.
As a pioneer of Kobudo in Zimbabwe, Mashaya has been instrumental in nurturing over 30 athletes ready to compete on the global stage. This October, 20 of his students will represent Zimbabwe at the ICO World Championships in Germany, a milestone that highlights the impact of his coaching and mentorship.
Mashaya’s recognition as “Master of the Year” is all the more remarkable given that he was the sole representative from Africa among a distinguished group of martial arts masters and grandmasters from across Europe. This award solidifies his status as a leading figure in the global martial arts community and underscores his humanitarian efforts within and beyond the dojo.
