The unstoppable multi-awards winner Shihan Wilfred Mashaya
By Dickson Bandera
Budva, Montenegro – Zimbabwean martial arts icon Shihan Wilfred “Zim Ninja” Mashaya has been awarded the prestigious Weapon Champion of the Year title at the World Humanitarian Martial Arts Festival and Seminar held in Budva, Montenegro, over the weekend.
Mashaya received the award from Festival Director Grand Master Predrag Lazarevic. He was also honoured with a Ninja Award from Poland and a Special Martial Arts Friendship Award from Portugal, further cementing his global reputation.
The accolades recognise Mashaya’s mastery of Kobudo, the traditional Okinawan weapon art, as well as his practice of Bujinkan Ninjutsu, Kyokushin Karate and Self Defence. He is the founder of the award-winning Zim Ninja Academy, where he trains both children and adults, including girls and women, in a bid to promote gender balance in sport.
Mashaya, who has previously been crowned World Champion and named Zimbabwe Sportsperson of the Year, is credited with pioneering Kobudo and Ninjutsu in Zimbabwe. This year alone, his academy secured five gold medals at an international tournament in England, and in January he was inducted into Poland’s International Hall of Fame Budo Bushi.
In October, Mashaya is expected to lead a 20-member Zimbabwean team to the ICO World Championships in Wales, United Kingdom, provided sponsorship is secured.
The Montenegro festival, held under the theme “Stop Suicide” to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, drew martial arts masters from across Europe. Mashaya was the only African representative at the event.
Speaking after receiving the award, Mashaya said the recognition was both a personal honour and an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s talent on the global stage. He is expected to return home this week.
