Martial arts: Litmus test for Kenyans at Mombasa Open

tong-il moo-do Donald Arbolario (in blue) from Philippines battles it out with Justin Randu (in red) of the Administration Police on the last day of the Mombasa Open Tong-il moo-do International Martial Arts championship at the Aga Khan Academy Gym, August 29, 2016. Arbolario won 6-4 points. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Kenyan charges have a huge task in their title for fifth straight title at the Mombasa Open International Tong II Moo Do martial arts championships that start today.

A team from Thailand arrived on Thursday, ready to wrest the title in the two-day contest. Zambia and Cote D Ivoire were also among the first foreign teams to arrive and more teams were expected last evening.

World Tong II Moo Do Federation Vice President Takamitsu Hoshiko, who arrived in the country last Monday, said Mombasa Open Championships have grown steadily since  inception five years ago.

“As the world body, we are impressed by the steps taken by Kenyan government in collaboration with the Kenya Tong II Moo Do Federation to support the sport,” Hoshiko said at a press conference.

Hoshiko, who was flanked by Africa Tong Il Moo Do Federation President Clarence Mwakio, said more local sponsors have supported the tournament.

Mwakio said 23 teams have confirmed participation. “The tournament has attracted teams from Asia, Europe and Africa which are ready for the event at Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa,” Mwakio said. “We will be gunning for the fifth title this year." [Ernest Ndunda]