Mixed martial arts: World Tong-IL Moo-Do president Joon Hyo Seuk expected in coastal city

Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship [Courtesy]

The World Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation international Vice president Master Takamitsu Hoshiko has arrived in the country ahead of the Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship.

The Japanese mixed martial arts maestro landed in the country to prepare for the arrival of the President and Grandmaster of the World Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation Dr Joon Hyo Seuk, who will for the first time grace the event.

“The strict and thorough Japanese master, as tradition, comes early for the event and other programmes to make sure the quality and standards of the event are up to date with global practice,” Kenya Tong-IL Moo-Do boss Clarence Mwakio told Standard Sports.

World Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation President, founder and Grandmaster Dr. Joon Hyo Seuk [Courtesy]

“During his stay, he will also coordinate the five days of the tournament proper, inspect the venue for preparedness and run through all systems and logistics necessary for the international fete,” Mwakio said.

The Mombasa Open brings together mixed artists and is also open to Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Kung-fu, Aikido, Jiu-jitsu, Ninjutsu, Hapkido, Capoeira, Japanese Kendo and Wushu.

So far over 25 nations have confirmed participation.

The entire event will last 12 days starting last Saturday during which participants will go through training from international masters and grandmasters of different martial styles.

Master Hilary Wahanda KTMF Secretary General said the fixtures will be ready by Thursday while the Vice-chair Master Anuro Makanga revealed the technical team and the judges’ panel of the event is ready.

“We expect the foreign judges to arrive, also on Thursday,” Makanga said.

Kenya is among the top three countries in mixed martial arts on the highest medals won in the World Tong-IL Moo-Do.

The Kenya national team led by its captain Elvis Malipe Ole Mpakuanik has been undergoing residential training in Mombasa under head coach and instructor Ibrahim Mchumba.

The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, World Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation, Texas Alarms, Toptime Shop, Regional Logistics Centre Ltd., Divart, Smartlook Media, Severin Sea Lodge, Sidoman Logistics, MME and Fitness Challenge.