Martial Arts: Kenyan team off to World event in Korea

Fatuma Ali from Kenya displays some katas during the opening of the 2018 Mombasa Open Tong-il Moo-do championship at the Aga Khan Academy hall, Sept 09, 2018. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Kenya has picked a strong team of 35 athletes for the second 2019 Chungju World Martial Arts Masterships championship from August 24 to September 7 at Chungju World Martial Arts Park, in South Korea.

The tournament’s theme is “Beyond the times, Bridge the world” and will focus on comprehensive martial arts competition with peace and harmony propagated in the world.

Kenya Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation President Clarence Mwakio said the Kenyan team will feature for the second time in the championships after bagging eight medals during the inaugural 2016 edition.

In their first outing, the Kenyan team won one gold, two silver and five bronze medals, ranking them third in the World behind Iran, and the Philippines.

According to Master Mwakio, the team received sponsorship from the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage and expect to have a successful tournament.

He said the team will be accompanied by some top ministry officials. 

During the championships, Kenya will compete against Philippines, Iran, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Cambodia, India, Taiwan, Congo, DRC, Congo, Brazaville and Nigeria.

Others are Zambia, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Benin, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Brazil, Paraguay, USA and Argentina.

This year’s event in South Korea is co-hosted by the World Martial Arts Mastership Committee, Chungcheongbuk-do Province and Chungju city in the Republic of Korea.

“The Korean tournament is a precursor for the annual Mombasa International Championship to be held in December,” said Mwakio.

Among the top-notch athletes in the Kenyan team, are 10 black belt holders.