In small towns and ghettos like Mutare’s high-density suburb of Sakubva the sport has long had a negative image – mostly associated with hoodlums. But this is changing. Sensei Samson Muripo, Sakubva-based Charles Sambare and the UK-based Master Arnold Mutaviri have become national icons.
“Martial arts has always been a minority sport followed by a few enthusiasts,” said Manicaland Martial Arts Association chairman, Charles Sambare.
“People have this negative perception that martial arts is all about beating innocent people. To some extent, this has been fuelled by wayward elements within the martial arts fraternity, but there is more to the sport than just a few rotten apples who have misused what they learn.
“We need to find ways to make it accepted as an entertaining sport like soccer, cricket and others,” he said.
He highlighted the need for a public relations drive to explain that martial arts is all about discipline, self-defence and healthy living.
“I am confident that we will be able to attract sponsorship as long as we manage to convince people that we are an organized entity. We have to show the world that we are serious in what we are doing and that our youngsters can earn a living out of it. I can see light at the end of the tunnel, especially here in Manicaland,” said a hopeful Sambare.
He said there were enough well-equipped facilities to augment the success of the sport.
Post published in: Sport