Muripos tough 2011 challenge

Internationally acclaimed fighter, Zimbabwean born-Samson Muripo- will be expected to raise his countrys flag high again in a tough assignment that will see him aim for title defence at the Kyokushin World Cup to be held in Kazakhstan, this year.

Muripo was crowned the worlds middle-weight champion at the All Japan Kyokushin global tournament two years ago.

The showdown begins on 6 July with over 300 international fighters exchanging fierce full-contact blows and kicks in a test of endurance, strength and fighting spirit to honour karatekas for their hard work.

The third-dan black belt instructor is aware how thoroughly he needs to prepare himself for such a huge challenge.

It is not easy to walk onto the tatami (fighting mat) and walk off a winner at such a big tournament, Muripo said.

Everyone comes eyeing that big trophy and not willing to give up or be knocked off in any preliminary round. It will not take just the ability to fight ones opponent and knock him down, but a great spirit of having the passion to be hit like a punch-back and still stand strong with some more strength and fighting spirit to return the favour more generously.

Out of the Dojo (training hall) Muripo is a man full of respect, with a smile of an innocent charming Prince, but his actions on the tatami will label him a terrorist.

Since his big success in 2009, karate has gained popularity in the country. The number of his students at Mas Oyama Dojo (Training Hall) have risen from 85 to 150 within the past year.

They include 10-year-old Tafadzwa Mushunje and Simba Mufema (7) who have already shown a lot of promise on the regional stage.

Kyokushin Union of Zimbabwe chairman, Stephen Charandura, declared that karate has the potential to rise and stand as one of the major sport in the country.

It has not been just Sams (Muripo) hard work that brought him the world championship title but the support he received morally (from other fighters) and financially (from sponsors Arosume Property Development and Nakas Cuisine). It is in my strongest belief that with more financial support, recognition and respect more World Karate champions will be born in Zimbabwe, he said.