That is how local Kyokushin full contact fighters have approached their training sessions for the past two months as they stepped up their preparations for the All Japan Kyokushin Union World Cup set for Kazakhstan. The global tournament, which will see over 500 karatekas fighting for honours in different weight categories, will run from July 3-7.
Four local fighters Samson Muripo, Lovemore Nyamutswa, George Mutambu and Malvery Muyambo – will be hoping to declare Zimbabwe a country to reckon with in producing world champions.This will show all doubting Thomases of the world who may have taken Muripos victory in 2009 as a mere fluke. The third dan black belt instructor, who was one of the only two black fighters to take part in the Osaka, Japan showdown, emerged the ultimate winner in the middle-weight fight to become the first African to win the world championship title.
A year later Muripo again proved himself when he won a silver medal at the Higashi Nippon International Kyokushin Karate-do Senshukentaikai Open Weight Tournament in Japan. He is well aware of the challenge awaiting him as he embarks on a title defense mission in Europe in a few weeks time. It has not always been easy to walk on to the tatami (karate fighting mat) and walk away a winner, Muripo said.
There are a lot of sacrifices needed and I have committed myself to work towards one goal; defending my championship title and making my country proud. The morale and financial support I have received from different people, including Arosume Property Development, in the past few years have been amazing and doing my best to bring a trophy home is the best way to show my appreciation to these people. I have a good feeling that there are big things waiting for us in Kazakhstan.
Victory for Muripo, Mutambu, Nyamutswa and Muyambo will not only bring pride to the nation but it will certainly be a befitting courtesy of honour to their faithful sponsor, who has taken responsibility of the teams travelling and accommodation expenses for their six day stay in the European country.
Winning medals and proving such an invincible force worth the worlds respect at the Ashihara World tournament in Cape Town, South Africa last year was to Nyamutswa and Muyambo a major boost in their career. We are venturing into the unknown but we have trained our hearts and mind to expect the worse and stand brave against it. So, we are not worried much on what awaits us in Kazakhstan but all our focus has been on making something special out of this trip and make our sponsor proud, said Nyamutswa.
24-year-old Muyambo added, This is a great stage for us to announce our existence in martial arts and gain the much needed experience in the sport. Participating and proving competitive at the upcoming world tournament will be a great boost not just to the travelling team but the young ones who aspire to be future champions.
Post published in: Athletics