Zim Ninja Shihan Wilfred Mashaya Wins 5 Gold Medals at IMAC English Open

Zimbabwe’s celebrated martial artist, Shihan Wilfred Mashaya — popularly known as the “Zim Ninja” — showcased his mastery at the IMAC English Open Tournament, held on Sunday, 15 June 2025, at York Leisure Centre in England.

He dominated all five categories he entered, securing five gold medals.

A multi-award-winning martial arts expert, Shihan Mashaya demonstrated his exceptional skills across a range of traditional Okinawan and Japanese weapons, including the sword, nunchaku, tonfa, sai, and kama.

His gold medal victories came in the Black Belt Traditional Weapon, Freestyle Weapon, Creative Weapon, Musical, and Advanced Weapon categories.

Mashaya’s success stems from decades of training and a rich background in multiple martial arts disciplines.

He holds a 6th Dan Black Belt and is trained in Kyokushin Karate, Bujinkan Ninjutsu, Kobudo, and Self-Defense, among others.

The IMAC event attracted competitors from across the globe, with participants representing countries like England, Scotland, Wales, Nepal, India, Romania, Poland, and Zimbabwe. Mashaya’s performance stood out, earning him the prestigious “Athlete of the Tournament” award from the organizers.

As founder of the Zim Ninja Academy in Harare, Mashaya trains martial artists of all ages — from children as young as four to adults.

His long-term goal is to take a team of at least 15 athletes, both male and female, to the World Championships in Wales this October, depending on the availability of sponsorship and logistical support.

During his stay in the UK, Mashaya received heartfelt support from the Zimbabwean diaspora. William Mahlunge, known as Muparendi Wigo, traveled from Wales to welcome him at Heathrow Airport and attended the event in York.

Members of the Mhundwa family, based in England, also came out in support, waving Zimbabwean flags and cheering on the martial arts icon — a gesture that Mashaya said fueled his drive to victory.

A seasoned international competitor, Mashaya has proudly represented Zimbabwe in numerous countries, including Russia, Spain, Italy, Montenegro, Poland, Bangladesh, and the UK.

His accolades include being named Zimbabwe’s Sports Person of the Year in 2018, the first Zimbabwean Regional Sportsman of the Year, and the first African to win the Kobudo World Championship. He remains Zimbabwe’s first certified ninja and a respected figure in global martial arts circles.

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