My best is yet to come: Mashaya

FOLLOWING his successful adventure in Moscow, Russia, where he proved his mettle after winning three medals at the International Martial Arts Kobudo Competition and Samurai Show, Wilfred Mashaya believes he still has a lot to offer.

Mashaya, the only African participant at the international competition, got a silver medal in the men’s weapon freestyle and two bronze medals in the nunchaku freestyle and men’s kata.

This was his second appearance at the event and after picking up two medals last year, he went a step further to collect three more medals at the just-ended event held over the weekend in Moscow.

“I am feeling happy and motivated to keep on aiming high. I just wanted to do my best and defended what I acquired last year. And I managed to add another bronze medal compared to what I achieved at the last tournament.

“I felt a sense of responsibility knowing that I was carrying not only my country Zimbabwe but Africa and through believing in my God given skills, I just said I had to do it for my country and Africa and prove that talent knows no race or skin.

‘‘Also the fact that I did well last year boosted my confidence,” said Mashaya.

For Mashaya, his participation at this year’s competition saw him being honoured with a medal and a diploma certificate as well for pioneering kobudo in an African country by the All Russian Kobudo Federation president Alexey Kuznetsov.

Besides being a second dan black belt holder in kobudo, Mashaya is also a second dan black belt holder in So-kyokushin karate.

And he is looking forward to contributing in the development of kobudo on the local scene as he is now the Branch Chief in Zimbabwe.

“Being the Zimbabwe kobudo ambassador and appointed kobudo Branch Chief I seek to share my experience and skills to fellow Zimbabweans so that the sport of ancient martial arts weapons can grow and be able to compete with the great around the world.

“In kobudo I have acquired a master degree second dan certified black belt as well. I was handed the certificate at this year’s tournament.

“Talent is from the Lord, so long one believes in one’s self and works hard one can do it.

‘‘Above all, discipline makes one tick in every sport. I look forward to do more for my country and Africa in this journey of karate and kobudo. Very soon I will be preparing for Malta Open Karate and Kobudo Championships in Europe in March 2018,” said Mashaya.

Mashaya was expected back home yesterday.