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By Nyasha Mutena
The Reigning Regional Sportsman of the Year Sensei Wilfred ‘Ninja’ Mashaya was last night honoured at the Sixth World Humanitarian Festival of Martial Arts awards ceremony.
For the first time ever, the Colourful Award Ceremony gala and dinner were held on a ship cruise along the Montenegrin Coast. His accolades include Master of the Year 2022, The 2022 Best Martial Arts Police Instructor Of the Year as well as the Shihan Certificate in Self Defense by the World Federation of Martial Arts.
Germany Grand Master Berger and WFMA President GrandMaster Zivkovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina presented the awards.
The multi-award winner was recognized for his hard work in promoting Martial Arts in Zimbabwe and setting an admirable example not only in his country but also around the world. This was born through his commitment and dedication towards his passion and work. The gesture also acknowledges his contributions to teaching self-defense to the most vulnerable in society including children, women, and most importantly people with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Sensei Mashaya is receiving training from Ninjutsu Grand Master Dai Shihan Predrag Lazarevic and also from other Grand Masters around the World. The pieces of training are being done in Budva, Montenegro. They include Self Defense, Ninjutsu, and Martial Arts Weaponry among others.
“I am grateful to the event organiser, Military Police Instructor, Dai Shihan Predrag Lazarevic, for the support he gives to me and for choosing me throughout the whole African continent. Martial Arts unites people from all walks of life and transcends race, color, or religious barriers. This makes Martial Arts a way of life that champions not only self Defense or fitness but teaches us to be in harmony with the universe,” Sensei Mashaya said in an official statement.
The Festival’s theme was dubbed “Stop Suicide” in commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day and encourages people around the world to push in life and soldier on no matter the challenges of life, to be there for each other, comfort each other and stop suicide as the world witnesses ever-increasing suicide cases.
Apart from Zimbabwe, winners were also drawn from countries such as Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Germany, and Serbia, as well as the host Montenegro among others.
The maverick player is expected back into the country this coming week. His awards are testimony that won the choice of various bodies around the world whilst on the home ground, he was quick to assume the Martial Arts Ambassador role. Sensei Mashaya has continued to raise the nation’s flag higher ever since he tasted his first victory against Russia in 2016.