Martial artists from across the African continent will slug it out this coming weekend at a two day mixed martial tournament which will be held at Limkokwing University. The event, which is sanctioned by the United World Karate Federation (UWKF) and hosted by the Botswana All Budo Styles Association (BABUSA), is billed to take place at the University’s hall, popularly known as ‘Hall of Fame’ from April 26 ÔÇô 29.
Martial artists from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, Kenya, Uganda, Mali, Namibia as well as hosts Botswana are expected to take part in the competition.
By Friday, only South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique are said to have confirmed their participation in the championships. Other countries were however expected to have confirmed their participation yesterday (Saturday).
Speaking in an interview, BABUSA General Secretary Martin Chapusa explained that all their affiliates have confirmed that they will participate in the tournament. He said the martial artists are going to compete in multiple platforms like the weapons, kata, Kickboxing, Point, Continuous Sparring, Semi and Full Contact Sparring, Breaking, Wushu, Gung Fu, and Taiji.
Chapusa said an array of martial arts styles, including Chinese, Japanese and Korean, just to mention but a few will be on full display during the tournament. The BABUSA secretary said the tournament will be officiated by local officials and continental judges from other countries.
He explained that local Referees, Judges and Table Officials will undergo training courses on Wednesday and practical on Friday before the tournament commences on Saturday. On Botswana’s representation at the tournament, Chapusa said he has confidence on the team that will be representing the country.
He highlighted that local martial artists from different styles have been selected to showcase their different martial arts skills in different formats.
Chapusa said it will be the first time that Botswana will be able to field a legitimate Chinese Martial Arts Team in international competition. Meanwhile, Chapusa said that they made an exception to allow Namibia to bring their mixed martial artists to compete with Jack’s Gym athletes although they are not yet affiliated with any mixed martial arts association.
Still at the championships, locally based Shaolin Gung Fu Chinese Grandmaster (GM) Edward Scott will attend the events to demonstrate various styles to the athletes and Delegates from the respective countries will also grace the event.
