Zimbabwean martial arts champion Shidoshi Wilfred Mashaya, popularly known as “Zim Ninja,” delivered a standout performance at the 2026 ICO Scottish Open, securing four gold medals across four categories.
Held at Easterhouse Sports Centre in Glasgow from 22 to 23 August, the tournament brought together competitors from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Mashaya produced a clean sweep, winning gold in Traditional Weapons, Freestyle Weapons, Creative Weapons and Musical Weapons.
The achievement adds to his growing international record, following his performance at the 2025 ICO Martial Arts World Championships in Wales, where he won two gold and two silver medals. At the same championships, eight young Zimbabwean athletes under his guidance collected a combined 43 medals.
Mashaya, founder of the Zim Ninja Academy and the first African world champion in weapons in Kobudo martial arts, has continued to use the sport as a platform for developing young talent. Since 2020, athletes trained under his programme have collectively won more than 200 medals in international and virtual competitions.
Beyond the medals, Mashaya uses martial arts to promote discipline, confidence, physical fitness and self-defence, while encouraging young people to pursue positive alternatives to drugs and substance abuse.
Following his latest success, Mashaya expressed gratitude to the Zimbabwean community in Scotland, the Zim Ninja Academy family and other supporters who have backed his international campaign.
Four categories. Four gold medals. Another proud moment for Zimbabwe.
