Combat Sports in Africa: Recent Episodes
Garmamie
The Combat Sports in Africa podcast highlights the coaches, athletes, academics, sports journalists and the local to international supporters of amateur and professional combat sports across the continent of Africa! Contact info: combatsportsinafrica@gmail.com
At the 2025 African Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Egypt and Nigeria dominated the medal table — but the moment that stole the show came from Cameroon’s Cedric Abossolo. After years of near-misses, the 25-year-old stormed through the 92kg Freestyle bracket without conceding a single point, earning Cameroon its first Freestyle gold since 1998.
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The 46th African Senior Judo Championships wrapped up with an electric Mixed Team competition in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Nine countries battled for continental supremacy, but it was Egypt and Algeria who delivered a heart-stopping final. After a 3-3 tie, the title was decided by golden score — with Egypt edging out Algeria to retain their crown.
Angola defeated Senegal, and Tunisia overcame Cameroon to round out the podium with bronze.
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On May 31, Nigerian wrestling icon Blessing Oborududu announced her retirement. A 14-time African champion and Nigeria’s first Olympic wrestling medalist, she now transitions into coaching.
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Senegalese Taekwondo athlete Tening Faye has become the first-ever medallist for her country at a World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, earning bronze in the women’s -44kg event in Fujairah, UAE.
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Kenya was the only African nation to compete at the 2025 Tbilisi Grand Slam — sending 10 judokas to one of the toughest judo tournaments on the IJF World Tour. In this episode, we briefly explore what that level of participation means for Kenya’s judo ambitions and the wider development of combat sports in Africa.
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Africa’s top amateur MMA talent returns to Luanda for the 2025 IMMAF African Championships — will you be watching?
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On March 20th, Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe became the first African and first woman elected as IOC President.
We break down her five key priorities from the IOC manifesto.
This is a simplified summary. For full details, read the official manifesto.
News release (includes manifesto):
https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/kirsty-coventry-elected-ioc-president-the-first-female-president-in-ioc-history
Bio:
https://www.olympics.com/ioc/mrs-kirsty-coventry
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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we dive into United World Wrestling’s Regional Educational Development and Training Program (REDT), which took place in Pretoria, South Africa. This impactful initiative brought together athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators from eight nations—South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Nigeria, Ecuador, and Zambia—for a week of training, coaching, and competition. From youth development to elite-level courses and tournaments, this event played a crucial role in expanding wrestling’s reach across the region.
Tune in to hear key insights from participants and why programs like these are essential for the sport’s future in Africa.
Read the full article: https://uww.org/article/redt-south-africa-exchange-cooperation-grow-wrestling-region
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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we spotlight Wisdom Boxing Gym in Accra, Ghana. Legendary Coach Ofori Asare shares his approach to developing elite boxers and reflects on his Lifetime Achievement Award. Rising star Theophilus Lopez Allotey discusses winning the National Super Flyweight Title, his journey from amateur to professional, and his upcoming fight this Friday, January 31. Plus, Sarah Asare highlights the gym’s impactful social media presence.
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In this first episode of 2025, we spotlight the African Union Sports Council's "Keep Moving" campaign, an initiative dedicated to promoting safe, equitable, and inclusive sporting environments across Africa. We explore the challenges faced by women and girls in sports and the solutions presented in the AUSC Keep Moving toolkit.
Resources Mentioned:
📄 AUSC Keep Moving Toolkit Phase 1: sportscouncil.au.int/en/documents/2024-11-04/ausc-keep-moving-toolkit-phase-1
📢 Tegla Loroupe Joins the Campaign: sportscouncil.au.int/en/news/press-releases/2024-12-16/tegla-loroupe-joins-ausc-keep-moving-campaign-ambassador
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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we speak with 21-year-old judoka Akira Nakajima, who proudly represents Uganda on the international stage while training in Japan. Akira shares his experiences at his first Grand Slam, his goals for the Los Angeles Olympics, and his hopes for the growth of judo in Uganda. We also discuss the importance of support for athletes to train and compete globally.
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Join us as Dr. Tsegaye Degineh shares his thoughts on the JJIF World Championship 2024 in Greece, the introduction of Contact Ju-Jitsu, and his Ju-Jitsu seminar in Ethiopia. Learn about his efforts to support the development of grappling sports in Ethiopia.
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In this episode of the Combat Sports in Africa podcast, we delve into the inspiring stories from the 2024 World Judo Championships Veterans held in Las Vegas. Over 1,100 athletes from 67 countries, aged 30 to over 70, showcased the unifying power of judo and the enduring spirit of competition. We shine a spotlight on Team Angola, whose remarkable enthusiasm and energy both on and off the tatami demonstrate the unyielding fire that still burns within these competitors. Their passion and determination motivate combat sports athletes and fans alike, highlighting the power of motivation and discipline at any age and ability.
Join us as we interview gold medalist Silva Luísa in the F8 women's under 63kg division and bronze medalist Ricardo José Boy in the M7 men's over 100kg division—an Angolan judo legend from the 1988 Seoul Olympics. We also speak with Hipolita Merino, Director of Marketing and Image for Team Angola's Veterans Judo Association. Tune in to hear their stories of perseverance and the vital role of support and encouragement in sports. Be sure to follow the Associação dos Veteranos de Judo de Angola on social media and visit avjangola.org to support their journey.
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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we talk with South Africa’s Kiara Fegen, the newly crowned 2024 IMMAF Lightweight World Champion. Kiara takes us through her journey at the World Championships in Uzbekistan, sharing the key moments and strategies that led to her dominant win in the 70.3 kg division.
From intense battles in the cage to the mindset and preparation that led to victory—Kiera shares her personal journey to becoming the 2024 Lightweight World Champion.
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This episode of Combat Sports in Africa explores the debut of the World Taekwondo Virtual Championships in Singapore, where 120 athletes, including competitors from Rwanda and Lesotho, will test the limits of virtual combat. With VR tech at the forefront, Virtual Taekwondo is breaking new ground. Could virtual combat sports reshape sports engagement, accessibility, and popularity? Listen in as we dive into this exciting blend of technology and combat sports.
Links:
World Taekwondo Virtual Championships set for spectacular debut in Singapore
Virtual Taekwondo: A New Era Begins
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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we celebrate a historic victory as Senegal's Oumar "Reug Reug" Kane becomes Africa's first ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion. He defeated the undefeated Russian three-division champion Anatoly "Sladkiy" Malykhin in a thrilling five-round battle at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium. Join us as we delve into this monumental win and its impact on African MMA.
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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we recap Francis Ngannou’s explosive return to mixed martial arts at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ngannou delivered a devastating first-round knockout over Renan Ferreira to claim the PFL Heavyweight Superfight Championship, dedicating the emotional victory to his late son, Kobe.
Congratulations to Francis—he continues to inspire the combat sports world worldwide. We hope his success opens up more opportunities for African athletes and combat sports competitors to reach larger audiences.
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Join us on the Combat Sports in Africa podcast as we reconnect with André Rosa, President of Judo Global São Tomé and Príncipe. In this insightful episode, we reflect on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to assess the performance of African judo athletes on the world stage.
André shares his analysis on what these results mean for the future of judo across the continent. We discuss the key lessons and takeaways for African judokas from their Olympic experience, examine the progress of judo development in African nations post-Paris 2024, and explore what changes are needed for African athletes to reach the next level and compete for medals in future Olympic cycles.
If you're passionate about judo and the growth of combat sports in Africa, this episode offers valuable perspectives you won't want to miss.
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In this episode of the Combat Sports in Africa podcast, we sit down with William Zalo Werenskiold, the CEO and founder of TRIBE Combat Sports—an Afro-Scandinavian MMA promotion based in West Africa. William shares the captivating origin story of TRIBE Combat Sports and what inspired him to focus on bringing high-quality MMA events to this vibrant region.
We delve into their mission to make a significant impact on both the African and global MMA scenes, discuss the unique challenges they've faced in establishing a professional promotion in Africa, and explore how they're nurturing local talent in a continent rich with athletic prowess. Discover how TRIBE plans to capitalize on the growing global interest in African fighters and what sets them apart in the fast-evolving world of combat sports.
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In this episode of the Combat Sports in Africa podcast, we feature Ebe Ghansah, a lifelong martial artist, combat sports athlete, and coach with an interesting sports journey. Ebe is a Gracie Barra Coach for the Black Belt Braulio Estima Team and trained at the prestigious Gracie Barra Main Academy in Rio de Janeiro. He has competed in various combat sports, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo and amateur mixed martial arts. Ebe also represented Great Britain in Taekwondo at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He also represented GB in nine World and European Taekwondo Championships.
We delve into Ebe's recent training seminar with Ghanaian MMA fighters and other combat sports athletes who competed at the African Games. He shares his impressions of their performance, providing valuable feedback and observations from his coach's perspective. Ebe discusses the strengths and areas for improvement he identified among the participants and offers insights on the specific skills and techniques Ghanaian fighters should focus on to elevate their game. He addresses the challenges hindering the development of MMA and grappling sports in Ghana and highlights the potential for these disciplines to flourish in a country with a strong boxing heritage. He also talks about the possibility of future training sessions in Ghana.
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A quick news update on the World Anti-Doping Agency's release of the 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, effective January 1, 2025.
"WADA’s primary role is to develop, harmonize and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries."
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In this follow-up to our previous episode, "African Combat Sports Triumphs at Paris 2024: Celebrating the Olympic Medalists," we spotlight Tunisia's Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi, who secured a bronze medal in the men's taekwondo -58kg category at Paris 2024. Adding to his silver from Tokyo, Jendoubi continues to inspire as a two-time Olympic medalist and a leading figure in African combat sports.
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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, host Garmamie interviews Zimbabwe's own Lewis "Porcupine" Mataya, a two-time African International Mixed Martial Arts Federation champion!
Mataya is set to make his highly anticipated professional MMA debut this Friday, September 27th, at UAE Warriors against Algeria's undefeated Slimen Hassaini (2-0).
Don't miss Mataya's professional debut at UAE Warriors—watch it live on UFCFightPass.com!
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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we hear from Colin Stewart and Johnny Sileshi Nigussie about their new book, Bow Before No Man: The Origin of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Ethiopia.
They delve into how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu emerged in Ethiopia amid various challenges, sharing inspiring stories of young Ethiopians who found purpose and community on the mats.
Tune in to hear about Johnny's personal journey as a grappler and insights into the BJJ scenes in Ethiopia. Colin also talks about BJJ in Algeria.
(This book is available exclusively on Amazon.com)
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Join us in this special episode of the Combat Sports in Africa podcast as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of African combat sports athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
We highlight the inspiring stories of Imane Khelif, David de Pina, Cindy Ngamba and Cheick Sallah Cisse, and many others who represented their countries with pride.
Tune in to honor their dedication, perseverance, and the unifying power of sport across the continent.
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Join us for a insightful conversation with Andre Rosa, President of Judo Global Sao Tome and Principe, as we discuss the prospects for African judokas at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Highlighting the challenges, future, and key athletes to watch in African judo.
Sao Tome and Principe's Roldeney De Oliveira will be representing his country at the Games. Best wishes to all competitors!
For all things judo at the Paris 2024 games, visit: Paris 2024 Judo
To find out more about judo in Africa, consult the African Judo Union website: African Judo Union
To learn more about Judo Global Sao Tome and Principe, follow them on Facebook
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In this episode, we explore the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Magazine Paris 2024 edition, highlighting African athletes' preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games. With the games starting on July 26, 2024, we cover:
- Messages from ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf and IOC President Thomas Bach.
- Historical achievements in boxing and wrestling.
- Preparations of 33 qualified athletes in boxing, judo, taekwondo, and wrestling, supported by scholarships and anti-doping measures.
Join us as we wish our athletes the best for Paris 2024 and discuss their future prospects for Los Angeles 2028.
For more on ANOCA, visit africaolympic.com.
Link to the ANOCA Magazine Paris 2024 PDF: https://africaolympic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ANOCA_MAGAZINE_PARIS_2024.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1a6wmDJamvEaUh3l_2EjhmaNid5z84pacL8xfnWcX2vRfT7--HCFm3FDE_aem_dHCqWG_IZbDyL2j7R_gIIw
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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we bring you the latest updates on the Professional Fighters League (PFL) as they announce the launch of PFL Africa and a multi-year media rights deal with CANAL+. Hear about the new league featuring top African MMA athletes, the involvement of MMA superstar Francis Ngannou as Chairman, and what this means for the future of MMA on the continent. Don’t miss our discussion on these groundbreaking developments!
For more details, check out the official announcements:
- PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE LAUNCHES PFL AFRICA
- PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE ANNOUNCES MULTI YEAR MEDIA RIGHTS DEAL WITH CANAL+ IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA, INCLUDING THE LAUNCH OF PFL AFRICA
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In this short update episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we highlight the newly released entries for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Learn about the eleven African wrestlers set to compete and get key dates for the wrestling events. For the full list of competitors, visit United World Wrestling.
Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the Olympics!
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Join us as we explore the upcoming judo competitions at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where 32 judokas from 24 African countries will compete.
We reflect on the historical performances of African judokas and discuss the long history of judo, from its origins in ancient Japan to its current status as a popular Olympic sport.
We also provide a brief overview of the rules and scoring in judo.
Get ready to cheer on our African judokas in Paris!
For more information, visit the Paris 2024 website.
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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we delve into the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games*.
From July 26 to August 11, Paris will host the Thirty-third Olympiad, featuring billions of viewers, millions of spectators, and thousands of athletes from over 200 nations.
We spotlight the excitement around African athletes in Boxing, Judo, Wrestling, and Taekwondo.
For detailed information on Paris 2024
*note: The Paris 2024 Paralympic games will be held from August 28 to September 8, 2024.
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In this episode, we highlight the African athletes competing in taekwondo at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
With 16 athletes from 10 countries, including Egypt, Tunisia, and Nigeria, we delve into their preparation and hopes for the games.
We also revisit the successes of African taekwondo athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and provide an overview of the sport's rules and history.
Tune in for an exciting look at what to expect from our talented taekwondo competitors. For detailed information, visit the official Paris 2024 website.
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In this episode, we focus on the wrestling competitions at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, featuring 33 wrestlers from Africa.
We highlight the achievements of African wrestlers in previous Olympic games, including the impressive performances at Tokyo 2020.
We also delve into the ancient history of wrestling and explain the rules and disciplines of Olympic wrestling.
Join us as we support our African wrestlers on their quest for Olympic glory!
For detailed information, visit the official Paris 2024 website.
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Tune in as we discuss the boxing competitions at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where 25 boxers from 10 African countries will compete.
We celebrate the achievements of African boxers, including Ghana’s Samuel Takyi's bronze medal at Tokyo 2020.
Learn about the ancient origins of boxing, its development over the centuries, and the rules that govern Olympic boxing.
Get ready to support our talented boxers as they aim for success in Paris!
For more information, visit the Paris 2024 website.
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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we delve into the exciting world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at the 13th African Games, which took place in Accra, Ghana, from March 8th to March 23rd. This year's games were not just about traditional combat sports like Wrestling, Boxing, Judo, Taekwondo, and Karate; MMA made a significant appearance as a demonstration sport, marking a notable moment for the sport on the continent.
Overseen by the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA), the MMA tournament unfolded over two days, from March 10th to March 12th, amidst a broad array of 30 disciplines, including 6 other demonstration sports. This event, organized by the African Union, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, the Association of African Sports Confederations, and the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa, showcased eight disciplines serving as qualifiers for the upcoming Paris 2024 Games.
Our guest for this episode is Mr. Jeff Taylor, the President of Ghana's Mixed Martial Arts Association. In an insightful interview, Mr. Taylor shares Team Ghana's experiences at the games, highlighting their standout moments, the preparation process, the impact of their participation on MMA and sports development in Ghana, and what the future holds for Team Ghana in MMA on both local and international stages.
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In this riveting episode of the "Combat Sports in Africa" podcast, we connect with the formidable Veja Hinda, the pride of Team Namibia, fresh from his recent silver medal victory at the IMMAF Africa Championships in Luanda, Angola. Join us as Hinda unravels his journey in the championship, offering personal insights into the preparations, the undeniable camaraderie within Team Namibia, and the collective spirit that fueled their remarkable showing at the championship.
As the conversation unfolds, Hinda sheds light on the intricacies of his opponents' techniques and the moments that defined his bouts. Moreover, he shares his keen observations on the burgeoning African MMA scene, the escalating competition standards at the IMMAF Africa Championships, and his ambitious plans and focus areas for honing his skills in anticipation of future tournaments, potentially including a stint at the IMMAF Worlds. Immerse yourself in this deep discussion that brings you closer to the heartbeat of African combat sports, portraying the dedication and fervor driving the continent's emerging champions.
Tune in to witness a narrative of passion and perseverance, encapsulated in the journey of one of Africa's bright sporting stars.
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In this latest episode, we ventured into the heart of São Tomé and Príncipe, a picturesque island nation nestled in the Gulf of Guinea, to explore the emerging judo scene under the guidance and leadership of André Rosa, the fervent president of the São Tomé and Príncipe Judo Federation. Rosa, whose own journey with judo is woven into his childhood, imparted an in-depth narrative of his personal connection to the sport and his robust visions for its future in the nation. Our conversation ventured through the initial stages of the federation's establishment, highlighting the relentless efforts in nurturing a robust judo community in spite of a host of challenges.
Through Rosa's steadfast leadership and the collaboration and support from various stakeholders, the federation has carved out significant milestones, including the development of training centres and the successful execution of national championships. In addition to the grassroots development, Rosa brought to light the country's recent involvement in the African Senior Championships Individuals 2023, showcasing a pivotal moment in São Tomé and Príncipe's journey in the world of judo. Tune in to get an in-depth view of how judo is steadily marking its territory in the nation's sporting landscape, fostering unity and nurturing positive values in the community through the vehicle of sport.
São Tomé and Príncipe's Judo Global on facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/judoglobal
IJF articles regarding "São Tomé and Príncipe Judo"
https://www.ijf.org/country/stp/news
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In this quick update from the "Combat Sports in Africa" podcast, we journey through the dynamic sphere of African judo, revisiting significant milestones and recent events. From celebrating the 60-year legacy of the African Judo Union to the remarkable victories at the 2023 African Judo Championships in Casablanca, we cover it all.
Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram pages for more vibrant updates from the heart of African combat sports, and don't miss the deeper dive into these topics through the following articles:
- 60 years of the African Judo Union: IFJ Awards Gold Medal to AJU for Work Done
https://www.africajudo.org/news/show/60-ans-de-l-uaj-la-f-d-ration-internationale-de-judo-d-cerne-une-m-daille-d-or-l-union-africaine-de-judo-pour-le-travail-accompli - African Senior Championships Individual 2023 Morocco, Casablanca: Egypt wins two gold medals for this first day of competition
https://www.africajudo.org/news/show/african-senior-championships-individual-2023-morocco-casablanca-egypt-wins-two-gold-medals-for-this-first-day-of-competition - 2023 African Judo Championships in Morocco: Algeria, Morocco and Madagascar in Gold for This 2nd Day of Competition
https://www.africajudo.org/news/show/championnats-d-afrique-senior-de-judo-2023-au-maroc-l-algerie-le-maroc-et-madagascar-en-or-pour-cette-2e-journee-de-competition - The African Judo Community Expresses Sympathy to the People of Morocco for Lives Lost in the Recent Earthquake
https://www.africajudo.org/news/show/la-communaut-africaine-du-judo-exprime-sa-sympathie-au-peuple-marocain-pour-les-vies-perdues-lors-du-r-cent-tremblement-de-terre - African Judo Championships 2023 in Casablanca: The National Anthems Did Not Sound During the Medal Ceremony. The AJU in Solidarity with the Victims of the Earthquake and the Moroccan People
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In this quick update from the "Combat Sports in Africa" podcast, we bring you exhilarating highlights from the Paris 2023 World Taekwondo Grand Prix. Dive deeper into the heart-stopping confrontations, like the fierce clash between Cisse and Cunningham, that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Stay connected and passionate about African combat sports by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
For more in-depth coverage of the event, don't forget to check out these articles:
- Opening day of Paris 2023 World Taekwondo Grand Prix
http://worldtaekwondo.org/competition/view.html?nid=140422&mcd=D30≻=ne * Paris 2023 World Taekwondo Grand Prix concludes with golds for France and Cote D’Ivoire
http://worldtaekwondo.org/competition/view.html?nid=140439&mcd=D30≻=ne
Stay tuned for more updates!
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In this special episode, we sit down with Oon Yeoh, the Judo journalist behind JudoCrazy and coach at KL Judo Dojo, to explore the art of the throw. We dive into his article, "How do you develop a throw?", comprising 1,998 words of keen insights, and discuss why he felt compelled to write it. From the evolution of classical techniques to the importance of proper instruction and RANDORI!
Don't miss this exclusive conversation!
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Catch a quick glance at the AFBC Men's and Women's African Boxing Championships 2023! From medal counts to the excitement of the finals, this episode offers a bite-sized overview of Africa's top boxing event in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Want to dive deeper? Check out the links below!
For More Details and to Rewatch the Matches:
- AFBC Men's and Women's African Boxing Championships - IBA Boxing (YouTube)
- Mohammed Rabii's Semi-Finals Shine
- Zacharie Mvogo Amougou's Final Advance
- Full Fight Results – Yaounde 2023
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Tune in for an overview of the Dakar 2023 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Challenge, a stepping stone to Paris 2023. This short episode draws on reference material from World Taekwondo.
For comprehensive results, click here.
To watch the entire tournament, find it here.
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Join us in our latest episode where we discuss amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) in Nigeria with none other than Amb Henry George, President of the Nigerian MMA Federation. We talk about the sport's growth, grassroots involvement, and the Federation's strategies for talent identification and athlete development.
We also touch upon the Federation's partnerships, plans for international representation, and safety measures in place. Amb George provides an inside look at MMA in Nigeria and shares his vision for the future of the sport in Nigeria!
Follow the Nigerian MMA Federation (NMMAF) on their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube page for updates and insights into MMA in Nigeria.
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Dive into the world of boxing in this powerful episode! We recap the Women's World Boxing Championships in New Delhi, where Morocco's Khadija El Mardi packed a punch, clinching Africa's first gold. We also take you to the Men's World Boxing Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, for an electrifying rundown of Africa's participation. Gloves on, and let's step into the ring!
Reference Material:
Get the full blow-by-blow details from these championships by visiting:
- Results and Statistics for Africa at the 2023 Women's World Boxing Championships, New Delhi, India - AFBC - African Boxing Confederation
- Khadija El Mardi Wins First Gold Medal for Morocco, Africa in Women's Boxing - Morocco World News
- 2023 Results and Statistics for Africa at the 2023 Men's World Boxing Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan - AFBC - African Boxing Confederation
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Unmasking the Sand Titans: In this episode, we dive into the power-packed world of Beach Wrestling at the 2nd 2023 African Beach Games. From Senegal's dominant performance to Blessing Oborududu's sand debut, we're covering it all. Don't miss out on this ringside seat to African combat sports! For more detailed information, check out our reference materials:
- "Traditional wrestling hotbed Senegal dominates African Beach Games" - Check it out here
- "African Beach Games: Olympic medalist Oborududu solid on sand" - Read more
- The official UWW Beach Wrestling rules - Get the details
For more exciting updates on African combat sports, follow us on our Facebook page: Combat Sports in Africa.
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Unlocking the Arena: Join us as we delve into the thrilling action of the World Taekwondo Championships 2023 in Baku! Hear the inspiring comeback tale of Ivorian legend Cheick Sallah Cissé, who claims his first World Taekwondo Championships title seven years on from Olympic gold. For a closer look at the competition, check out our references:
- "Côte d'Ivoire's Cheick Sallah Cissé claims World Taekwondo Championships" - Read more
- "World Taekwondo Championships Baku Day 7 Report" - Check it out here
Stay updated with more exciting stories from the world of African combat sports. Follow us on our Facebook page at Combat Sports in Africa and join in the exhilarating journey!
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Judo Unleashed: Journey with us into the electrifying arena of the Baku 2023 World Judo Championships. From Younes Saddiki's compelling performance to Soumiya Iraoui's stunning passes, and Dris's incredible feat of defeating the reigning Mongolian World Champion Tsend Ochir, we've got it all covered! Tap in for the exhilarating details on how Morocco finished fifth in the mixed team's event! For more in-depth information, refer to our sources:
- "World Judo Championships 2023 Day 1: Morocco's Younes Saddiki takes 7th place in the 60kg category" - Check it out here
- "World Judo Championships Day 2: Morocco's Soumiya Iraoui passes two rounds" - Read more
- "WJC 2023 Day 3: Algeria's Dris creates the feat by eliminating reigning Mongolian World Champion Tsend Ochir in the 73kg category" - Read here
- "World Judo Championships Doha 2023: Mixed teams - stunning Morocco finished fifth" - Get the details
Stay tuned for more action-packed episodes on African combat sports, and don't forget to follow us on our Facebook page: Combat Sports in Africa.
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Veja Hinda from Namibia shares his thoughts on the 2022 IMMAF World Championships in Serbia in an interview after his impressive debut at the global competition. He was proud to represent Team Namibia, along with his teammates and coach, on the global stage in the largest IMMAF World championship ever! Hinda demonstrated his fighting spirit and skills by finishing his opponent with an impressive guillotine choke submission win.
In this interview Hinda talks about the current state of mixed martial arts and combat sports in Namibia, his development as a mixed martial artist and journey into the sport, along with some of the challenges and opportunities along the way.
The SouSa MMA Studios team was proud of their debut performance, and they thanked IMMAF for the chance to participate. Let's continue to support Namibia's journey to building a competitive mixed martial arts environment and brand back home!
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Morocco hailed after thrilling IBA World Boxing Tour Golden Belt Series event concludes in Marrakesh
February 13th, 2023 / World Boxing Tour
International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev has praised Morocco’s boxing family after the World Boxing Tour Golden Belt Series event in Marrakesh drew to a close on Friday.
Africa’s inaugural Golden Belt Series event was a resounding success, with local spectators creating a tremendous atmosphere at the 2,500-seat M’Hamid competition venue as they captured outstanding action in the ring.
Moroccan boxing fans certainly had plenty to cheer, with four of their athletes reaching gold medal bouts and Khadija Mardi claiming gold in the women’s heavyweight final to wrap up a thrilling event in Marrakesh.
However, the event was an international triumph, with boxers from 14 different countries contesting gold medal bouts across 25 weight categories to demonstrate the global reach of the men’s and women’s competitions.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported this excellent event in Marrakesh,” Kremlev said. “A great deal of credit should go to the boxers and their support teams as the contests on display were of a supremely high quality.
“The competition has demonstrated beyond any doubt that Morocco has a growing passion for boxing, and we look forward to returning to the country soon. Marrakesh has set an excellent standard for future World Boxing Tour events to follow as the 2023 campaign continues.”
The IBA confirmed last week that it is close to signing World Boxing Tour event-hosting agreements with a number of other cities.
The World Boxing Tour comprises a series of events that are classified into three categories: Golden Belt, Silver Belt and Bronze Belt tournaments, which contribute to the new IBA ranking system that will help to define the most successful boxers at the end of the year. The top four athletes in each weight category will fight to be named the best of the best at the annual Diamond Belt Series event.
Marrakesh hosted the third event on the World Boxing Tour, the IBA’s groundbreaking new competition series, after successful Silver and Golden Belt Series tournaments in Slovenia and Mexico, respectively, last year.
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It’s almost 2023! With the New Year quickly approaching, we follow up with Zimbabwe’s Lewis Mataya, the 2022 IMMAF African Lightweight champion! We talk about 2022 and his combat sports journey post IMMAF's Africa Championship 2022.
In this frank interview Mataya speaks about the tumultuously challenging year he’s had personally and professionally. Along with his desire to keep training and competing, while inspiring a new generation of young Zimbabwean combat sports athletes and future competitors!
Make sure to follow Lewis Mataya on social media!
Here's the first interview we had after IMMAF's Africa Championship 2022.
The President of Mixed Martial Art Federation Mauritius, Avinash Ramtohul joins us to discuss the popularity of amateur mixed martial arts on the island of Mauritius. We also discuss the history of how the sport was developed, as well as the challenges and opportunities to its development. President Avinash Ramtohul also shares his opinions on the the state of amateur and professional mixed martial arts in Africa, the value of strategic planning, collaboration and leadership, as well as IMMAF’s (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) role and contributions to mixed martial arts in Africa.
Mixed Martial Arts Federation Mauritius Recognised As The Governing Body For MMA In Mauritius
MMAFM to conduct monthly trials to spot up-and-coming fighters
Mauritius, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres (1,100 nautical miles) off the southeast coast of the African continent, east of Madagascar. It includes the main island (also called Mauritius), as well as Rodrigues, Agaléga and St. Brandon.
IMMAF’s Director of Development, Dr. Andrew Moshanov joins us to discuss: the development of amateur mixed martial arts , the 2022 Youth Worlds Championships, coaching younger athletes, IMMAF’s grading system, the challenges and opportunities for the development of the sport worldwide and the importance of coaching and coaches role in developing and athletes and the sport.
Recent articles
Youth Events Are A Great School For Children and Their Future Success
IMMAF coaching courses held in Middle East and Central Asia before Youth World Championships
Film maker, stuntman and actor Eric Mazimpaka is working on a documentary project that will look at the history and future of Kung Fu in Tanzania and east Africa, titled “AFRICA: A Kung Fu Story!”. He believes that “that one can find FREEDOM THROUGH CINEMA.”
Kung Fu and film making!
Eric tells us about “Shaolin Tanzania”, Master Mfaume and the community of dedicated, creative and talented young martial artists. Eric and his team’s goal is “to help foster creative growth in these talented kids while giving them the confidence and the tools to be leaders in the development of their local film industry.” They'll be fostering this creative growth by hosting a series of filmmaking workshops in Tanzania for the “Shaolin Tanzania” community!
How cool is that!?
Check out his GoFundMe page “FREEDOM THROUGH CINEMA: A Film Making Workshop”.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/freedom-through-cinema-a-film-making-workshop
Shaolin Tanzania: https://www.youtube.com/c/MasterMfaume/videos
South African judoka Geronay Whitebooi won the African Championships title in 2019 in Cape Town. She captured a silver medal at the African Games in Rabat in 2019. She claimed a bronze medal at the African Open in Dakar in 2019. She secured a silver medal at the European Cup in Dubrovnik in 2022.
In this interview Geronay talks about the Tokyo 2020 Olympics , and her matches and experience from recent tournaments such as he Dubrovnik Senior European Cup 2022, the African Championships Oran 2022 and the Grand Slam Ulaanbaatar 2022.
She openly shares her journey into the sport, how her judo is progressing and evolving, the lessons learned on and off the tatami, along with the challenges and opportunities for African and South African judoka, in addition to her motivation, passion and drive to train and compete!
Dr Tsegaye Deginehis the founder of the Judo & Ju-Jitsu Associations and Clubs in Ethiopia and is also the Vice President of the Ju-Jitsu African Union (JJAFU) and a member of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) Ethics commission.
Dr Degineh answers the following questions:
- What did you think of the Ethiopian team’s performance at the 2022 African Jujitsu Championship held in Luanda, Angola?
- BJJ (Brazilian jiujitsu) is growing in popularity in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. How do you think the addition of this newaza focused grappling sport will impact the local and national martial arts community?
- There are different styles of jujitsu, both in terms of style and competition rules. Can you give us a brief overview of the different International Jujitsu sporting organizations and how they different from each other?
- Can you give us a brief overview of Jujitsu’s popularity and participation rate Africa?
- In terms of combat sports development, which model is more effective and why (for developing a thriving combat sport community): a country/region that focuses on one particular combat sport (like say boxing or jujitsu) or a country/region that focuses on multi combat sports, at the same time (so boxing, jujitsu, freestyle wrestling and mixed martial arts)? Should the focus be on specializing, or keeping it general and wide (in scope/style)?
- Let’s look ahead 10 years from now, which regions in Africa do you think could lead the way in producing future Jujitsu world champions?
- In terms of emerging technology/innovation and the future of sports, we hear about how AI, Web3, Big Data and the Metaverse is changing the physical and virtual landscape of sports. But how relevant is this to amateur combat sports, particularly in Africa?
- Moving on to the topic of “reality television”, what are your thoughts on Biniyam Shibre and his participation in mixed martial arts? For context, Biniyam Shibre is an Ethiopian martial artists and all around creative person who is featured on a reality tv series called the “90 day fiancé”.
- Tell us about your recent Jiujitsu seminar in Berlin, Germany.
- What are your thoughts on amateur mixed martial arts and it’s development and potential in Africa?
Combat Sports in Africa is hosted by Garmamie
In this episode, I speak with the 2022 IMMAF African Lightweight Champion, Zimbabwe’s Lewis Mataya about his dominant Gold medal performance at the 2022 IMMAF Africa Championship! Mataya also share his approach to training, competing, along with his journey into the sport of amateur mixed martial arts.
Lewis Mataya’s Hardfought Journey to Africa Championships Gold
https://immaf.org/2022/05/06/lewis-matayas-hardfought-journey-to-africa-championships-gold/
Combat Sports in Africa is hosted by Garmamie
Colin Stewart updates us on the Ethiopian Jiujitsu team’s recent competition at the 2022 edition of the AFRICAN JU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP, which was held on March 23rd to the 26th at the Kilamba Arena, in Luanda, Angola.
Ethiopia sent two athletes, Yared Negusse and “Mita” Negash Tsehaye Alemayehu, both grapplers are versed in Judo, Jujitsu, Brazilian Jiujitsu and NoGi.
"Mita” Negash Tsehaye Alemayehu won the Silver medal in the ADULTS JU-JITSU FIGHTING FEMALE -52 KG and a Bronze medal in the ADULTS JIU-JITSU FEMALE -52 KG.
Yared Negusse won the Bronze medal in the ADULTS JIU-JITSU MALE -62 KG.
Colin Stewart is a Brazilian Jiujitsu black belt. He coaches both Negusse and Alemayehu in Addis Ababa’s premier BJJ dojo, KAO BJJ!
For more on Colin Stewart and KAO BJJ listen to the pre-AFRICAN JU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP episode. https://combatsportsinafrica.buzzsprout.com/1893901/10214506-colin-stewart-and-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-in-addis-ababa-ethiopia
Also, for context and history, please listen to the following previous episodes. Both interviews are relevant to the story of Jiujitsu and Judo in Ethiopia.
Dr. Tsegaye Degineh and Jiujitsu sports development in Ethiopia.
https://combatsportsinafrica.buzzsprout.com/1893901/9654184-dr-tsegaye-degineh-and-jiujitsu-sports-development-in-ethiopia
Mr. Johannes Daxbacher and Judo sports development in Ethiopia.
https://combatsportsinafrica.buzzsprout.com/1893901/9715407-mr-johannes-daxbacher-and-judo-sports-development-in-ethiopia
In this episode, I speak with Malawian Judoka Harriet Bonface about her journey into the sport of Judo, the state of Judo in Malawi, her hopes to inspire Malawian women to practice Judo and her role as a member of the IJF Athletes' Commission. Harriet also shares her experience as the first ever Malawian Judoka to ever compete at the Olympics.
For more on Harriet Bonface and Judo in Malawi
Harriet Bonface Feels Humble and Honouredhttps://www.ijf.org/news/show/harriet-bonface-feels-humble-and-honoured
From Lilongwe to Tokyo for Boniface, Malawi’s judo Olympian
https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20210723-from-lilongwe-to-tokyo-for-boniface-malawi-s-judo-olympian
Judo Association of Malawi
https://www.ijf.org/country/maw
Combat Sports in Africa is hosted by Garmamie
In this episode, I speak with MMA Zambia President Benjamin Bush about:
- Team Zambia’s overall performance at the 2022 IMMAF Africa Championships,
- The level of mixed martial arts (MMA) talent across Africa,
- MMA Zambia being recognized as the Best National Federation for 2021,
- MMA Sports development,
- Youth Development initiative in Zambia,
- President Benjamin Bush's “combat sports’ story” and how he got involved in MMA,
- The current state of Combat Sports and MMA in Zambia,
- His coaching style and lessons learned from the 2022 IMMAF Africa Championships
- His thoughts on IMMAF and advice to other African MMA communities and coaches.
IMMAF articles
MMA Zambia’s Hard Work on Show as Ken Nyaondo Secures Spot in Lightweight Final
https://immaf.org/2022/04/29/mma-zambias-hard-work-on-show-as-ken-nyaondo-secures-spot-in-lightweight-final/
MMA Zambia continue to make strides with Youth Development
https://immaf.org/2022/03/18/mma-zambia-continue-to-make-strides-with-youth-development/
New Zambia MMA Federation receives Government recognition
https://immaf.org/2021/10/29/new-zambia-mma-federation-receives-government-recognition/
Combat Sports in Africa is hosted by Garmamie
The 2022 International Mixed Martial Arts Federation’s (IMMAF) Africa Championship were held in Johannesburg, South Africa on April 28 to 30th. This was the first time in 3 years since IMMAF held an event on African soil!
In this episode of the Combat Sports in Africa podcast, I speak with IMMAF President Kerrith Brown about the Africa Championship, the state of amateur mixed martial arts in Africa, along with various combat sports development related issues and challenges, along with the impressive milestones IMMAF has achieved, the popularity of the sport and IMMAF’s relationship with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and professional mixed martial arts.
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said, “It is exciting to be able to return to Africa and create opportunities again for MMA amateurs to compete on the IMMAF platform. Africa has a record of providing top-ranked talent for IMMAF and is a hotbed of potential. Competition can be expected to jump up a notch with the addition of newcomer national teams, and everyone will be watching for the emergence of rising stars from Africa’s grassroots.”
“The 2022 IMMAF Africa Championships are now officially in the books. Over the three days of action, we were treated to some of the best talent on the continent going head to head. 47 participants from 7 nations filled the 11 divisions. We witnessed 36 bouts in total and it was a competition filled with finishes as only 19% of bouts went the distance. “ 2022 IMMAF Africa Championships By The Numbers: https://immaf.org/2022/05/04/2022-immaf-africa-championships-by-the-numbers/
IMMAF: https://immaf.org/
In this episode we go to Zimbabwe to speak with Natsiraishe Maritsa, she’s an 18 year old Taekwondo trainer doing incredible work for young girls in her community and country.
She’s using the sport of Taekwondo to engage, empower and educate her community to fight against child marriage in Zimbabwe. Her project combines taekwondo lessons with discussions about the risks of early marriage, designed to create a safe environment for girls to discuss topics including pregnancy, gender-based violence and harassment.
Her efforts have been recently recognized and awarded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Women and Sport Awards.
Articles
The teenage taekwondo trainer fighting child marriage in Zimbabwe – photo essay:
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/jan/22/the-teenage-taekwondo-trainer-fighting-child-marriage-in-zimbabwe-photo-essay
Teenage taekwondo instructor recognised in IOC Women and Sport Awards:https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1118834/ioc-women-and-sport-awards
Video
Zimbabwean teen teaches taekwondo to fight child marriagehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPUWRgeTWe4
The 2022 edition of the AFRICAN JU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP will be held on March 23rd to the 26th at the Kilamba Arena, in Luanda, ANGOLA!
In this episode of the Combat Sports in Africa podcast, I’ll be speaking to Colin Stewart about Brazilian Jiujitsu in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Also, please make sure to check out the following GoFundMe campaign to Support Female Combat Sport Athletes: https://www.gofundme.com/f/xyunr-support-female-athletes
Questions
- Tell us your Brazilian jiujitsu story, how did you get involved in the sport?
- How would you communicate Brazilian jiujitsu’s "value proposition", to the non-initiated?
- You’re originally from the USA. What brought you to Ethiopia?
- You’re a bjj blackbelt, how and why did you decide to start training and sharing your grappling knowledge with Ethiopians/locals?
- Tell us a little bit about the dojo, the grapplers and what motivates them to train? Drop some names and gives us a highlight of the grappling culture/vibe at the dojo?
- The African Ju Jitsu Championship 2022 will be held in Angola on March 24 to the 26th. Tell us about this tournament and which Ethiopian Jiujitsu competitor will be competing there?
- What’s your approach to coaching and training, particularly for competition?
What are y’all working on? - In your opinion, what grappling characteristics define a good bjj player?
- So, there’s a gofundme campaign, do tell about this campaign and how we can contribute?
- What advice are you giving Mita in preparation for thew African Championships?
How do you think she’ll do?
Also, please make sure to listen to the following previous episodes, both are relevant to the story of Jiujitsu and Judo in Ethiopia.
Dr. Tsegaye Degineh and Jiujitsu sports development in Ethiopia.
https://combatsportsinafrica.buzzsprout.com/1893901/9654184-dr-tsegaye-degineh-and-jiujitsu-sports-development-in-ethiopia
Mr. Johannes Daxbacher and Judo sports development in Ethiopia.
https://combatsportsinafrica.buzzsprout.com/1893901/9715407-mr-johannes-daxbacher-and-judo-sports-development-in-ethiopia
Mbagnick Ndiaye Medalist in Portugal
"It is with great joy that we followed the magnificent journey of Mbagnick Ndiaye (SEN) in the +100kg on the last day of the Portugal 2022 Grand Prix, organized by the International Judo Federation. Perfectly focused from the start to the end of the competition, the Senegalese only lost to the Hungarian Richard Sipocz in the quarter-finals, before winning these next two matches to reach the podium."
Mbagnick Ndiaye said, "There are 2 things to explain this medal: hard work with my coaches and the fact that i have been competing against the best for a long time. From now on i know i can do better so i hope this is not the end but just the beginning."
Source: https://www.africajudo.org/news/show/mbagnick-ndiaye-medalist-in-portugal
Additional links:
International Judo Federation
https://www.ijf.org/
African Judo Union
https://www.africajudo.org/
Fédération Sénégalaise de Judo et de Disciplines Associées
http://www.senegal-judo.com/
Mr. Johannes Daxbacheris an active member of the IJF Military and Police commission. He's a police commissioner in the Bavarian Police (in Germany) and a Judoka who has been actively involved in the development of Judo in Ethiopia.
Questions
- Please give us a summary of your Judo career (from competitor to coach) and overall involvement in the sport of Judo?
- How and why did you get involved in martial arts sports development in Ethiopia?
- Initially, what did you think of this initiative, and what were your goals and objectives?
- What was your approach in coaching Judo in Ethiopia? What were some of the challenges and some of the opportunities?
- What key characteristics do you think a Judo community must have to produce high performing Judo competitors?
- What's your opinion on the current state Judo in Ethiopia?
- In addition to having coached Judo players in Ethiopia, where else in the world has Judo sent you (for teaching and furthering the sport)?
- Follow up question: What do these interesting experiences mean to you personally and professionally?
- Germany is very strong at international competitive Judo. Can you give us an overview of how (competitive) Judo is managed and organized in Germany?
- Follow up question: What are the key transferable best practices from the "German model", that could be applied to a country like Ethiopia?
- Is Judo sports development in countries like Ethiopia and elsewhere important to the IJF? If so, tell us why?
- How should one measure success when it comes to sports development in Ethiopia?
- Can you tell us some of the major milestones and achievements you and your team have been able to achieve, on and off the tatami? From Ethiopian athletes competing internationally and winning to major institutional sports development wins?
- Five years from now, where do you see the state of Judo and Jiujitsu in Ethiopia?
- It's been quite the journey for you and your supporters, what inspires you to keep going and supporting the development of Judo in Ethiopia?
Dr Tsegaye Deginehis the founder of the Judo & Ju-Jitsu Associations and Clubs in Ethiopia and is also the Vice President of the Ju-Jitsu African Union (JJAFU) and a member of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) Ethics commission. Dr Degineh answers the following questions regarding the development of Jiujitsu in Ethiopia:
- What is the current state of Jiujitsu and Judo in Ethiopia, how widely are both of these sports practices and by whom?
- How and why did you get involved in martial arts sports development in Ethiopia?
- What sports are the most popular in Ethiopia, from both the number of participants and also from public viewership, media consumption and overall popularity?
- What are some of the challenges you've encountered in trying to further promote the sports of jiujitsu and Judo in Ethiopia?
- Broadly speaking do most African country have a commonality of problems and challenges when it comes to sports development? Or are these problems generally unique to each country?
- What's some of the potential and opportunities for combat sports development in Ethiopia and for other Africa countries?
- How should one measure success when it comes to sports development in Ethiopia?
- Can you tell us some of the major milestones and achievements you and your team have been able to achieve, on and off the tatami? From Ethiopian athletes competing internationally and winning to major institutional sports development wins?
- Where do you see the state of Jiujitsu and Judo in Ethiopia?
- You've been doing this for many many years, as a martial artists, what inspires you to keep going and achieving your goals for the development of Jiujitsu and Judo in Ethiopia?