Date: February 15, 2020
Venue: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Organizer/Host: WFKO Africa Region Board Member Shihan Isaac Mashinini and African Fullcontact Karate Organization (AFKO)
The newly launched African Fullcontact Karate Organization (AFKO), under the leadership and guidance of WFKO Africa Region Board Member Shihan Isaac Mashinini, hosted a very successful Africa region selection tournament for the 1st WFKO World Championship. The tournament was held under the guiding principles of the World Fullcontact Karate Organization (WFKO). The tournament was attended by over 85 fighters from across the continent participating in the men and women weight categories. The participants came from different organizations across South Africa and from far countries such as DRC, Egypt, and Eswatini (AKA Swaziland). South Africa as the host country attracted more fighters from various organizations from ll of the 9 provinces.
The tournament was presided over by the WFKO Africa Board Member Shihan Isaac Mashinini (WKO Shinkyokushinkai) with the assistance of Shihan Wandile Ncapai (IKO Nakamura) and other 24 officials from various organizations such as IKO Matsushima, IKO Nakamura, WKO Shinkyokushinkai and IKKF. The unity demonstrated by officials from various organizations was at the highest level. The tournament was officially opened by The Sound of African Beat Marimba band, the musical vibe known to unite African people. This musical vibe entertained the people, revitalized and motivated fighters with an African budo spirit to keep them calm as fighters would usually be nervous before a kumite tournament.
This was one of the most difficult and challenging tournaments, for all fighters were well prepared and highly determined to be selected and represent Africa in the upcoming prestigious event, the 1st WFKO World championship in Osaka, Japan. The standard of the tournament was very high and all of the winners displayed the highest level of skills and execution of techniques. The selection method was clearly highlighted in the beginning of the tournament that only position one winners will be selected. WKO Shinkyokushinkai South Africa fighters dominated the tournament with most winners followed by fighters from IKO Nakamura. It was so encouraging to see Shihan Mashinini and Shihan Ncapai changing roles, taking the stage as main referees during the final bouts of the tournament.
Shihan Mashinini extended his gratitude to all countries, fighters, and spectators for their support without which the tournament would not have been successful. He further stated that WFKO is the international body for fullconatct karate with more than 300 affiliated fullcontact organizations, and the AFKO is an affiliate of WFKO. He also extended an invitation to other organizations that are still hesitant to join, to consider joining AFKO for inclusivity. Shihan Ncapai and Shihan Mashinini congratulated the fighters and the instructors for their commitment to the development and growth of the newly formed organization and expressed satisfaction with the performance of the fighters, for the great skills and determination they have shown on the tatami.
Sensei Andronica Shonhiwa (nee Rakgantso)
Assistant to President Isaac Mashinini;
WKO South Africa/Africa Region.
On Behalf of AFKO tournament organisers
1st WFKO AFRICA SELECTION TOURNAMENT RESULTS
