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Grace Chirumanzu Sports Correspondent
FULL contact karate is a sport that demands more than courage, but the audacity of having to sacrifice one’s body for some gruelling pain, which become one’s decisive test of character.

For World So-Kyokushin African representative Saiko Sensei Samson Muripo, the test has proven him to be a true reflection of what Zimbabweans are. He has shown the resilience and fighting spirit from his motherland at a global stage even after some different shenanigans by his international opponents to bring him down at various occasions.

It is because of his unquenchable thirst for victory, humility and leadership that he has been adored by those who know him and those who have heard about him in martial arts. He has become a mentor and big brother to African karatekas.

Sensei Admire Chingozhoro recently proved a strong force to reckon with in the world, winning silver medal at the 47th All Japan Karate tournament. Chingozhoro and Muripo were crowned among the eight champions of the showpiece, with the later claiming a sixth place finish.

Chingozhoro, who also won gold in Iran last year, is full of praise for Muripo, who he has no doubt has been the backbone of his recent successes.

“He (Muripo) is the best karateka I have ever seen in my whole life. At some point I wanted to quit karate after being frustrated by people who were throwing spanners in the works of karate in Zimbabwe, but Saiko and Sensei Kumbirai (Musinami) approached me to work together with them. I also respected the involvement of Sensei Bakari Jamali in Kyokushin karate,” said Chingozhoro.

“Saiko (Muripo) has a strong character of a leader, he is like a vacuum flask in which one pours hot water in but remains cold outside. May my good Lord bless him for me, I am what I am today because of him.”

The two world champions’ victories were celebrated in South Africa and Swaziland, just as it was in Zimbabwe. The success has brought pride and unity to the martial arts family across Africans.

Swaziland’s Sensei Mzwandile Ngwenya told The Herald that Muripo has shown Africa its potential by being the first African to be crowned champion in 2009.

“Sensei Samson is the first African to be crowned champion and his silver medal in at a world tournament in Durban touched our lives; we have learnt a lot from his technique. He is a humble and quiet man with courage, courage and humanity. We were so proud as Swaziland to attend the first All Africa tournament under his leadership. He gave us a warm welcome with his team,” he said.

“He is our mentor and he really inspire us. We copied his training techniques of body conditioning and physical fitness in his dojo and it is working for our Swazi fighters. Now every Swazi wants to train with him, they were happy when they met him here when he travelled with his team for a tournament we hosted.

“He is our stallion in the African continent and we are so proud of his recent position six in Japan. He is our brother and we love his good heart.”

Sensei Thulani Sibisi of Shorin Kempo South Africa, who is hosting the upcoming Thokoza showdown Zimbabwe, is expecting Muripo to lead a strong team.

“We know he always brings a strong team from Zimbabwe and it’s not easy to work with more than 10 people from different karate styles but he does a good job. The sacrifice he put to our sport is incredible and we can see the results even under a difficult financial environment. He always does it because he love the sport,” he said.

Transforming lives through karate

So-Kyokushin karate headquarters at Raylton Sports Club is a miniature of the Samson Muripo Foundation the Zimbabwean fighter envisage to have as a home of young karatekas; changing lives. The dojo is home to young men and women who take up karate as a sport after finishing school and in most cases, the sport has brought hope and change in the young fighters’ lives.

Tangayi Mhlanga travelled to Barcelona, Spain, and had a life-changing experience through karate, having been crowned African champion in 2015. Mhlanga, Shadreck Chigombe and Kelly Mtisi are three of the emerging instructors Muripo has mentored.

Mtisi and Chigombe joined Chingozhoro and Muripo in Japan this year and came back with priceless exposure and experience for future tournaments. Mtisi has admitted the recent global championships presented them with a mirror to reflect on his performance and he appreciates the lessons his mentor give them are of great value.

Chigombe, who was the youngest fighter on the travelling team, believes “karate has made me the cool guy I am today”.

He said: “I now know the important battles to fight in life and I have learnt greatly on how to associate well with others. Saiko (Muripo) and I are now more like brothers — sometimes he is even like a father — I enjoy being close to him because he is always teaching me the karate way, which I have learnt so much from. I have since been inspired by him to leave a legacy for those who will come after me. My dream is to be just like my teacher and become a World Champion.”

Muripo hopes to be remembered for successfully hosting a world tournament in Zimbabwe.

“If my wishes marries well with my heart, if the first So-Kyokushin international karate tournament on the cards next year come to pass successfully, a world So-Kyokushin karate tournament in Zimbabwe can be possible. That will be a great milestone before I sleep with my spiritual fathers,” pictured Muripo.

Muripo is with no doubt a champion whose victories are never enough, but thrives for the next one with perfection on and off the tatami.