Combat Sports in Africa

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 articlesYouth Events Are A Great School For Children and Their Future SuccessIMMAF 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-workshopShaolin 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 Degineh is 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 Goldhttps://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-ethiopiaMr. 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-honouredFrom Lilongwe to Tokyo for Boniface, Malawi’s judo Olympianhttps://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20210723-from-lilongwe-to-tokyo-for-boniface-malawi-s-judo-olympianJudo Association of Malawihttps://www.ijf.org/country/mawCombat 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 ChampionshipsHis thoughts on IMMAF and advice to other African MMA communities and coaches.IMMAF articlesMMA Zambia’s Hard Work on Show as Ken Nyaondo Secures Spot in Lightweight Finalhttps://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 Developmenthttps://immaf.org/2022/03/18/mma-zambia-continue-to-make-strides-with-youth-development/New Zambia MMA Federation receives Government recognitionhttps://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/Combat Sports in Africa is hosted by Garmamie 

 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.ArticlesThe 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-essayTeenage taekwondo instructor recognised in IOC Women and Sport Awards:https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1118834/ioc-women-and-sport-awards VideoZimbabwean teen teaches taekwondo to fight child marriagehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPUWRgeTWe4Combat Sports in Africa is hosted by Garmamie 

 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-athletesQuestionsTell 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-ethiopiaMr. Johannes Daxbacher and Judo sports development in Ethiopia.https://combatsportsinafrica.buzzsprout.com/1893901/9715407-mr-johannes-daxbacher-and-judo-sports-development-in-ethiopiaCombat Sports in Africa is hosted by Garmamie 

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-portugalAdditional links: International Judo Federation https://www.ijf.org/African Judo Union https://www.africajudo.org/Fédération Sénégalaise de Judo et de Disciplines Associéeshttp://www.senegal-judo.com/

Mr. Johannes Daxbacher is 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. QuestionsPlease 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? Combat Sports in Africa is hosted by Garmamie 

Dr Tsegaye Degineh is 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? Combat Sports in Africa is hosted by Garmamie