The stage is set for the 12th edition of the Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship.
The championships slated for the 23rd to 25th August has so far attracted over 25 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and America and will be held at the iconic Aga Khan Multipurpose Hall in Mombasa.
New entrants to the championship include Germany, Cyprus, Sao Tome & Principe, and Finland among others.
Adressing the media at their federation headquaters in Mombasa, the president Kenya Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation master Clarence Mwakio expressed confidence of staging a world class tournament in a fortnight.
"This prestigious event will bring together martial arts enthusiasts from over 45 countries for a two-week-long celebration of skill, discipline, and camaraderie," said Mwakio.
He added that, "the Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship is the first martial arts program of its kind in Africa. It is the largest martial arts championship in the African continent."
The entire event will last for 14 days during which participants will go through training from international masters and grandmasters of different martial styles, they attend character education, and lectures and take part in several voluntary community service projects in Mombasa.
The tournament, he said, has attracted about 500 participants and coaches and judges from across the world with thousands of martial arts lovers expected to throng the port city of Mombasa to bare witness to the display of martial arts prowes.
The Kenyan team Jasiri will field a total of 75 players as they seek to retain the championship's title for a record 12th time in a row.
Jasiri is expected to go into an indoor camp from next week to prepare for the tournament.
The competition, Mwakio said, will feature fierce battles in sparring, forms, and special techniques, showcasing the highest level of martial arts talent from around the world.
"Other activities are competing against martial artists in specialized martial arts styles, participating in voluntary community services, touring the country's beautiful historical sites, and seeing exotic wildlife through the Safari experience including tree planting," Mwakio said.
The competition is open to Tong-IL Moo-Do players the main host event and also Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Kung-Fu, Aikido, Jiu-jitsu, Ninjutsu, Hapkido, Capoeira, Japanese Kendo and Wushu.
The event aims to foster knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and the promotion of Tong-Il Moo-Do as a global discipline.
Master Mwakio lauded the Kenyan government for their continous support through the ministry of sports as he challenged the county government of Mombasa to come on board and take advantage of the opportunity to tap into the tourism boom brought along by the competitions.
In the previous 11 editions, the county boycotted the tournament despite the massive tourism opportunity it brings along.
"Hosting the championship brings a range of benefits to the country, including economic, cultural, sports, and social advantages. It contributes to the local economy, promotes the country's culture and tourism, encourages sports development, fosters community engagement, and leaves a lasting legacy," he said.
This event he said has greatly contributed to the fast growth of the sport in more counties in Kenya.
"We have established many newer clubs in all levels of educational institutions and still expanding. We have a solid presence in 14 counties and soon we are opening up more branches in new counties," he said.
The sport he said has also expanded from five countries in 2013 to 12 countries in 2024.
