The All Ladies Martial Arts Club  launched Tong-IL Moo-Do sport at the Swahilipot Hub in Mombasa.

The Tong-IL Moo-Do club consists of ladies made history by becoming the first club in the country to target girls and ladies athletes.

Representing the Kenya Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation Chairman Clarence Ingwala, the national Captain Master Elvis Malipe said there was need for women to acquire skills in self-defense because of increased cases of gender-based violence and femicide in the country.

Master Ingwala pointed out that there was urgency for more female instructors in the sport but cultures and religions has contributed to fewer instructors.

“As a sport, we are targeting the communities in the coastal and north eastern regions to allow their girls to participate in the sport so that the federation can grow the number of female instructors in the country,” he said the chairman.

The Chairman also noted the importance of the new club in mentoring young girls in the field of martial arts.

“I am delighted now that in the promotion of Tong-IL Moo-Do more women will hone skills in self-defense, spiritual discipline and physical fitness”. He stated.

The Chairman emphasized that the opportunity will provide more women avenues into the national team Jasiri as competitors and instructors.

At the same time , the chairman said that with the leadership and the experience of instructor Salma Ali the players will gain the appropriate skills that she honed from both locally and international championships.

“Her immense contribution for the National team Jasiri in numerous international assignments across the globe and skills will be beneficial to the new crop of martial arts athletes. We hope the same skills will be spread to the next generation in martial arts,” he said.

Salma Ali, the club founder said that she will provide a safe and supportive space for women to learn martial arts and empower themselves.

“We will develop skills to prepare them to be ready for the competitive global job market for self defence instructors and fitness coaches.” She added.

Ali, the Jasiri ladies captain, Lorna Apiyo Abiero and Master Elvis Malipe Ole Mpakuanik are the recipients of the presidential National Heroes Award 2024.

Speaking at the event, Mahmoud Noor, the Swahilipot Hub founder lauded the initiative saying that it was timely and women needed to grab the chance.

"When you empower a woman, you empower a nation. Therefore, to support the club 5 girls will receive sponsorship to train in martial arts.”

 He  assured the club that the training for girls  was a step towards helping  girls from dropping out of school, drug and substance abuse, early marriages and pregnancies.

Zahra Hajj, a popular Mombasa entrepreneur and content creator pointed that she will advocate for women support and encouraged more women to uplift each other in their respective activities.

During the launch, Instructor Ali led the athletes in  performing martial arts demonstrations that  showcased the different Tong-IL Moo-Do techniques that includes  basics, forms, one-step sparring and free sparring techniques.

In conclusion, Master Ingwala urged all  Kenyans and attendees to support  the 12th Edition of the Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship that will takeplace from 11th - 24th December 2024 at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.

This annual global event is a key platform for all martial arts athletes to showcase their skills and talents against the best from across the globe, and the ladies are no exception.