Tong-Il Moo-Do Gears Up for Mombasa Open International

The event, hosted at Aga Khan Academy Multipurpose Hall, marks a triumphant return after a one-year hiatus due to funding delays and a brief ban from the World Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation, now lifted following high-level diplomatic efforts in Seoul, Korea.

Kenya Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation President Clarence Mwakio confirmed site visits and full readiness, expecting hundreds of competitors, officials, and delegates from nations including Korea, Philippines, Thailand, India, Iran, USA, and others.

“We had a lot of challenges last year. The federation faced the regrettable necessity of canceling the championship due to unforeseen and debilitating delays, and the eventual absence of necessary operating funds,” Mwakio explained.

Following the setback, the World Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation (WTMF) barred Kenya from hosting the championship. However, intervention by Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya helped overturn the decision.

“Upon assuming office as CS of Sports, Mvurya ensured that a delegation was sent to South Korea for the World Tong-Il Moo-Do leaders’ meeting at WTMF headquarters. Our mission was simple: present our case, demonstrate our commitment, and secure the lifting of the sanction. I can confidently say the ban is now behind us,” said Mwakio.

Event Highlights and Global Appeal

The championship spans 12 days of intensive training under international masters, character education lectures, competitions in sparring, forms, and special techniques open to styles like Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Kung-Fu, and more.

Competitors aged 8 to 55 will vie individually and in teams, blending martial arts with community service, historical site tours, and wildlife safaris at Tsavo or Shimba Hills to boost sports tourism.

This World Championship-status event, first held in 2013, promotes cultural exchange, infrastructure growth, and Kenya’s status as a martial arts hub, with past editions drawing global praise.

Organizers overcame setbacks, including a 2024 postponement and federation ban, through lobbying by a Kenyan delegation comprising Mwakio, Assistant Secretary-General Elvis Malipe, and a State Department Sports Officer.

Government support via the Ministry of Sports, alongside private and NGO partnerships, ensured approval and funding.

Mwakio emphasized the venue’s pristine condition and meticulous planning for a world-class spectacle on December 19-21 main competition days .

Broader Impacts on Sports and Tourism

Hosting the Mombasa Open fosters diplomatic ties, economic boosts via tourism, and sport monetization, with Kenyan instructors gaining international training opportunities in Korea, Philippines, and beyond.

It elevates Tong-Il Moo-Do’s rapid growth in Kenya, envied globally, while marketing Mombasa’s attractions to foreign participants and enhancing local infrastructure standards