Mombasa to Host the 11th Edition of Tong-IL Moo-Do Championships
The eagerly awaited 11th edition of the Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Doo Championships is generating significant anticipation as athletes from 42 countries. Taking place at the Agha Khan Gymnasium, Mombasa from December 9 to 20, this international event will bring together athletes from diverse regions, including Africa, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
Kenya Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation President Clarence Mwakio announced on Wednesday that this year’s championship is poised to be the largest ever, with an expected turnout of between 300 to 600 participants. Last year, Team Kenya, known as Jasiri emerged winners, clinching a total of 185 medals, including 46 gold, 54 silver, and 85 bronze medals. The Philippines secured the second spot with 34 medals, consisting of 11 gold, five silver, and 18 bronze.
Several countries have already confirmed their participation in the upcoming event. Notable among them are South Korea, the United States of America (USA), Japan, the Philippines, Paraguay, Turkey, Ethiopia, Brazil, Russia, Denmark, India, Zambia, Cote D’Ivoire, Cyprus, Germany, Angola, Iran, DR Congo, Nepal, the Republic of Congo, Cambodia, and Thailand.
Additionally, Colombia, Malaysia, Benin, Samoa, Canada, Burkina Faso, Mali, the Central African Republic, Taiwan, Venezuela, Mexico, Cameroon, Vanuatu, Uganda, Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Morocco, Austria, Nigeria, and hosts Kenya have also confirmed their participation.
What is Tong-IL Moo Do
Tong-IL Moo Do, abbreviated as TIMD, integrates a spectrum of martial arts techniques, with its foundation rooted in the Unification Principle. This philosophy seeks to synchronize circular movement (soft motion) as the subject and linear movement (hard motion) as the object. Beyond athletic prowess, TIMD aims to foster mature characters and contribute to community well-being through principles of peaceful co-existence and mutual love.
Growth of Tong-IL Moo-Do in Kenya
The inception of Tong-IL Moo-Do in Kenya dates back to the early ’90s when instructors Henry Mungai and Francis Njiri initiated the establishment of 32 clubs across the nation. Their efforts culminated in the registration of approximately 1000 members, laying a solid foundation for the sport’s growth within the country.
This twelve-day extravaganza will showcase a diverse array of martial arts, including Tong-IL Moo-Do, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Kung-Fu, Aikido, Jiu-jitsu, Ninjutsu, Hapkido, Capoeira, Japanese Kendo, and Wushu. Beyond spirited competitions, attendees will engage in character education, voluntary community service, and immersive tours of historical sites and wildlife safaris.
The Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship, initiated in 2013 as Africa’s first martial arts program, symbolizes Kenya’s global sporting ambitions. It has achieved World Championship status under the guidance of the Kenya Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation and endorsement from the World Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation.
