12th Mombasa Open Tong-Il Moo-Do Championship 2025 Attracts 53 Nations

By Mbungu Harrison & Mwakwaya Raymond

Email, thecoastnespaper@gmail.com

Just after the government gave Tong-Il Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship organizers green light to go ahead with this years’ championship preparations several nations confirmed their willingness to participate in the 12 Edition.

This came as a surprise to many but a great achievement to the federation as the much anticipated championship failed to kickoff last year due to pull and push between the organizers and a section of government officials throwing the entire art across the globe into a limbo.

Interestingly the turn of events at the sports house pumped life back to the glamorous 12th edition Mombasa Open Tong-Il Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship scheduled for December 10 to 23, 2025 at the Mombasa Aga Khan Academy.

The event comes after months of uncertainty, having initially been slated for August 2025, before being pushed to December due to delays and limited operational funding.

Its prospects were further threatened by a ban issued by the World Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation (WTMF), which has since been lifted, clearing the way for Kenya to stage the global competition.

Organisers have confirmed participation of 53 countries among them South Korea, Japan, the United States, Germany, Iran, Argentina, Australia, Nepal, Burkina Faso, DRC, and England.

According to the Kenya Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation president Master Clarence Mwakio preparations are at an advanced stage with most delegations expected to arrive days before action begins.

“We are delighted to report that our efforts were successful, and the ban is now behind us,” he said indicating the resolution of challenges faced by the Federation.

According to him the wide international turnout underscores the event’s growing stature and Kenya’s continued influence in the sport.

“We must express our deepest gratitude to the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary. The Federation has also made contact with all relevant security agencies in the county and the coast region and received a thumbs up to proceed with the preparations.”

The federation has lauded the Ministry of Sports for stepping in to secure the event, noting the role played by both the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary in resolving earlier setbacks.

Officials say the championship will serve not only as a platform to showcase talent and discipline but also as an opportunity to demonstrate Kenya’s organisational capability following a challenging year for local martial arts federations.

The world competition is expected to attract hundreds of athletes, officials and supporters, offering a major boost to the coastal city’s sports tourism and hospitality sectors.