Good Start as Kenya Battles to Defend Tong-Il Moo-Do Overall Title

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kenya’s Tong-Il Moo-Do national team, Jasiri, made a strong start in its bid to defend the overall title at the 12th edition of the Mombasa Open Tong-Il Moo-Do International Championship, which kicked off in Mombasa.

Team Kenya dominated proceedings on the opening day of the tournament, held at Aga Khan Academy, with local favorite Michael Omollo thrilling the home crowd after securing a knockout victory over Thailand’s Piyawak Masang.

Omollo’s electrifying performance sent the crowd into a frenzy and signaled Kenya’s readiness for a strong showing, following extensive preparations ahead of the championship.

The 12th edition of the Mombasa Open has attracted a strong international presence, with teams from Thailand, India, Zambia, Korea, Nigeria, France, Côte d’Ivoire, Japan, the Philippines and Mali among the countries represented.

Kenya Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation President, Master Clarence Mwakio, announced that the federation is considering extending the duration of the championship from three days due to the growing number of participants.

“As the event continues to grow, we will increase the number of competition days so that we can accommodate everyone,” he said adding that the tournament will conclude on Sunday (December 21, 2025).

The president noted that the championship has boosted sports tourism in the coastal city.

“We have seen an increase in international guests, which is a boost to our tourism economy. Hosting the top leadership of the world governing body shows Kenya’s commitment to nurturing talent and growing the sport.”

The sport continues to gain traction across the continent with Zambia Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation President Kouame Dieudonne urging African governments to support the discipline, saying it has the potential to shape future leaders.

Speaking during a joint media briefing in Mombasa, Dieudonne thanked the Kenyan government for supporting the championship, now in its 12th edition.

More than 600 athletes are participating in the competition, which will culminate in a grand finale where awards will be presented for sparring, individual forms and special techniques.

Speaking on Saturday, December 20, 2025, Mwakio said the successful staging of the championship was made possible through government support led by sports cabinet secretary Salim Mvurya.

“We thank the Cabinet Secretary and the government for standing with us. This event is back on our calendar after the ban, and their support has been instrumental,” he said.

He revealed that at least 20 foreign teams were expected to arrive on Friday and Saturday as the competition continued over three days.

Athletes are competing in various categories for both men and women, with Kenya’s Jasiri team aiming to reign supreme once again.

CS Mvurya is among the dignitaries expected to attend the closing ceremony on Sunday. Organizers estimate that at least 10,000 fans have turned up for the event so far.

Mwakio thanked sponsors for their crucial role in supporting the championship and growing the sport.

“We are grateful to our sponsors who continue to come on board and help us nurture talent.”

He added that strong structures are in place to develop Tong-Il Moo-Do locally, revealing that 37 academies have already been established across various counties.

“This tournament has brought life to sports tourism by creating employment, promoting cultural exchange, and placing Mombasa on the global sports map,” he noted.

World Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation President Grandmaster Tokamitso Hoshiko thanked Kenya for hosting the championship, which has attracted increased global participation this year.

“We thank Kenyans for turning out in large numbers. This shows their love for the sport. With continued development, we hope to see Tong-Il Moo-Do gain Olympic recognition in the future,” Hoshiko said.

Tong-Il Moo-Do founder Joon Hyoseuk also praised the Kenyan government for its continued support and encouraged Africa to embrace the sport.

“We are not fighting against each other; we are fighting for physical fitness, peace and justice. We thank the government for supporting this sport,” he said.