by Dieudonne Bohoussou Kouame
The Zambia Tongil Moo-Do Federation (ZTIMDF) held its inaugural Lusaka Open Tong-Il Moo-Do National Martial Arts Championship from November 28 to 29, 2024, at the NAZDEC Sports Complex in Lusaka. Over fifty athletes from four provinces of Zambia participated, marking a significant milestone in the growth of Tong-Il Moo-Do in the country.
The event was honored by the presence of Hon. Sheal Mulyata, Minister of Lusaka Province, as the Guest of Honor. Other notable dignitaries included Director Sombwa from the National Sports Council of Zambia, Mr. Muyaule Gibson, Assistant Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Arts, representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Zambia Air Force, and Master Kouame Bohoussou Dieudonne, Chairman of ZTIMDF.
The first day of the championship focused on pre-competition activities designed to uphold ethical standards, reinforce the philosophy of Tong-Il Moo-Do (TIMD), and finalize logistics. A workshop conducted in partnership with the Anti-Doping Agency of Zambia (Clean Sport) was held to educate athletes and coaches on the significance of clean sport and adherence to anti-doping regulations. Facilitators from the agency covered crucial topics such as prohibited substances, testing procedures, and the consequences of doping.
The goal of this workshop was to raise awareness among participants and foster a culture of integrity in sports. Following this, a test on the Philosophy of Tong-Il Moo-Do was administered to evaluate participants’ understanding of TIMD’s core philosophy, which includes principles of true love, peace, and unification. Both written and oral tests were conducted, emphasizing the practical application of these philosophies in daily life, thereby reinforcing the values that TIMD aims to instill in its practitioners.
Subsequently, participants underwent weighing, categorization, and division into appropriate weight and skill categories to ensure fair competition. This weight-in process was supervised by ZTIMDF officials, followed by the grouping of athletes into divisions based on weight and experience.
In the preliminary rounds, matches were conducted across various categories, showcasing a mix of sparring techniques, forms (Bon), Gi-Choom, and Special Techniques demonstrations. Trained referees and judges monitored the competition to ensure fairness and adherence to the rules. Intense matches in the semi-finals and finals determined the champions in each category, attracting a large audience and featuring athletes displaying exceptional skill and dedication.
The First Aid Team was present to provide immediate assistance for any injuries sustained during competition, including cuts, bruises, or sprains, while also monitoring athletes for signs of fatigue, dehydration, or overheating.
The Award Ceremony was officiated by Mr. Muyaule, Director of Sport, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), the Family Federation for World Peace & Unification Zambia Chapter (FFWPU), and the International Association of Youths and Students for Peace Zambia Chapter (IAYSP). Awards were presented, with medals awarded to winners in each category and certificates given to all participating athletes.
In his closing remarks, Master Kouame Bohoussou Dieudonne, President of ZTIMDF, emphasized the importance of Tong-Il Moo-Do in promoting peace and unity through sports. He acknowledged the contributions of various sponsors, partners, and organizers that led to the success of this event.
Looking forward, there are plans to expand outreach programs to attract more participants from other provinces and strengthen partnerships with both government and private sectors for the sustainable development of Tong-Il Moo-Do in Zambia.
Conclusion
The Lusaka Open Tong-Il Moo-Do National Martial Arts Championship 2024 was a resounding success, fulfilling its objectives of uniting youth through sports and highlighting Tong-Il Moo-Do’s potential as a catalyst for holistic development. The event has laid a strong foundation for future championships and the expansion of TIMD in Zambia and beyond.