Mombasa, Kenya — Kenya’s Tong-Il Moo-Do national team, Jasiri, successfully defended its overall title at the 12th edition of the Mombasa Open Tong-Il Moo-Do International Championship, reaffirming the country’s dominance in the martial art on the global stage.
The championship, which attracted over 600 athletes, brought together a strong international field from Thailand, India, Zambia, Korea, Nigeria, France, Côte d’Ivoire, Japan, the Philippines, Mali and Vanuatu, turning Mombasa into a vibrant hub of competitive martial arts and sports tourism.
Kenya’s title defense was highlighted by a standout performance from seasoned fighter Michael Omollo, who delivered a convincing knockout victory against Thailand’s Piyawak Masang. Omollo’s electrifying bout sent the crowd into a frenzy and underscored Jasiri’s readiness to retain the crown following months of intensive preparation.
The three-day tournament featured competitions across men’s and women’s categories, with athletes contesting in sparring, individual forms and special techniques. The event culminated in a grand final in the early hours of Monday, where medals and awards were presented.
Team Jasiri Dominates the Podium
Team Jasiri posted impressive results across multiple categories, further cementing Kenya’s position as a powerhouse in Tong-Il Moo-Do:
12th Mombasa Open Tong-Il Moo-Do International Championship Table
Official Winners Summary
| Category | Gold 🥇 | Silver 🥈 | Bronze 🥉 (1) | Bronze 🥉 (2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Male Sparring (14–17 Years A) | Preston Mwakio | Yusuf Khamis | Leon Trevor | Abduller Shaban |
| Junior Male Sparring | Emmanuel Wafula | Felix Bakari | Gedion Bwire | Rodney Bulisale (Vanuatu) |
| Junior Male Sparring (6–13 Years) | Desmond Wekesa | Daniel Masiba | Giovani Sifuna | Griffin Nyongesa |
| Junior Boys Open | Phineas Omondi | Brandon Mwangi | — | — |
| Junior Female Sparring (6–13 Years) | Mwanashabani Bakari | Naomi Kipchumba | Zahra Khamis | De Sequeira Lavanya (India) |
| Male Adult Sparring (Below 54.9kg) | Mustapha Ngwenye (Zambia) | Evans Wambua (Kenya) | Shukurani Charo (Kenya) | Raphael Ringa (Kenya) |
| Youth Male Sparring | Mambali Kabik (Zambia) | John Mbaji (Kenya) | Isaac Kawanga (Zambia) | — |
| Women’s Sparring | Ruvylyn Alcosero (Philippines) | Yusrallah Abdulrahem (Nigeria) | Elrose Tumanda (Philippines) | Jinnefer Bertulfo (Philippines) |
With participation numbers steadily increasing, the Kenya Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation is considering extending the championship beyond its current three-day format.
“As the event continues to grow, we will increase the number of competition days so that we can accommodate everyone,” said Federation President Clarence Mwakio.
Mwakio revealed that 37 Tong-Il Moo-Do academies have already been established across various counties, reflecting the sport’s rapid growth at the grassroots level.
“This tournament has brought life to sports tourism by creating employment, promoting cultural exchange and placing Mombasa on the global sports map,” he added.
The sport’s rising popularity across Africa was also underscored by Zambia Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation President Kouame Dieudonne, who urged African governments to support the discipline, citing its potential to nurture discipline, leadership and positive social values among youth.
As the curtains closed on the 12th Mombasa Open, Kenya’s Jasiri team once again stood tall—champions on home soil and a clear signal that the country remains a dominant force in international Tong-Il Moo-Do.
About The Author
