Combat Sports in Africa – Details, episodes & analysis

After 60+ episodes since late 2021, Combat Sports in Africa is taking a deliberate hiatus to reset and reshape what’s next. Thank you to every guest, collaborator, and listener across Africa and every continent — we’ll be back.

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A quick Combat Sports in Africa update from Wuxi, China, where African athletes made their mark at the 2025 World Taekwondo Championships. Tunisia’s Wafa Masghouni and Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi, along with Egypt’s Seif Eissa, all struck gold.

Check out the full results on the official World Taekwondo website, and read the feature “Wafa takes seamless step from junior to senior world champion.”

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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we dive into United World Wrestling’s Regional Educational Development and Training Program (REDT), which took place in Pretoria, South Africa. This impactful initiative brought together athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators from eight nations—South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Nigeria, Ecuador, and Zambia—for a week of training, coaching, and competition. From youth development to elite-level courses and tournaments, this event played a crucial role in expanding wrestling’s reach across the region.

Tune in to hear key insights from participants and why programs like these are essential for the sport’s future in Africa.

Read the full article: https://uww.org/article/redt-south-africa-exchange-cooperation-grow-wrestling-region 

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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we spotlight Wisdom Boxing Gym in Accra, Ghana. Legendary Coach Ofori Asare shares his approach to developing elite boxers and reflects on his Lifetime Achievement Award. Rising star Theophilus Lopez Allotey discusses winning the National Super Flyweight Title, his journey from amateur to professional, and his upcoming fight this Friday, January 31. Plus, Sarah Asare highlights the gym’s impactful social media presence.

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In this first episode of 2025, we spotlight the African Union Sports Council's "Keep Moving" campaign, an initiative dedicated to promoting safe, equitable, and inclusive sporting environments across Africa. We explore the challenges faced by women and girls in sports and the solutions presented in the AUSC Keep Moving toolkit.

Resources Mentioned:
📄 AUSC Keep Moving Toolkit Phase 1: sportscouncil.au.int/en/documents/2024-11-04/ausc-keep-moving-toolkit-phase-1

📢 Tegla Loroupe Joins the Campaign: sportscouncil.au.int/en/news/press-releases/2024-12-16/tegla-loroupe-joins-ausc-keep-moving-campaign-ambassador

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Join us as Dr. Tsegaye Degineh shares his thoughts on the JJIF World Championship 2024 in Greece, the introduction of Contact Ju-Jitsu, and his Ju-Jitsu seminar in Ethiopia. Learn about his efforts to support the development of grappling sports in Ethiopia.

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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we speak with 21-year-old judoka Akira Nakajima, who proudly represents Uganda on the international stage while training in Japan. Akira shares his experiences at his first Grand Slam, his goals for the Los Angeles Olympics, and his hopes for the growth of judo in Uganda. We also discuss the importance of support for athletes to train and compete globally. 

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In this episode of the Combat Sports in Africa podcast, we delve into the inspiring stories from the 2024 World Judo Championships Veterans held in Las Vegas. Over 1,100 athletes from 67 countries, aged 30 to over 70, showcased the unifying power of judo and the enduring spirit of competition. We shine a spotlight on Team Angola, whose remarkable enthusiasm and energy both on and off the tatami demonstrate the unyielding fire that still burns within these competitors. Their passion and determination motivate combat sports athletes and fans alike, highlighting the power of motivation and discipline at any age and ability.

Join us as we interview gold medalist Silva Luísa in the F8 women's under 63kg division and bronze medalist Ricardo José Boy in the M7 men's over 100kg division—an Angolan judo legend from the 1988 Seoul Olympics. We also speak with Hipolita Merino, Director of Marketing and Image for Team Angola's Veterans Judo Association. Tune in to hear their stories of perseverance and the vital role of support and encouragement in sports. Be sure to follow the Associação dos Veteranos de Judo de Angola on social media and visit avjangola.org to support their journey.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Combat Sports in Africa podcast for more compelling stories from the world of African combat sports.

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In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we talk with South Africa’s Kiara Fegen, the newly crowned 2024 IMMAF Lightweight World Champion. Kiara takes us through her journey at the World Championships in Uzbekistan, sharing the key moments and strategies that led to her dominant win in the 70.3 kg division.

From intense battles in the cage to the mindset and preparation that led to victory—Kiera shares her personal journey to becoming the 2024 Lightweight World Champion. 

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This episode of Combat Sports in Africa explores the debut of the World Taekwondo Virtual Championships in Singapore, where 120 athletes, including competitors from Rwanda and Lesotho, will test the limits of virtual combat. With VR tech at the forefront, Virtual Taekwondo is breaking new ground. Could virtual combat sports reshape sports engagement, accessibility, and popularity? Listen in as we dive into this exciting blend of technology and combat sports.

Links:
World Taekwondo Virtual Championships set for spectacular debut in Singapore
Virtual Taekwondo: A New Era Begins

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