PHOTOS: Kyokushin Master Kizito Mangaba leads three-day Karate Seminar for over 200 Rwandan Karateka

The International Budo Martial-Arts Alliance – Kyokushin Kenbukaikan International successfully conducted a three-day Kyokushin karate training seminar in Rwanda from March 4 to 8, 2026, aimed at strengthening martial arts skills and promoting discipline among local Karatekas.

The training, led by Kyokushin International Alliance Executive Director Simba Kizito Mangaba, a Namibian martial arts expert with a 7th Dan black belt, brought together more than 200 karate practitioners, including a new generation of karateka.

The seminar was organized in collaboration with SGI Sports Academy, under the leadership of Guy Rurangayire Didier, who was officially appointed as the event’s organizer by Kyokushin Kenbukaikan International, part of the International Budo Martial-Arts Alliance.

The training program included technical instruction, practical sessions, and a referees and judges course, all designed to improve the quality and professionalism of karate practice in Rwanda.

The International Budo Martial-Arts Alliance is a global organization dedicated to promoting several martial arts disciplines, including Kyokushin Karate, Japanese Ju-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Beyond technical training, the organization emphasizes character development and discipline, drawing inspiration from both traditional Japanese martial arts philosophy and values such as humility, respect, and personal integrity.

According to the organization, its mission also includes empowering young people and contributing to global peace through sports.

Speaking after the three-day seminar, Mangaba explained that the Budo martial arts network currently operates in 32 countries worldwide, including 13 countries in Africa, and is now expanding into Rwanda as its 14th African country.

He added that the organization had been planning for more than 13 years to introduce its training programs in Rwanda and expressed satisfaction that the initiative had finally become a reality.

Mangaba said he was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm and discipline demonstrated by Rwandan karate practitioners.

Initially expecting only a small number of participants, he instead encountered a large and committed karate community.

He praised the dedication of young Karatekas, highlighting their respect, discipline, and willingness to learn—qualities that are central to the philosophy of Budo martial arts.

The seminar focused on the Budo style of Kyokushin karate, which emphasizes close-contact combat techniques combined with strict adherence to discipline and moral values.

Participants received practical instruction on fighting techniques, physical conditioning, and the importance of maintaining respect and self-control during training and competition.

Meanwhile, Guy Rurangayire Didier, a local karate instructor who helped organize the seminar, welcomed the training opportunity, describing it as a significant step in the development of karate in the Country.

He explained that the seminar introduced athletes to full-contact Kyokushin karate, where fighters compete at close range using controlled punches and kicks while strictly following the principles of karate discipline.

He also emphasized that this style of karate could open new opportunities for young Rwandan Karatekas, noting that international competitions in Kyokushin can offer professional careers and financial for top performers.

He further highlighted Rwanda’s growing sports infrastructure and the support provided by institutions such as the Rwanda Karate Federation, saying these developments could help local Karatekas progress and compete successfully at the international level.

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