Shihan Samson Muripo - 6th Dan (born 5 May 1978) is a Zimbabwean two-time World Kyokushin Karate Champion. Samson Muripo became the first black African Kyokushin World Champion in Osaka, Japan 2009.[1]
Samson Muripo | |
---|---|
Born | Chimanimani, Zimbabwe | 5 May 1978
Other names | Shihan Muripo |
Style | Kyokushin Karate |
Rank | 6th Dan Shihan |
Website | www.sokyokushin.org.zw |
Samson Muripo was born in Chishiri Village in Chimanimani. He started training Karate in 1993 at Ndima Government High School.[1]
In Japan 2009, Muripo won gold at the 1st World Cup Open Karate Tournament in Osaka, after defeating Japanese champion Kikuyama Yasumichi in the final match • Zimbabwe’s ANSA 2009 and 2017 Sportsperson, Sportsman of the year 2009, 2013 and 2017 • Experienced trainer in mental and physical coordination • Skilled team and individual motivator • Team player • Dedicated to grassroots and international karate development • High regard for professionalism • Successful Trainer of Trainers • Successful local and regional karate event organizer • Sport Ethics – Zimbabwe Olympic Committee Coaching Certificate – 2019. • Train the Trainers - Zimbabwe Olympic Committee Coaching Certificate – 2015. .[2]
In 2021 a documentary series about his karate career was announced, it was produced by Yakontent.[3][4] Accodring to the Zimbabwe Sports and Recreation Commission he is a 6th Dan Black Belt (ROKUDAN) in Kyokushin.[5]
Muripo is the Branch Chief for the Zimbabwe So-Kyokushin Karate - Do Organization https://www.sokyokushin.net/wp/wp-content/themes/sokyokushin/world_samson.html,[6] Africa Development Officer for the International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan:[7] World So-Kyokushin, council member in the International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan: World So-Kyokushin, council member in the Zimbabwe Karate Union (Style representative), council member in the Harare Metropolitan Province Karate Association (style representative) and he is also a qualified technical Dan examiner.[8]
He has organized local Kyokushin Karate tournaments and seminars. He organized the first International So-Kyokushin Karate Championship on July the 22nd of 2017 at The Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza.[9] He also organized the continental championships in 2015 and 2016.[10] Shihan Muripo has also been active in attaining sponsorships for Zimbabwe from Arosume Property Development and Dr. Mnaba.[11]
Shihan Muripo has medals in competitions he participated in.[12] He was also named Zimbabwe’s Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA) Sportsperson of the years 2009 and 2017,[13] and Sportsman of the year 2009; 2013 and 2017.[14] In 2018, he came second at the Zimbabwe Annual National Sports Awards.[15]