Three-time Tong IL Moo Do heavyweight world champion Salma Ali hopes to host the first-ever All-women's Tong IL Moo Do National championships in Mombasa this coming August, with dates yet to be confirmed pending the mother federation's approval and the availability of financial resources.
Speaking exclusively to Radio Generation from Mombasa on Wednesday, Salma, who founded the first women's Tong IL Moo Do martial arts academy dubbed ' All Ladies Martial Arts Academy ' emphasized the need for women to get involved in sports either as a way of recreation or in pursuit of alternative careers.
"Most women in Mombasa and many other areas across the country are ignorant of their potential. Women are blessed with so much talent in different sports, but there is always something holding us back, " said Salma, who was feted by President William Ruto as a national Hero back in 2024.
According to the national Hero, the mother federation, Kenya Tong IL Moo Do Federation ( KTMF ) has been supportive of developing raw talents among women and young girl in Mombasa and across the country.
"I am having several talks and meetings with KTMF's President, Master Clarence Mwaki,o about my dream for this Championship, and if approved, then the next step is to seek financial support from our local government here in Mombasa County, corporates, and individuals who are well-wishers," said Salma.
The All Ladies Martial Arts Academy had two athletes selected for the concluded 2025 Mombasa Open Tong-IL-Moo Do Championships in December, where ten-year-old Zahra Hamisi won two bronze medals for Kenya's national team dubbed Jasiri, and 33-year-old Clara Fahy also won a bronze medal , but in the women's sparring, middle weight category of the same championships.
Salma is targeting 100 women from different martial arts clubs across the country, a number that includes newcomers and veterans, and if successful, then she dreams of opening up the East Africa borders to neighbouring countries and finally the continent.
Salma Ali's dream is a motivation of a woman's individual ability to rise above traditional, cultural, and societal norms, some of which have hindered socio-economic growth and development. For her, it's all about break such barriers and being an achiever.
