By Aderonke Ojo
The 2nd Edition of the Open Martial Arts Training Seminar (MATS) successfully concluded in Abuja, bringing world-class instruction and cross-disciplinary collaboration to the local martial arts community. The event was hosted by Classical Martial Arts Inc., the Aikido Universal Association of Nigeria, and Ideology’s Concept Initiative (ICI).
The two-day seminar, held at the MO Sports Arena in Wuse Zone 5, was led by internationally acclaimed Master Trainer Hanshi Tomasz Guja (9th Dan Black Belt), President of the World Sports Jujitsu Organization (WSJO) and four-time World Champion in Sport Jujitsu Free Style Fighting Format. His visit provided Nigerian martial artists rare access to advanced technical guidance and high-level instruction.
The seminar attracted approximately 75 participants, including 55 adults and 20 children, representing a variety of martial arts disciplines. The event promoted unity and collaboration, with practitioners focusing on technical refinement, combat efficiency, and body mechanics.
Notable attendees bridging multiple martial arts disciplines included:Shihan Victor Ephraim (Aikido), Sifu Patrick Light (Wushu Kung Fu), Sensei Abdulrahman Ejeba (Judo) with Sensei Allan Essien,Shihan Ehis Noah (Nigerian Karate Black Belt College), Sensei Bobby Ogene, Technical Director of FCT Karate.
Others are Sir Akin Thompson, Chairman of CMA Board,Sifu Kabir Karim, Vice Chairman of CMA Board,Ambassador God’s Gift Diedonne, Diplomatic Expert,Coach Ibrahim Omale of TNT Basketball Club and his coaching team
The inclusion of basketball coaches underscored the universal value of martial arts principles, including agility, balance, coordination, resilience, mental toughness, functional defence, and mental conditioning.
The seminar curriculum focused on practical applications of traditional martial arts techniques. A highlight of the event was the integration of mental conditioning alongside physical training. Each day included a 10-minute meditation session titled “Warriors-at-Ease,” designed to cultivate inner peace and reinforce the idea that true martial proficiency requires balance between physical discipline and emotional intelligence.
A dedicated session for 20 children taught practical self-protection skills for real-life situations, including:Escaping from hand grips, Breaking free from bear hugs,Proper pelvic tilts for balance and power, Situational awareness and confidence-building drills
The focus was on awareness, control, and self-confidence rather than aggression, equipping children with tools to protect themselves responsibly while fostering discipline and self-esteem.
“The presence of Hanshi Guja marks a significant milestone for our local community,” said Sensei Femi Johnson, Chief Instructor of CMA and National Coach for WSJO Nigeria. “By bridging Nigerian practitioners with global WSJO standards, we are raising training quality and fostering an environment where martial artists can develop both their self-defence skills and inner peace.”
The 2nd Annual MATS demonstrates Classical Martial Arts’ commitment to promoting holistic discipline, functional fitness, and high-level technical skill, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in the global martial arts community.
About Classical Martial Arts: Based in Abuja, Classical Martial Arts is a premier organization dedicated to high-level training in functional self-defence, traditional arts such as Karate, Aikido, and Judo, and the cultivation of mind-body discipline.
