Shaolin Master, Bafuka canvasses collaboration among African Professional wrestlers

Renowned wrestling trainer and coordinator of the Brussels Young Wrestling Style (BYWS), Coach Nsimba Bafuka has advocated for collaboration among African countries in the upliftment of Pro Wrestling in the continent.

Coach Bafuka, also known in the wrestling world as ‘Shaolin Showman Colorado’ gave the advice at a one day international seminar on “The way forward for African Professional Wrestling”, organised by Pro Wrestling Africa (PWA) on Friday, July 18th 2025 in Lagos and held at the conference hall of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Surulere, Lagos.

Speaking at the seminar which had in attendance several wrestlers from Nigeria and other neighbouring countries as well as pro -wrestling stakeholders, the multi-talented Belgium-based coach of Congolese descent, said that having travelled to several African countries to observe the practice and administration of professional wrestling, there is need for African countries to work together and reinvigorate the sport.

” I’m really impressed with what I saw here today which gives me encouragement and hope that there’s no dull moment in Nigerian wrestling and I urge the wrestlers to keep the flag flying.

” But I.must appeal for collaboration between all the wrestling bodies and practitioners in the continent as is done in Europe and America in order to move the game to a higher pedestal.

Bafuka noted that though Africa is blessed with raw talented wrestlers waiting to be tapped into, lack of finance and corporate support as well as vibrant administration have been the snag in the wheel of progress

“There’s no doubt that Africa is blessed with raw talents in the mats man game but they need to come together and do things in common for the game to grow”, he stressed.

In his goodwill message at the seminar, the National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club who also doubles as Patron of Pro- Wrestling Africa Rev. ( Amb) Samuel Ikpea expressed happiness that the seminar is coming at a time when professional wrestling in the continent is undergoing a lot of transformation just as he commended the organisers for inviting a highly experienced professional and trainer as the Chief resource person.

He charged the wrestlers to.put all they were taught into practice as it will help boosts their career.

“It’s a thing of joy that this seminar is coming at this time when pro- wrestling Africa is leading the campaign for the revival of professional wrestling in the entire African continent and we all must support the initiative to succeed.

“The decision of the organisers to invite a world class wrestler and reputable trainer to handle the seminar is also commendable and I urge the wrestlers to.put whatever knowledge that’s impacted on them.into practice as it will help them improve their career”, he stated

In his opening remarks, Secretary General of Pro- Wrestling Africa, Olusesan Olukoya explained that they had to bring the ‘Shaolin Master’ from Belgium to enable West African wrestlers tap from his vast experience and knowledge to be in a better position to aspire for the top on the mats man game.

He expressed happiness with the collaboration between Pro-, Wrestling Africa and the Brussels Young Wrestling Styles (BYWS) which he said is already yielding positive result with two Nigerian wrestlers currently on Belgium under the card of the Brussels Young Wrestling Style.

Highlight of the seminar was the presentation of certificates to all the participants. An award was also presented to the ‘Shaolin Master by the board of Pro- Wrestling Africa.