Africa-Press – Angola. Rui Falcão, the Minister of Youth and Sports, was honored in the 2024–25 Martial Arts Hall of Fame, which recently took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
This recognition highlights Angola’s success in major international combat sports, particularly in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Karate-Do, Judo, and Kung-Fu.
According to a note from the Ministry of Youth and Sports received on Thursday in Luanda, the minister was not the only one honored. Armando Diogo was also recognized for his work as president of the Angolan MMA Federation, and Mauro Fortes was elected the first Grand Master (GM) and 10th Dan of “Wing Chun.”
Under Diogo’s leadership, the Angolan MMA team has achieved remarkable results, most notably topping the world rankings and winning several African and world championships.
He is the mentor and leader of the social project “Crime Zero,” which uses MMA to prevent delinquency among young people. This project is recognized by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) as an example of social innovation.
Active since 1984, Mauro Fortes receives a distinction awarded only to practitioners with long careers, absolute technical mastery, and proven contributions to the expansion and preservation of the art.
He has dedicated more than three decades to teaching, training instructors, and promoting “Wing Chun” (a style of Kung Fu) internationally, establishing himself as one of the most influential figures in the discipline in Angola and the diaspora.
Lastly, Edgar Leandro was recognized as one of the great promoters of martial arts in Angola.
He is an active public figure who has represented Angola at international forums. There, he has addressed topics such as ethical reforms in Angolan sports, including the Anti-Doping Law.
Minister Rui Falcão stated that the tribute is a historic achievement that honors Angola, inspires the youth, and puts the country on the world map of martial arts.
Falcão said that Mauro Fortes’s distinction, particularly his title of Grand Master and 10th Dan — the highest rank in “Wing Chun” — represents national pride and a milestone for the continent. Fortes is the first African practitioner to reach this level.
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