The African origins of martial arts offer a compelling narrative of ancient combat systems deeply intertwined with culture, spirituality, and history. African Martial Arts like all other martial arts has evolved from other styles of combat. Some styles are based on grappling while others involve striking with or without weapons. Some of these martial arts play an important part in society with organized competitive bouts that are watched by thousands. Many of the African martial arts were developed out of peoples need to protect themselves and their town or tribe. Today these martial arts are now practiced in organized competition or just for fun among friends.
Zulu stick fighting is one of the African martial arts exclusive to the men of a tribe originating from the Bantu people of southern Africa used in battle, self-defense, ceremonies and recreation. Musangwe is a bare knuckle style of Boxing that is practiced in South Africa by the Venda people for hundreds of years. Engolo is another of the African martial arts that developed in South Angola, near to the Cunene river. This martial art is thought to be an initiation for youngsters from tribes in the surrounding region. Many of the moves are reminiscent of the Brazilian art of Capoeira. Dambe, hailing from West Africa, particularly Nigeria, is a traditional form of boxing that incorporates strikes and grappling techniques. It is often performed as part of cultural festivals and celebrations. Besua is a wrestling style from Cameroon, central Africa which emerged in Cameronian ancient history as a battle between two men Ngominga & Malobe representing their villages over land disputes, a choice over taking up arms and causing bloodshed.
The 'Donga', or stick fight, is practised by Suri tribesmen in Ethiopia at the end of each harvest. It combines combat with ritual and sport and aims to get young men used to bloodshed - which leaders believe comes in handy if they clash with other tribes. Another martial art that is gaining popularity is laamb, or Senegalese wrestling, from West Africa which started as a recreational pastime for farmers and fishermen exchanging goods. Istunka is a Somalian fighting style that uses sticks today but was once popular for its use of armor and lethal weapons. Sudanese wrestling, or Nuba wrestling, takes place during farming festivals. Matches are traditionally a community event, passed down by champions. Tahtib (or Tahteeb) is an ancient Kemetic Martial Art practiced for more than 5000 years. There are murals and small ceramics with drawing of people practicing the art during the Fatimid Era (909–1171 A.D.). Several other engravings on archaeological sites show how it has been used as a tool of warfare for generations.
References
1. Michael B. Poliakoff, Combat Sports in the Ancient World: Competition, Violence, and Culture Sports and History Series, Yale University Press (1987).
2. Thomas A. Green, Joseph R. Svinth (eds.), Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation, 2010, two volumes: vol. 1: 'Regions and Individual Arts', ISBN 9781598842449; vol. 2: 'Themes', ISBN 9781598842432.
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