Here it is everyone! The final installment of the Art of Fighting series. For this last article, we will be talking about the fighting styles of the Oceania region and Africa!
1. Dambe
A form of bareknuckled boxing from West Africa, Dambe is traditionally dominated by the Hausa people butcher caste. What makes the fighting style rather unique is that fighters only use their primary hand for striking, leaving the secondary hand for blocking. Since Dambe had roots in both practical tribal warfare and wrestling, the rules and terminology are quite interesting. Despite the aforementioned one handed rule (which is called the "spear"), kicks are also allowed (in addition to the lead leg being chained. The goal of Dambe is to knock your opponent to the ground (this referred to as "killing" him in Dambe). A close knit guild of fighters is even often referred to as an "army."
2. Moraingy
Another bareknuckled fighting style, this time from Madagascar, Moraingy was originally used so that village elders could judge and test the skills of the youth. Punches (and some kicks) are allowed. Matches last only one round and ends when a fighter leaves the arena, passes out, cannot defend him or herself properly or one of the fighters is seriously injured. Despite the competitiveness, both competitors are cheered on by the crowd.
3. Kapu Kuialua
A fighting style native to Hawaii, Kapu Kuialua is an armed and unarmed martial art. Style focuses on punching, grappling, and joint locks. It also has several traditional weapons that one can use, such as the shark tooth paddles, staves, slings, daggers and oars. Yes, you read that right. Training methods include catching spears, training near the surf, and spiritual components, such as focusing one's mana (life force).
4. Coreeda
Coreeda is an Australian style of folk wrestling developed during the precolonial era. It literally translates to "kangaroo spirit" as the hopping jumps and clinch holds are similar to kangaroo fighting. Like most other styles of folk wrestling, it is often practiced during festival times. The philosophy of Coreeda promotes competition against wrestlers of different styles, as it is said that it helps promote world peace.
And this concludes the the Art of Fighting series! I hope that you all enjoyed the series as I did writing it!
