In the south of Ethiopia one can find the Surma people many of whom still live a traditional lifestyle. A part of this culture includes includes "Donga" usually called Suri Stick Fighting. Below is a quote from Wikipedia:
"A sport and ritual the Suri take very seriously is ceremonial dueling with sticks. In most cases, this is engaged in by young men to get respect from their families and community. The fights usually take place between two villages during harvest time, draw large audiences, and start with 20 to 30 representatives of each side, all of whom get a chance to duel against someone from the other side. During these fights there are referees present to make sure the rules are being followed. It is not uncommon for stick fights to end within the first couple of hits, but at the same time deaths are not unheard of, especially from hits to the stomach." (Wikipedia - Public Domain) |
The main Somali martial art is Lagdin, a Jiu-Jitsu like form of wrestling that all kids learn...
Istunka and Dabshid are two pre-Islamic rituals. The former involves self-immolation, where people creepily beat themselves and let out blood. Dabshid on the other hand is a bonfire event. Both are practiced by farmers to appease spirits and improve future harvests. The Ajuraan Sultanate was Muslim and would not have originated these rituals. However, they would have just tolerated it or encouraged it; as States tend to do with whatever keeps the masses happy and busy. By Mahmud Sept. 2018 https://www.reddit.com/r/Somalia/comments/99rv0l/the_somali_martial_art_istunka/ Istunka tournament - a martial art festival practiced in the town of Afgooye, Somalia on the New Year. Traditionally they used real weapons combat gear, with battle-axes, swords and daggers but now for safety reasons use long sticks or batons.
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