It can help improve strength, speed, agility, and overall fitness. Copyright @2019 Afroculture.net All right reserved. December 14th, live from Dakar, Senegal, one of the greatest Senegalese Wrestling Champions ever will get to also punch people in the face. As countries progressed, they kept on to some of these traditions, most notably the original grappling arts. Module 12: Senegalese Wrestling M12.2 Senegalese Wrestling: The Basics Traditional Wrestling Type of folk wrestling Practiced in West Africa, many countries that are former French or British colonies Popularity of Traditional Wrestling In West Africa, most popular sport both to practice and to watch Soccer is the second-most popular sport National sport of Senegal CNN . It's being overshadowed by a very popular, modern professional wrestling. Some names of champions: Manga II, Mor Fadam, and the famous Tyson (Mouhamed Ndao), Balla Beye 1 & 2, Falaye Bald, Bombardier, Eumeu Sene, Manga 2, etc. The goal here is to push your opponent outside of the ring. A former national champion once crowned 'King of the Arenas,' Sene is hoping to make a comeback in his match against a fighter known as Lac 2. It provides entertainment and exercise, and offers young men dreams of fame and fortune. The techniques involved can cause serious injuries if not used properly. A procession of marabouts accompanied the combatants. Also, popular as football, it attracts many spectators and lots of young athletes. },{ He has since returned to Senegal to document wrestling matches across the country. Why do we not keep ourselves anchored whilst also opening ourselves up to the rest of the world?. Senegalese wrestling sensation Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane promises 'I will do whatever to win' on his ONE Championship debut against Hong Kong's Alain Ngalani in Singapore. . Wrestling in the West African nation is a centuries-old tradition rooted in harvest festivals and draws a fanatical following. Wrestling rivals football for popularity in Senegal. Its easy to write off the gris-gris rituals as a mere performance piece. Manage Settings Its not, as one might suspect, a love of football, but a deep and profound appreciation of bare-basics .css-16acfp5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#d2232e;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-16acfp5:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:yellow;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}wrestling. Training has resumed after a year of coronavirus-related restrictions that had stopped them from practising their sport. The young men learn about society, hierarchy, and the fundamental differences between the traditional roles of men and women. Did you encounter any technical issues? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Remember, the goal is to knock down your opponent, not to injure him or yourself of course. There are whole communities build around this sport, which is still a huge part of Sudanese culture. 07:04 - Source: CNN. The following text was written by photographer Laurent Gudin, and is available with the images. Lo hasnt forgotten his roots as one of 60,000 practicing wrestlers in the capital alone. Today wrestling is without a doubt the most popular sport in Senegal, says Thiandoum. It can be done together, fishing and wrestling, because its not professional fishing in big boats, just fishing to feed your family and have a little bit money, so it can be done with wrestling. Its specificity is that one can give punches to the face and the body like boxing. This one though resembles Japanese Sumo wrestling rather than western wrestling. A ring is a not strictly necessary. At the highest, stadium-packing level of La Lutte, each wrestler will spend a vast amount of money on amassing an entourage of shamans and religious teachers known as marabouts. First they must go through a wrestling boot camp, each hoping to be one of only two who will be allowed to enter into competition with a neighboring village. Signs of outside influence are apparent too in the wrestlers clothing; men perform gris-gris rituals in tech sportwear next to those in traditional costume. The sticks were typically made of wicker or bamboo and were approximately 4 foot in length. Mark Hann. In the Cajun communities of Louisiana, they are thought to ward off ill-fortune. This means that athletes get endorsements, high-profile matches even hefty paydays if theyre amongst the best. Senegal is traditionally the only West African country to allow blows with the hand, but today its fighters practise Luttee Traditionnelle both avec and sans frappe (hits). Theres more work to be done and investment to be ploughed into wrestling before that can be done, suggests Sarr: We need to strengthen our roots before opening ourselves up. They also make sure to drink plenty of water and juice to stay hydrated. Traditional wrestling is more than the sole individual that wrestles. Apart from the Flag of the Head of State a national wrestling tournament dedicated to the head of state and bringing together wrestlers from all regions of the country which is organised by the National Management Committee (the body responsible for the administration of wrestling), traditional wrestling is absent from the countrys cultural policy projects and programmes. On his journey through Africa Charlie Uldahl Christensen comes to the Senegalese village Sokone at the beginning of a wrestling cup. In the cities it feels very serious; police protect the fighters. Traditional wrestling is part of Senegals cultural heritage, encompassing social integration and education, but its true form is dying out. The journalist argues Senegalese wrestling is more spectacular than its Japanese counterpart Sumo, and says theres no reason the West African nation cant export the sport and utilize it as a tourist attraction. The aim of baccou is to intimidate his opponent by singing his prowess and seducing the public. Being a fisherman wasnt going to be his destiny. [Wrestling] generates a huge amount of respect from the Senegalese, says Sports Minister Mata Ba which means that when a top wrestler speaks, a nation listens. Like Sene, many wrestlers go by evocative nicknames, such as 'John Cena', after the American professional wrestler; or simply, 'Building'. Furthermore, when that grappling art helps both men and women build a future for themselves by grappling, it has even more weight to it. But, with the entry of combat sports practices (boxing), its not as easy. AUF (Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie) apporte un financement en tant que membre adhrent de TheConversation FR. The sport is called 'Lamb' in Wolof, the native language of the Wolof . The combat sport became a vocation, with sons coming home to their mothers with more than just bruises. newsletter, Israel Adesanya Walkouts to Knockouts T-Shirt, Eddie Alvarez vs. Chad Mendes full fight video highlights, Mike Perry vs. Luke Rockhold full fight video highlights. Typically, a match will last no longer than the 90 seconds it takes a skilled fighter to upend a challenger, to the delight of the crowd. You can get a lot of money with Senegalese wrestling they pay well, said Kane, who added wrestling stars make more money compared to MMA beginners. Xi Jinping, on a state visit to Senegal, symbolically handed Macky Sall the keys of the national arena of Pikine wrestling, during a ceremony marked by a wrestling matches and dancing. We might not have been completely aware of how big a deal Laamb wrestling is in Senegal. This community rallies all its forces around a single character the wrestlers as its representative. These are Senegals elite sportsmen, local heroes training for their next grandstand performance. A full edit of 111 images available on request. It has been practiced for centuries and is considered a national sport. Its composed of many different forms of combat, says Thiandoum. Traditional wrestling plays an important role in much of Senegalese society and is one of the countrys national sports. The match is won by either forcing the opponent to submit or making them touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet. But Senegal's fans have been deprived of the spectacle since the onset of the pandemic last year when the government banned wrestling matches and training sessions in professional stables. Its a fight like all fights, Kane said. After beating Gaye 2, he started crying. Firstly, the fighters are allowed to use their hands and feet to attack their opponent. Given that it is the creed of civilization, it would be presumptuous to think taht there are no grappling arts that originate there as well. Evala is a style of grappling thats pretty similar to western wrestling. As popular as football, the Senegalese wrestlingarouses a real enthusiasm throughout the country. Bare knuckle punching to the opponent's face and body is also allowed at higher levels. The crowds decision is one of the three ways in which a Laamb wrestling match can end. If you can afford to go to America then you really are someone.. The atmosphere in the bigger stadiums is febrile, he says. Today, this sport has become a real institution, a rewarding business, which stimulates all Senegalese. Maybe people like what Im doing, all the effort Im doing right now. Indeed, it takes place in particular in the regions of Casamance, Ziguinchor and Sine-Saloum. It can be slow, silent, fast, jerky, fiery. Before a big stadium fight, the reigning champions will walk around performing rituals with their marabouts. Traditional wrestling is mostly practised in rural areas where its not just a sport, it has a profound social and cultural role. In this west African country, wrestling is not just a sport, but a chance at a better life. For the sports superstars the rewards can be huge, with the biggest names earning up to $200,000 per contest. For sports-mad Senegal, wrestling was nonetheless seen as an errant pastime for hulking amateurs, sneered at as an indicator of poor social standing. However, with the rise of MMA and the success of impressive fighters like Oumar Kane, there is a growing interest in its popularity and the desire to learn Senegalese wrestling. So many boys are waiting, training night and day.. When I was going to school, for a small time I continued and tried to go do fishing job. 1960s, Colonizers disliked wrestling because it was a Senegalese tradition and they wanted to promote their own culture. What I do know is that it has given me a lot of opportunities, he says. . Senegals climate is too hot for wrestling during the day, with matches taking place at dusk, illuminated by the glow of electric mosquito traps. But as Bobst looked on, something entirely unexpected unfolded. Known as lute or laamb, at the end of the harvest season, after months of hard labor, youths would wrestle to prove their talent and intelligence and hopefully attract the attention of a suitor. Senegalese wrestling is a physically demanding sport that requires a lot of discipline and training. This sport, which allowed the departure to designate the champion of a village. In most of Africa, football reigns supreme among sports, but in Senegal wrestling challenges it for popularity. Inflaming the passions, many Senegalese reserve their seats in the arena to see their favorite wrestlers. Your Glossary of Confusing Fitness Terminology, Founders of Represent & WIT on Collaborative Power, MH Meets Top UK HYROX Athlete, Michael Sandbach, The 24 Best Bucket List Adventures In the World, Man vs Food: We Look Into The Rise Of The Bro Diet, I Wore A Glucose Monitor For A Month & Lost 2kg, How MH Squad's Leon Went From Couch To Ultra, Surfer Laird Hamilton on Making Big Waves at 58, The Hallucinogenic Ayahuasca Drink Making Waves, Men's Health, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network. The aim of baccou is to intimidate his opponent by singing his prowess and seducing the public. Today, this sport has become as popular as football. Tyson, Mor Fadam, Manga II, Balla Beye 1 & 2, these names of wrestlers have marked the stars of the Senegalese wrestling and still unleash today the passions and cries of joy. In the Oussouye area, in particular, Laamb is huge among women, and this region yields the most champions, and even Olympic representatives. Alongside this ritual dance, called a bkk, fighters will inhale holy smoke and release pigeons, believed to bring even more luck. The aim of Senegalese wrestling is to get the opponent either on his back or on all fours. Nuba wrestling is a martial art that's also based on grappling. But despite their dedication, even the best fighter considers his preparation futile without the protection of the most important component: gris-gris magic. It creates a story, encouragement, speaking directly to the wrestler, but also to all the participants. Tyson is a colossus of more than 1m98, with 130kg of muscles which has become a true example for all Senegalese youth. Additionally, wrestlers are held in high esteem in Senegalese society and are often considered role models. The recent influx of money into the sport may be a new and strange phenomenon in La Lutte. The bout between Ykini, left, and Balla Gaye 2 riveted fans of laamb, as the sport is known in Senegal. Its believed that a champion who cuts himself off from his group loses part of his strength. It made Eumeu so angry that he won the match. Whether youre looking for the Best Grappling and jiu-jitsu Gear, DVDs, instructional, etc. There are two forms of Senegalese wrestling(Laamb en Wolof). African countries began gaining their independence in the 1960s. Its particularly important within the Joola community, in southern Senegal, and the Serer community in central Senegal. Discovery Company. It isnt like football hooliganism, but people do lose their minds sometimes. Balla Gaye vs Gray Boy Niang 2. For the next generation of aspiring fighters, the bar is set high and its difficult to imagine that those lucky enough to escape poverty and make a career from fighting will resist the lure of America. "Right now, I need another job to get by," he said. But despite the turmoil, an unlikely shared passion runs the length and breadth of the continent. Its a very paranoid system, he says. The sports and culture ministries must invest in preserving and highlighting Senegalese traditional society, including traditional wrestling. dates. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Senegalese wrestling (Laamb en Wolof) is a popular, traditional sport from Senegal. Updated Ten burly Senegalese wrestlers raise a chant, singing "Mother, pray for us," while jogging up and down a sandy field by the Atlantic Ocean. It is important to learn the techniques from a certified instructor and always practice carefully, preferably on a soft surface like a mat, or sand, as practiced in Senegal. Wealthier and more successful athletes will be able to acquire the most sought-after spiritual talent. Where did you participate in one of these fights? Mbapps masterful performance against Argentina. 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In 2015, Bobst documented a sell-out fight between Balla Gaye 2 and Eumeu Sene at the 30,000-capacity Demba Diop football stadium in Dakar. pic.twitter.com/viATj8FT89, Raised in a fishermens village just outside Dakar, Kane was always tied to combat sports since early age. A procession of marabouts accompanied the combatants. "We are very careful about strangers," he explained, adding that some spells can render fighters lazy or dizzy. Formerly, it was enough to be well built to be a good wrestler. The wrestlers stamps, over the years, reach 30 to 50 million FCFA. God gave us all attributes, he told CNN. It requires training and meditation; your mindset is important. Throughout the 54 African nations, no form is as popular or as intrinsic to its countrys way of life, as Senegals historic national sport, known in the native Wolof language as Laamb or, in French, as La Lutte Sngalaise (Senegalese fighting). There are no matchups as people just go in and grab an opponent, or wrestlers walk around strutting until someone accepts their challenge. Traditional wrestling is part of Senegal's cultural heritage, encompassing social integration and education, but its true form is dying out. (AFP) One of the rising stars of traditional Senegalese wrestling, Moussa Diop has been driven off the beaches of Dakar, where he usually trains, and behind closed doors by the . As popular as football, the Senegalese wrestlingarouses a real enthusiasm throughout the country. Historically, Laamb wrestling was used in a festival fashion to celebrate harvests. When a fighters back touches the ground, the fight is over and hes lost. The salaries can reach 30 to 50 million FCFA for the fighters of the category heavy vehicles. Africa is a continent that is full of different experiences, to say the least. All rights reserved. Ousmane Ba ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possde pas de parts, ne reoit pas de fonds d'une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n'a dclar aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche. He is a Senegalese wrestler par excellence from 1995 to 2002. As their celebrity grows, wrestlers are also demanding and receiving higher pay for their performance. "acceptedAnswer": { In fact, the crowd might influence the match to the point of deciding the winner. Many of the fighters competing at the top level believe their street cred is improved by temporarily relocating to Europe or the US to train. What are the rules of the Senegalese wrestling? It is a cornerstone of Senegalese culture, and the country's wrestlers are some of the best in the world. 7:47 AM EDT, Tue March 13, 2012. It is a sport that's spread out across Africa and even includes punching in certain areas. There are drums and music. Traditional wrestling is mostly practised in rural areas where it's not just a sport, it has a profound social and cultural role. Each fighter has an assistant to watch over his amulets. Some people were watching it before, so everybody is happy now because they have myself, [KSW heavyweight Serigne Ousmane [Dia] Bombardier, so many younger boys are now training in the club where I train in Dakar. "text": "Senegalese wrestlers are typically quite large and often weigh in at around 200 pounds." "@type": "Question", Wrestling in traditional society was a sign of the vitality of a particular community. Other times theyll carry each other as they run. Did you encounter any technical issues? Each fighter is afraid that an opponent could have more spiritual support, so they try to hire as many marabouts as possible to ensure that they win., Traditionally, gris-gris refers to amulets made by the marabouts. Eveline Diatta, 41, Marie-Thrse's daughter, was one of the first women wrestlers to represent Senegal internationally, and is currently head coach of the women's team. There are five separate bouts on Sunday's fight card . Whatever weapon is used hand, elbow, knee, or an opponents own bodyweight the winner is the first to throw his adversary to the ground by lifting him up and over. Bobst is quick to point out that these practices are in no way cartoonish. Young men who attend the Ecurie Dakar Plateau school for traditional Senegalese wrestling train in a schoolyard in Dakar, Senegal. Senegalese wrestling is a sport not to be missed. Wrestlers typically avoid eating heavy, fatty foods that can slow them down and make them feel sluggish. For those that are more in tune with grappling martial arts, catch-wrestling, Sumo, Luta-Livre, Pankration, and others might also feature. Lastly, traditional Senegalese wrestling is considered a contact sport, whereas other forms of wrestling are not. Some people have difficulties, problems. The rules of Senegalese wrestling are quite simple. But the positives of professionalism extend way beyond these wrestlers bank accounts. Incorporating boxing techniques, it is called fight with strikes. Eumeu Sene turned up late and was very angry and aggressive. Sunday's fight will take place in front of 10,000 spectators, the stadium at half its capacity to try to avert coronavirus infections. Originals 09:59. The techniques in Senegalese wrestling are also very similar to techniques seen in catch wrestling and other folk styles. Frank vs Forza. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Senegalese wrestling is the national sport of Senegal. It is now necessary to possess athletic, technical, mental and tactical qualities. Senegal's biggest wrestling stars can earn up to $200,000 per contest. Aside from this, it was practised as a recreational sport. The age group: this represents young people of the same age. It is this discipline that has succeeded in capturing the attention of the Senegalese public. Head to the beach at twilight in Dakar, Senegal and youre sure to witness a ruckus. While wrestling is similar to western traditions, the training is more like ancient Sparta. Theyre not just part of a costume, says Bobst. They read about their competitors salaries in daily papers such as the Sunu Lamb, which reports exclusively on Senegalese wrestling, and start to form a sense of their commercial worth, accurate or otherwise. On 14 May, a fight resulted in between 80 and 200 million FCFA. Senegalese wrestling (Laamb en Wolof) is a popular, traditional sport from Senegal. This one is native to Sudan, more precisely the southern parts of the country. But, with the entry of combat sports practices (boxing), its not as easy. It means some people depend on you. He says: The way we dress is to show harmony we dress for the fight and we become different. In the sense of martial arts, the oldest continent also has a lot to offer. The more traditional, hands-free version is reserved for local village matches, while stadium fights routinely feature devastating jabs and punches. Two-time GLORY light heavyweight champion Artem Vakhitov is officially making the transition to MMA in June. Together these communities make up about 18% of the countrys population. This grappling art is now so developed it is an international competitive sport. Walking dumbbell/barbell lunges.--. Wrestling training schools exist for all young boys, and through it adults measured the boys courage, their will to win and their spirit of self-sacrifice. Specifically, when the wrestlers head, back, buttocks touch the floor, fall out of the circle, or have four supports (two hands and two knees). It is now necessary to possess athletic, technical, mental and tactical qualities. It has opened doors for me because I am able to take care of myself and my family and especially to help the young people in the community.. I want the fight to finish quickly., Reug Reug RUMBLES in his ONE debut with a first-round stoppage of Alain Ngalani! Finally, theres the referees decision which is a tie-break, meaning nobody wins.
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