Different Types of Martial Arts

The Suri are a seminomadic people whose livelihood revolves around herding cattle. Each Suri male carries a long stick much like a bo staff —known as a “donga”— as he walks through the bush and tends to his cows.

The Suri people view themselves as warriors, and stick fighting plays a crucial part in their culture. It is also a major spectator sport. Huge crowds gather to watch the contests, which generally occur after the rainy season when food is plentiful and energy levels among the tribe are high. It is common for around 20 to 30 fighters from each side to participate, taking it in turns to fight one-on-one.

Bloodshed is common—the only rule of combat is not to kill your opponent—and the atmosphere is highly volatile. The violence often erupts beyond the arena and, with a firearms readily available in the region, shootings among spectators are becoming an increasingly common problem at these events.

Nguni Stick Fighting

Developed to teach self-defense and tribal warfare techniques to teenage herdboys, Nguni stick fighting is an often brutal sport. The original Zulu fighting system, it is said to have been practiced by Nelson Mandela as a child.

Fighters use two sticks like bo staffs—one for attack and one for defense—and a small cowhide shield to parry and block attacks. The objective is for each combatant to strike his opponent until he falls to the ground, or surrenders, or until first blood is drawn. Strength, agility, and the ability to take pain are the ultimate defining characteristics that allow fighters to win stick battles, and training for the art, though varied, always aims to engender these qualities. Over the years fighters develop rhythm, timing, speed, and an enhanced spacial awareness that helps them to block incoming attacks.

In recent years, the sport has become more codified, with regular competitions, rules, and safety procedures in place. As such, it has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity.

Sayokan

Founded by Nihat Yigit, sayokan is a hybrid martial art of Turkish origin that combines various elements of Shaolin kung fu, tae kwon do, and kyokushin karate.

The system describes itself as a reformist art and, alongside technical, physical movements, incorporates two separate training programs, known as “bravery program A” and “bravery program B.” This interesting addition to the art helps participants to develop physical and mental confidence, along with resilience and determination.

The first training program (“A”) places emphasis on the participants’ ability to respond to attacks, and is performed without the protection of pads or body armor, usually in five-minute fighting bouts. The second program (“B”) is a 108-hour martial arts course, including one-on-one and multiple-opponent sparring. Martial Arts Weapons are usually introduced at this level, and successful candidates achieve a black belt (1st Dan).

Yagh Gures

Also known as “Turkish oil wrestling,” yagh gures is a wrestling art in which wrestlers, known as “pehlivan” (which means “hero”), cover their bodies with olive oil, thus making it more difficult for their opponents to apply holds and locks.

Before entering the ring, the wrestlers oil each other as a mark of respect and to demonstrate friendship and harmony. If a younger man competes and is victorious over an older man, he kisses the older man’s hand, a common sign of respect in Turkish communities.

A victory is achieved when a wrestler manages to hold down his opponent in a position from which it is reasonable to expect him not to be able to extricate himself.

Traditionally, this ancient wrestling art had no time limits, and it was not uncommon for matches to last up to two days in length. Today, wrestling bouts are stopped at between 30-40 minutes, depending on region or category.

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