Have you ever wondered if Africans have their own martial arts?

Well, it turns out we do.

Dambe is one of the oldest forms of combat in the World. It is an ancient form of fighting that is native to the northern parts of Nigeria but has roots that trace back to ancient Egypt.

Dambe is like African mixed martial arts but so much more intense and less “scripted” in its execution.

The primary weapon in Dambe is the fist of a warriors’ dominant hand, which is wrapped in rope and used for landing punches. The other hand is used for blocking and measuring distance. Competitors can also use their legs for kicking and sweeping.

Historically, Dambe was a means of preparing for war, and this legacy lives on today. The lead hand is referred to as ‘the spear’ and the unwrapped hand is called the shield. A knockdown or knockout is called a ‘kill’.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14Oze2pglcI

This sport is hosted in different parts of Nigeria and African Warriors majorly hosts this in Enugu, Kano, and Abuja

The African Warriors Fighting Championship is the home of African fighting. We showcase warriors competing in exciting bouts in indigenous African styles of combat such as Dambe and wrestling.

Watch a video of the top ten knockouts here.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ppjCQVC_Q8



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14Oze2pglcI

This one no be sport abeg. Na just matter of who get jazz pass. There's this guy that paralyzes his opponents with his punches. They (his opponents) will just lie down motionless until he crosses them by jumping over before they'll be able to stand