Dambe Boxing is an ancient martial art and combat sport practiced by the Hausa people of northern Nigeria. The origin of this art is shrouded in mystery but resembles the style of boxing depicted in ancient Egyptian, Etruscan, and Minoan art featuring a bound fist and an open hand. Dambe represents a unique form of weaponized boxing where the dominant hand which is bound and wrapped into a club-like striking surface is called the ‘Mashi’ or spear and is used in powerful clubbing and thrusting strikes whereas the unbounded hand, ‘garkuwa’ or the shield, remains open and is used primarily for defensive actions, clinching, and grappling. In this class we will learn the fundamental guards, attacks, defenses of Dambe boxing, explore how these techniques relate to spear and shield, and discuss the connections between the Hausa and Egyptians. Equipment: Shield or Buckler Boxing gloves or something to wrap the hand Practice Spear or 4 ft to 6 ft staff
