DAMBE
Dambe is an ancient form of boxing native to the Hausa people of northern Nigeria.
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’.
AFRICAN WARRIORS
DAMBE RULES
STRIKE ONLY WITH THE WRAPPED HAND
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WIN BY KNOCKOUT OR WHEN A FIGHTER IS RENDERED UNCONSCIOUS DUE TO STRIKES
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MAXIMUM OF 3,
5-MINUTE ROUNDS
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A ROUND IS IMMEDIATELY WON BY KNOCKING DOWN AN OPPONENT
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A FIGHTER'S HAND, KNEE OR BODY TOUCHING THE GROUND COUNTS AS A KNOCKDOWN
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IN THE EVENTUALITY OF THERE BEING NO CLEAR WINNER AFTER THREE ROUNDS, THE BOUT IS JUDGED BY THREE JUDGES
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WHEN THE REFEREE STOPS THE CONTEST BECAUSE A FIGHTER IS NOT ABLE TO DEFEND THEMSELVES
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FOULS INCLUDE LOW BLOWS AND UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT