\u201cPlaying sticks\u201d is the literal translation of a form of African martial art known as Nguni Stick Fighting. This \u201ctraditional\u201d form of martial art is said to have originated in South Africa and belongs to the \u201cNguni\u201d community. Apparently, this form of martial art is commonly practiced by teenage \u201cherdboys\u201d belonging to the Nguni community within this southern African country. Furthermore, famously Nelson Mandela during his childhood is supposed to have acquired skills in this form of \u201cstick fighting\u201d.<\/p>\n
a. History\/origin of the Nguni Stick Fighting:<\/strong><\/p>\n According to the cultural history of southern Africa, this form of martial art has been developed due to the existence of \u201cherding\u201d system within the society. It was therefore the presence of a community like \u201cNguni\u201d whose main occupation mainly involves managing cattle that has led to the development of this form of martial art within the South African society.<\/p>\n b. Weapons used in the Nguni Stick Fighting:<\/strong><\/p>\n The weapons mainly used in this form of martial art are two long sticks. So while one stick is used for \u201cdefense\u201d the other is used to \u201cattack\u201d. In addition, a small armor is also used.<\/p>\n c. Concept and technique used in the Nguni Stick Fighting and training availability:<\/strong><\/p>\n In terms of technique, the fighters are initially armed with two long sticks for \u201cdefense\u201d and \u201cattack\u201d respectively. They then fight each other using the sticks to determine the stronger of the two.\u00a0 Furthermore, the fighter who proves to be the strongest is called the \u201cBull\u201d or locally referred to as \u201cInkunzi\u201d. As for training centers\/schools, since this form of \u201ctraditional\u201d martial art is mainly practiced within South Africa (especially by the Nguni community) there are no schools\/training centers available around the world.<\/p>\n