Senegalese wrestling, also known as Njom in Serer, Lutte sénégalaise or Lutte avec frappe in French, and Laamb in Wolof, is a traditional combat sport that has been practiced in Senegal for centuries. In this video, we take a closer look at the world of Senegalese wrestling, its history, rules, and techniques. Join us as we explore the thrilling and dynamic world of Njom/Lutte sénégalaise/Lutte avec frappe/Laamb.
Discovering the Thrilling World of Senegalese Wrestling (Njom, Lutte sénégalaise, Laamb)
#wrestling
Discovering the Thrilling World of Senegalese Wrestling (Njom, Lutte sénégalaise, Laamb)
#wrestling
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00:00Africa is a continent of 1.2 billion people, geographically fragmented by daunting mountains, arid deserts and formidable rivers, while also maired by long-standing conflicts, border disputes and humanitarian crises.
00:21However, amidst this turmoil, a surprising and unifying passion courses through the continent.
00:30Contrary to what one might expect, it's not a fervor for football, but rather profound and widespread appreciation for the fundamental sport of wrestling.
00:44No other form of combat is as deeply entrenched in the fabric of African nations as Senegal's historic national sport known as lamp in the Wall of Language or la lutte Senegalese in French, also referred to as Senegalese fighting.
01:08The roots of this sport trace back to the Senegalese serer warriors, who initially used it as a means of preparing for battle.
01:19Wrestling in Senegal has been elevating fighters to fame since the 14th century, when the wrestler Bukhar Djilak Faye became a star.
01:34Today, la lutte has evolved into a multi-million dollar spectacle, with its top wrestlers becoming some of the most celebrated figures in the country, their faces adorning t-shirts, buses and billboards.
01:53At the highest level of competition wrestlers can earn staggering sums, with the potential to make up to 150 dollars per match.
02:06An astonishing figure in a nation where the average worker earns just 75 less than a dollar per hour.
02:18However, achieving a victory in la lutte goes beyond a rigorous training regimen.
02:25Superstition, magic and folklore hold equal reference among the competitors, their trainers and their followers.
02:35They believe that an array of rituals, talismans and incarnations are as vital to success as a wrestler's strength and skill.
02:49This spiritual practice rooted in the Islamic faith is known as Gris Gris.
02:56While it may seem anachronistic in a sport that garners sponsorship from telecom giants and enjoys extensive television coverage.
03:07For the Gris Gris, wrestlers of Senegal staying true to these traditional rituals, it's not mere spectacle.
03:18As for the rules of Senegalese wrestling, it's important to note that Senegal stands out as the only West African country traditionally permitting hand strikes.
03:30Today Senegalese fighters practice two main versions of the sport.
03:35Lutte Traditionel avec frappe, which involves hits, and Lutte Traditionel sans frappe, which is the hands-free version.
03:45Local village matches predominantly use the latter, while stadium fights often feature powerful punches and jabs.
03:57Regardless of the style employed, whether it's strikes with the hand, elbow, knee or the opponent's own body weight, the objective remains the same.
04:09The first wrestler to lift and throw their adversary to the ground emerges as the winner.
04:18Typically, a match lasts no longer than 90 seconds, captivating the enthusiastic crowd.
04:25In a sense, Senegalese wrestling known as Njom in Serer, Lutte Senegalese or Lutteavec frappe in French, Lamp in Wolof, is a form of folk wrestling deeply ingrained in Senegalese culture.
04:42Consenting into a national sport that has also found a place in parts of Gambia.
04:50It is a facet of the larger West African tradition of traditional wrestling.
04:57And the Senegalese variant uniquely permits hand strikes distinguishing from other West African wrestling traditions.
05:06The sport has evolved further with the development of a confederation and a championship for Lutte Traditionel since the 1990s, where Senegalese fighters now participate in both striking and non-striking forms.
05:24Training to become a Senegalese wrestler is a journey marked by stark contrasts with the sport accommodating both renowned figures who enjoy superstar status and are even more popular than soccer players and the countless young aspirants who attend regimentary training schools on rural beaches.
05:51In Senegalese, the scorching climate renders daytime wrestling impractical, leading to matches taking place at dusk, with the illumination provided by electric mosqueta traps.
06:06Those eager to make their mark in the sport often engage in training alongside their school and job commitments, frequently practicing well into the late hours as the sun sets over the sea.
06:22The training regimen for Senegalese wrestling may be basic, but it is remarkably effective.
06:30A competitor sprinting across the sand while lettered to two others by a large rubber band.
06:40This exercise along with activities such as carrying one another while running aims to develop core strength and balance, crucial since all fights occur on sand, necessitating a solid foundation.
06:55In addition to these fundamental exercises, wrestlers undergo a routine of bodyweight workouts and skill drills, including push-ups, squats and simulated fights.
07:10Exceptional performers in local competitions may eventually earn enough to afford training in a gym, while such facilities are often modestly equipped.
07:25Nevertheless, the opportunity to be noticed by wrestling greats like Balaguea, who established Senegal's first official wrestling school, is worth the investment.
07:38The wrestlers' diets are akin to those of other athletes, comprising substantial quantities of rice for carbohydrates along with fish and meat cooked in oil.
07:53However, they intentionally seek to gain weight as they progress in their careers.
08:00Typically, they start out lean and athletic, and then aim to increase their body mass, especially developing a larger belly.
08:10This additional weight serves as an advantage in the ring, making it more challenging for opponents to lift them, and increasing the effectiveness of their own bodyweight in combat.
08:24Yet, regardless of their rigorous training, no wrestler, even the most accomplished, considers their preparation complete, without the inclusion of the most vital elements, grease grease magic.
08:40At the highest echelons of Laloud, each wrestler invests significantly in assembling a team of spiritual practitioners and religious teachers, known as marabouts.
08:56This support team is responsible for conducting rituals, believed to confer supernational power on the wrestler before a fight.
09:08The more prosperous and successful athletes can access the most sought after spiritual guidance.
09:17These practices are far from being mere caricatures or theatrical performances.
09:24It's essential to recognize that this is not the voodoo often depicted in Western pop culture.
09:30Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country, and these rituals are regarded as grease grease, a form of white magic.
09:40However, there is an element of rivalry and potential for foul play.
09:46Wrestlers might occasionally hire voodoo priests to perform black magic as well.
09:52Each wrestler is wary that their opponent might have more spiritual support, prompting them to engage as many marabouts as possible to ensure their victory.
10:05Grease grease grease traditionally refers to amulets crafted by marabouts, often small cloth bags in crypt with verses from the Quran, and containing ritual objects.
10:19For Senegalese wrestlers, these amulets are believed to be crucial for protection worn not just as part of their attire, but as vital guardians.
10:31Just as boxers have their walk-out songs, grease grease grease wrestlers have their own intricate intimidation strategies.
10:41Before major stadium bouts, reigning champions conduct elaborate rituals with their marabouts, accompanied by drums and music, and even the application of magic fluids.
10:55Pigeons are released believed to bring added luck, and each wrestler has an assistant to safeguard their amulets.
11:04The removal of these amulets, whether in victory or defeat, is conducted behind closed doors, in the presence of a shaman, concealed from outsiders.
11:18Sometimes it is denied to enter into the room, where this was transpiring, as it was deemed dangerous and believed to be teeming with spirits, highlighting the secrecy surrounding these rituals.
11:39In the present day Senegalese wrestling also sees the influence of modern elements.
11:47Many fighters are the top-level believed that relocating to Europe or the United States temporarily for training not only enhances their skill, but also elevates their street credibility.
12:02This serves as a status symbol, reflecting that they have the means to travel and explore the world.
12:11While pursuing training abroad, some wrestlers have been rumored to have been introduced to steroids, enhancing their size and strength before returning to Senegal for competitions.
12:24The use of anabolic steroids is not yet widespread, but is a topic of discussion among those in the sport.
12:33Additionally, wrestlers' attire often reflects outside influences, with some clad in tech sportswear alongside those in traditional outfits,
12:46and certain wrestler sporting t-shirts adorned with sponsors' logos.
12:53As the celebrity status of wrestlers grows, so do their financial expectations and demands.
13:01They closely follow the salaries of their fellow competitors.
13:05This sense of their commercial value shapes the aspirations of the next generation of fighters, making it challenging to predict whether they will forsake centuries-old traditions.
13:24This is an estimate for a decade that will help to be established in their next generation of fighters,
13:29and a by-dor Hopper, which is the part in the future of the past year.
13:33This is the only place where they're from in the past year.
13:35Again, these are the most successful players who are not married to these,
13:37and they are connected to the people who are connected to school.
13:40They're the most successful players in society.
13:42They're the most successful ones who are left.
13:45They're the most successful people behind every single day.
13:48The most successful players of the group does not meet the world of such people who are except for that.