so since I cant’ sleep, I’ll post… and suffer tomorrow.

The ritual of martial arts is a rich and varied aspect of human culture. I saw this the other day while exploring the interweb.

The Ag’Ya, Danmye or Ladja of Martinique

You know, sometimes it’s not just about destroying someone. This shows a physical expression of violence where both participants remain unharmed despite the expression. This is dope. Also it’s ill because of the duality of violent play and compassion for your opponent. This is a martial “art”, forreal.

TMAs and fighters would nodoubt question the effectiveness of this as a style of self defense. It’s a moot point to me. Foremost because a martial art is more than the ability to destroy a human being, or else the study of nuclear physics or balistics would be the ultimate martial art. Also, I do think it’s possible that this playful style could conceal practical skills, in the same way that other practical martial arts have ceremonial aspects. Indeed the physical dexterity exibited by these players leads me to think that these performers are rather fit athletes. They are very aware of their entire body and the subtle movements of human bodies interacting… which leads me to believe that that they could handle themselves in a streetfight. My favorite fighters dance (ali, bruce, any muay thai fighter or senegalese wrestler)

I think this would make a great character for a game. Looking back on the dying fight genre of video games, I remember missing a true diversity of fighting styles. I guess that’s unfair. Streetfighter was diverse in it’s own way, but wouldn’t it have been great to see an obscure martial art like Ag’ya, Systema or even Nuba wrestling in a fighting game. Like true “world warriors”