• A tahtib (stick-fighting) training session at a sports club in the Rihab suburb on the eastern outskirts of Cairo, the Egyptian capital. AFP
    A tahtib (stick-fighting) training session at a sports club in the Rihab suburb on the eastern outskirts of Cairo, the Egyptian capital. AFP
  • Egypt's traditional stick-fighting is a popular event at festivities and dates back at least 5,000 years. AFP
    Egypt's traditional stick-fighting is a popular event at festivities and dates back at least 5,000 years. AFP
  • The modern version of tahtib 'is an updated sports version of a multimillennial art'. AFP
    The modern version of tahtib 'is an updated sports version of a multimillennial art'. AFP
  • In traditional tahtib, two men perform a dance while wielding bamboo-like rods in a face-off somewhat resembling a fencing duel. AFP
    In traditional tahtib, two men perform a dance while wielding bamboo-like rods in a face-off somewhat resembling a fencing duel. AFP
  • Unlike traditional tahtib, women can participate in the modern version. AFP
    Unlike traditional tahtib, women can participate in the modern version. AFP
  • Unesco in 2016 listed the martial art as an 'intangible cultural heritage of humanity. AFP
    Unesco in 2016 listed the martial art as an 'intangible cultural heritage of humanity. AFP
  • The "secrets of combat" were inscribed in stone on the walls of temples and tombs of ancient Egypt's Old Kingdom (2700-2200BC) until the arrival of the Greeks, who conquered the North African country in about 300BC. AFP
    The "secrets of combat" were inscribed in stone on the walls of temples and tombs of ancient Egypt's Old Kingdom (2700-2200BC) until the arrival of the Greeks, who conquered the North African country in about 300BC. AFP
  • At exhibitions, notably the International Martial Arts Festival in Paris in 2016, modern tahtib attracted international followers but is still trying to gain a significant foothold in Egypt. AFP
    At exhibitions, notably the International Martial Arts Festival in Paris in 2016, modern tahtib attracted international followers but is still trying to gain a significant foothold in Egypt. AFP
  • Social media is attracting young local admirers of the sport. AFP
    Social media is attracting young local admirers of the sport. AFP
  • Tahtib is a modern martial art that enthusiasts hope will eventually make it to the Olympic Games. AFP
    Tahtib is a modern martial art that enthusiasts hope will eventually make it to the Olympic Games. AFP

MENA

Egypt's traditional stick fighters in training - in pictures

Enthusiasts take part in tahtib, a martial art that participants hope will eventually make it into the Olympics

The National

April 29, 2021

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