Moraingy is a previously little-known martial arts from Madagascar, which is basically a cross between two popular combat sports – kickboxing and bare-knuckle boxing, check out the rules, type of attacks and defences
The sport has its origins in Madagascar and it is now undergoing a growing popularity worldwide.
Explained what is Moraingy Madagascar martial arts, techniques, origin, rules, format, meaning
Moraingy is a kickboxing style from Madagascar that’s actually quite advanced.
It is basically bare knuckle(ish) kickboxing with 30 second rounds. With such short rounds, action is very high. pic.twitter.com/qfLMLHc81Z
— Blaine Henry (@BlaineHenryTFL) June 12, 2023
Madagascar is the origin of multiple fascinating martial arts traditions. One such tradition is Moraingy, a style of bare-knuckle boxing from the Sakalava people of western Madagascar. Learn how the sport rose to the national pastime of the Sakalava!https://t.co/knhYZhbYSE pic.twitter.com/75DgYPHoFH
— History of Africa Podcast (@Histofafrica) April 12, 2023
Moraingy could possibly be one of the most brutal combat sorts and it features barely any rules.
Moraingy rules
The sport is also known as Malagasy boxing and features no weapons or body protection. Fighters are also not allowed to scratch, pinch, pull their opponents hair or strike certain parts of the body. Aside from that anything goes in the fights including kicks and punches being entirely legal.
Moraingy features rounds of just 30 seconds, with fast and furious fights that usually end with one fighter leaving the ring or when a fighter is unable to defend themselves or has been knocked out cold. The rules can also vary depending on the region where the fight takes place.
Types of attacks and defences in Moraingy
Given below are the various types of attacks that Moraingy features:
- Mitso (straight punches)
- Mandraoky (hooks)
- Vangofary (downward slanting punches)
- Vangomioriky (a blow similar to an uppercut)
Meanwhile, the different types of defences include guarding, and sidesteps. However, neither of these attacks or defences are standardized. As such, there is plenty of variability among fighters from different regions as compared to sports like international boxing.
The rising popularity of Moraingy
Moraingy traditionally started out as fights between fighters from rival villages. While boys start out by taking part in moraingy as a form of self-defence by 10, women are also now taking up the sport actively. Owing to its popularity grows, fight fans from across the world are travelling to watch moraingy. As a result, the sport has becoming increasingly big business in its heartlands.
Aside from Madagascar, Moraingy has spread across other islands in the Indian Ocean, including Reunion. One major difference between Moraingy and other combat sports is that music is played out during bouts. This creates a festival feel for both the fans and fighters. Another thing that adds to the festival vibe, is the fact that the fights take place outdoors in a roped off area either in a field or on wasteland.