Ch.+6+Wrestling+-+Cody

=IGBO WRESTLING =

__WHAT?__

 * Wrestling It is the top sport in Igbo culture

__WHY?__

 * Igbos wrestle for the opportunity to gain honor, respect, and to distinguish themselves as a warrior or superstar.
 * Sometimes it is how arguments or disputes are settled.
 * In some cases the Igbo people wrestle for the right to marry a pretty and popular girl.
 * A wrestler can receive a large sum of money for winning a match.

__WHO?__

 * Opponents are matched up based on their achievements in the sport
 * To win they must carry up their competitor and make sure his legs are no longer touching the ground, or they can win if the opponent gives up.
 * Always men wrestle.
 * The most common wrestler is 15-30 years-old.

__WHERE?__

 * Matches normally take place in the center of the village in a muddy dirt patch.
 * Music is played while they wrestle

__HOW TO WIN__

 * To win they must carry up their competitor and make sure his legs are no longer touching the ground, or they can win if the opponent gives up.

__MUSIC__

 * Music is always played during the duration of a match.
 * Wrestlers claim music is a large part in the success and failure of their match.

This picture depicts how the wrestlers would grapple against each other. Large crowds gather to watch these matches. media type="youtube" key="so43Gndfegk?fs=1" height="200" width="343" This is an informational video documenting the impact of wrestling in african culture. This takes place in Senegal but still has the same morals as the wrestling in the Igbo culture.

[|learn more about the ancient Igbo sport]

"Wrestling." //Igbo Cultural and Support Network: Nigerian Igbo Youth Organistion in the United Kingdom//. 2009. Web. 09 Nov. 2010. <[]>.

Simon, Ottenberg. "Igbo Young Men Participating in a Wrestling Contest, Ndukwe Village, Amaseri Village-Group, Nigeria." //SIRIS-Smithsonian Institution Research// //Information System//. 2000. Web. 09 Nov. 2010. <[]>.

"YouTube- West Africa's Traditional Fighters Grapple for Better Future." //YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.// Web. 09 Nov. 2010. .