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This little-known stick-fighting martial art
evolved during the 19th century among the sugar plantations of Cuba and it
is still practiced on the island. It is said that the Spanish slave owners
encouraged their male slaves to fight to the death as a form of
entertainment. A pair of men follow choreographed patterns as they dance and
fight in a circle. The stick they use is about as thick as a sugar cane and
about 16 in (40 cm) long. Mani consists of head butts, punches, palm
strikes, sweeps, elbows, and some systems have kicks; the weapon part
consists of stick fighting and knife fighting. Master practitioners were
called Manisaros. |
