User:Ryadous/El Matrag

El Matrag (literally translated as "The staff") is a martial art and combat sport originated in Algeria, The word "matrag" is a term of the Algerian dialect coming from the word "mitraqa" from the classical Arabic which means "hammer" and which gave the word "matraque" in French. A long, thin and strong stick is used as a weapon. This martial art is mainly practiced in the region of Oran (North west of Algeria).

Principals
Two players face each other using a long stick, in a confrontation where you score points by touching your opponent on different parts of the body (14 in number) and by thwarting the attacks of the opponent. The rules are simple and it is very rare to notice damage because the athletes have perfectly mastered the art of dodging. The most spectacular side of the game lies in the way the "sportsmen" spin and twirl their weapons.

Matrag basics
The elemental blows used in the matrag are 4 in number:


 * 1) The tarcha dakhlaniya which consists of the inside strike;
 * 2) The tarcha barrania which consists of outside striking;
 * 3) The lahiya which consists of the lower strike;
 * 4) The ras which consists of the higher strike.

The 14 body blows
The 14 Body Blows aim to hit the vital and sensitive points of the human body with speed and force:• # The right side of the face;

• # The tibia(shin) of the left leg;

• # The elbow of the right arm;

• # The chin;

• # The forehead;

• #The hands;

• # The right shoulder;

• # The left side of the face;

• # The tibia of the left leg;

• # The elbow of the left arm;

• # The chin;

• # Forehead;

• # The left ribs;

• # The right ribs;