Moraingy

Moraingy is an exciting and traditional way of fighting that comes from Madagascar. It is like boxing, but fighters use their bare fists and do not wear gloves. People who practice moraingy are called kidabolahy, which means young men, and they are respected in their villages. Long ago, only young men could join, but today anyone can learn and practice this style.

In different places, moraingy has different names. In the Comoros islands, it is called mrengé. In Madagascar, it is known as morengy, and in Réunion, people call it moringue. These fights can be very fast and include punches, kicks, and even headbutts.

Moraingy is special because it is one of the few fighting styles in Africa that uses kicking in a similar way to another African style called engolo, which is played in Angola. Both styles show the skill and strength of the fighters.

History

Moraingy began during the Maroseranana dynasty (ruled from 1675) in the Sakalava Kingdom of western coastal Madagascar. It became popular in the 17th century, especially under King Andrianapoimerina. It was a special contest for men, often held during celebrations and important ceremonies. Over time, it spread across Madagascar, especially in coastal areas, and also reached nearby islands like Réunion, Mayotte, Comoros, Seychelles, and Mauritius.

The martial art may have started because of the slave trade, as it was also practiced by people brought from places like Mozambique.

Spread to Réunion

Moraingy was carried to Reunion Island by people from Madagascar. There, it became known as moringue or batay kreol. It started in the areas where workers lived on sugar plantations and later included people from different backgrounds. In 2005, the government of Reunion officially recognized it as a sport. Today, it is organized like other sports, with many participants and media coverage. One of its most famous athletes is Jean-Rene Dreinaza.

Music

Moraingy matches are traditionally accompanied by music, often a style called salegy. This music helps create an exciting atmosphere for the fighters and everyone involved. During the matches, participants usually dance, which adds to the energy and excitement, while the crowd cheers and reacts loudly.

Rules

A moraingy competition has matches where two fighters, usually from different villages, face off. Before the fight, the fighters walk around the outdoor arena, often a soccer field, to choose their opponents. The crowd around the field cheers, sings, and tries to get the fighters excited. Each match has its own chant from the fighter's village. The match ends when one fighter leaves the arena, can't defend themselves anymore, or is hurt badly. Judges pick the winner, and no one can argue with their choice. Both fighters get cheers from the crowd for trying their best.

Moraingy techniques

Moraingy is a fighting style from Madagascar where fighters use punches and some kicks. Common punches include straight punches (mitso), hooks (mandraoky), downward slanting punches (vangofary), and a punch like an uppercut (vangomioriky). Fighters protect themselves with guarding and sidesteps, but the ways they attack and defend can vary a lot between different fighters and regions.

Moringue (Reunionais) techniques

The Reunionais form of moraingy uses only kicks and no punches. It is less rough and looks more like dance moves and flips, similar to a style called capoeira. One move, called talon zirondelles, is like a special kick known as rabo de arraia in capoeira.

Jumps and stomping make moringue matches exciting to watch. Music, often with drums or Reunionais maloya songs, plays during these matches.

Influence on other martial arts

Historians say that a French martial art called savate was brought by sailors during their trips to the Indian Ocean and the China Sea. Some believe that this French style later influenced another martial art in Brazil called capoeira. This happened because sailors often traveled between Africa, France, and Brazil.