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Tarahumara Wrestling (Lucha Tarahumara, Najarapuami, Narajapuame) is a traditional native wrestling style of the Northern Mexican state of Chihuahua populated by Ingenious tribes of Tarahumara. The wrestling matches (individual and team) are organized in form of native entertainment as a part of folklore festivals, celebrations and parties.
It is a free style form of belt wrestling which is equally popular among men and women. No special outfit is required, just a leather sash fastened around the waist over any attire. Girls and women may wrestle wearing dresses or skirts. Wrestling of well-dressed women is exceptionally beautiful spectacle decorating any celebration!
Wrestling rings are usually a circle area covered with sand or straws.
Tarahumara men and women compete only standing – they do not wrestle on the ground. Two wrestlers grab each other by the sash attempting to lift and throw the opponent down, with his/her back on the ground or at one side; tripping is not allowed. The wrestler first making the opponent fall two times out of three, wins. Except these, there are few regulation in the wrestling which is truly folk style. For instance, women may wrestle not just against women but sometimes against met as well. Matches between married couples – two on two are also popular.
Skills and agility are more important for a Tarahumara wrestler than brute strength. Wrestlers do not engage in close contact and the possibility of serious injuries is minimized. These factors especially attract girls and women.
This form of wrestling has a ceremonial meaning as a battle between good and devil. Team wrestling matches are a part of celebrations, particularly, Easter, in which the Pharisees and Christians engage in wrestling matches, battling symbolically for control of Judea.
Team girl competitions
Individual girl competitions
Bibliography
Federacion Mexicana de Juegos y Deportes Autoctonos y Tradicionales, A.C. (Spanish)
Adargoma (Spanish)
Wikipedia (Spanish)
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