ZANMYAN

ZANMYAN: is all the techniques of combat with traditional weapons classified into three categories: blunt weapons, sharp weapons, and throwing weapons. Each category itself is divided into three subcategories that are developed according to the different combat distances: short weapons (example: the boutou), medium weapons (waka tiki) and long weapons (Pagay).

The art of using and studying the weapons of Djokan is called Zanmyan. There are a multitude of weapons in the Djokan.  Originating of Native Americans, bushinegé, and Creoles, the weapons of Djokan made their mark in time. Weapons in the past or a weapon today, they maintained their history, their affiliation, their technical nature. Thus, in Djokan, one passes from a weapon of African descent like the Kodja to a Native American weapon, the Putu, two kinds of clubs.

Long ago, weapons of war and death, agricultural tools, everyday objects are now used to practice in order to strengthen and unify the body and mind.

The study of Zanmyan becomes a true path of man’s accomplishments, a way to fulfill oneself. That is the reason for why the usage of weapons is an integral part of the learning of Djokan and is fundamental to understand adaptability.

Zanmyan is complementary of the practice with bare hands (Djoubate) and permits increasing precision of movements, the management of one’s emotions and self-control, the representation of the bodily diagram and the use and saving of one’s energy.

Finally, Zanmyan really marks the idea of possessing a heritage, of keeping and preserving a tradition.

The Distinctions (basic weapons):

Takari: The long stick can measure 2 meters, even 3 to 4 meters

Boutou: The short stick measures 45 to 65 cm, used alone or in pairs (Déboutou)

Boukan: A weapons combining a fighting stick and a short stick.

The Short Spear

Aputu: The long Native American spear

Saguy: The machete and sword can be used alone or in pairs (Désaguy). Usually this means any type of knife

The Axe

Waka Tiki: The fighting stick of 100 to 120 cm

Kapal: The rectangular Native American club

Kodja: The Bushinengé club

Siwalapa: The round Native American club

Archery

Blowpipe

Pagay: The paddle

Mata Tiki: The great pilon stick (two-headed):

Kuudi: The great Native American shield

Makoupi: The small shield

Wiwa: The Native American pic used alone or in pairs

Fourka: Pole with 2 or 3 ends        

Mayoumbé: The pitchfork  

Walata: The short spear      

NB: This list is not exhaustive.