Ka-Zimba Ngoma 'The fighting dance of the Nubian Warriors'
Put simply, Ka-zimba Ngoma is an African/Caribbean martial art integrated within dance-like forms, dynamic rhythms, and acrobatic movements.
What does it mean?
A literal translation of Ka-Zimba Ngoma is 'the spirit of the young lion in motion' - 'Ka' is the ancient Egyptian work for spirit, 'Zimba' means young lion and 'Ngoma' is a Swahili word whose meaning encapsulates the combined essence of the drum, dance and movement.
Movement and rhythm are central to the way of Ka-Zimba Ngoma, which has at its heart an inherent belief that rhythm is the universal principal of life.
Origins?
Based on a series of Ancestral movements originating from such places as Kush' (Ancient Egypt), Sudan, Southern Africa, Nubia, etc. It began as simple everyday expressions, dances and hunting techniques, later evolving into complex forms of defence against invaders and the elements. During the years of slavery, the African Diaspora took with them many aspects of this form of self-expression, and created such styles as Capoeira, Kumina, Nubian wrestling etc.
Roots?
'Ka-Zimba Ngoma was first established in the UK by Grand Masters Hamsa from Grenada and Grand Master Equiano from St.Vincent, West Indies, in the late '70's. Nowadays the art of Ka-zimba Ngoma can be found in South Africa, America and the Caribbean.
The Way...
Ka-Zimba Ngoma is not merely a martial art; it also encapsulates a whole way of life. Its central focus is Ija-Ka-Di - the ancient African study of fighting arts. Like with many martial arts forms such as Tai Chi, Ka-Zimba Ngoma places great emphasis on developing the whole being mind and spirit as well as the strength. It is at once a martial art, a creative art, a way of self expression and an active application of the principles of will, mind, body and soul, all acting in harmony and dynamic tension. This holistic approach therefore makes it an excellent tool with which to engage with young people of all ages, teaching them a sense of pride, discipline and respect.
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