lundi 20 novembre 2017

Tuareg The Desert Warrior | Full Movie | FlixHouse

samedi 18 novembre 2017

African Sword Fight (Passing step with horizontal cuts)

vendredi 17 novembre 2017

What is a takouba?

Takouba - Sword of the Western Sahel

The word takouba is an anglicised version of the Tamasheq (language of the Tuareg) term takobi – meaning simply, sword. The word is found also among the Hausa and Fulani. In the antique arms and armour collecting community the term has come to be applied to a range of swords commonly attributed in public to the Tuareg people group. Linguistically takouba implies no classification in and of itself and the sword is in fact encountered in areas were the term kaskar would be used instead. However, the word is now commonly recognised to refer to a cross hilted sword, with either a curved or straight blade, a pommel that is either flat with stacks of metal on the terminus, or a pommel that is ovoid and vaguely resembles a European Brazil nut pommel. Grips and guards can be leather wrapped or metal plated. Swords with these basic characteristics can be found in an area ranging from the desert proper with the Tuareg, into Cameroon’s highland forests.

The usage of the term in the collecting community likely stems from contact with the Tuareg, who continue to carry swords in modern life. While the Tuareg remain the most recognised group using this style of sword, the Hausa, Fulani, Nupe, Kanuri and other, smaller tribes made use of almost identical swords made under similar conditions and circulated through close knit trade routes.

Due to local practice of renewing hilts fairly regularly it is often difficult to estimate exactly how old any particular complete sword is, besides knowing that it predates the 1900s. However it is generally safe to say the type in more or less its current form has existed since at least the 18th century as verified examples from the 1830s are known and blades as early as the 14th century.

The roots, origins and influences which led to the form of the takouba are both complex and somewhat uncertain. Theories currently circulated generally point to similarities with early Islamic swords, often citing the influence of Byzantine designs in Pre-Islamic Arab warfare. Others The type has continued to evolve in modern usage and still a regular item among the Tuareg, worn for heritage more than use and playing a part in various traditional events such as sword dances. Among other Sahel cultures the takouba is less noticeable in everyday life but still makes appearances among the regalia of local rulers and yearly festivals such as the Durbar in Kano, Nigeria. The modern evolution of the form is supported by sales to tourists, changing local tastes and the renewing of old blades with new mounts. It remains an important part of the local economy in Tuareg society and helps to preserve traditional craft work.

Takouba blades fall into two categories – imported and those of African manufacture. Typically speaking the imports are from Europe and were highly regarded locally, as the heat treatment was generally better than native smiths produced. However, a vast number of blades the collector is likely to encounter will be locally produced and of widely varying quality. Some of the better Hausa products have excellent flexibility and passable hardness. At worst, blades can be soft and lacking carbon. The local smiths doubtless were calculating on having to straighten a blade out being an acceptable alternative to having a brittle blade break. While one can occasionally see European blades from before the 17th century (I own one from the 14th) the vast majority of imported blades came onto the market in the 18th and 19th centures with concentrated manufacturing efforts from German centres such as Solingen. These blades were designed for the general Sahel area, the same patterns showing up in both kaskara and takouba, often with extensive tip re profiling to fit local taste. Central Hausa cities such as Kano dominated this trade and imported vast numbers of blades to hilt and re-export. City states with better access to quality iron ore tended to have more home grown manufacturing – in particular Sokoto and Katsina. The high regard given to European blades led to European blade markings being attributed with talismanic properties and these marks were widely copied onto natively made blades.

While most native blades confirm to the geometry of European imports, a small number are wide and practically triangular. With similarities to early swords from the Arab world, it is quite possible these represent an earlier local form before the European blades entered the market and became in vogue.

With several distinct sub types takouba hilts generally fall into two broad categories; those that have leather covered hilts and those that have brass hilts. Between the two there can be overlap with some brass hilted swords still featuring leather grips. Generally speaking brass hilted swords are a good indication of age, as the practice seems to have been much less prevalent in the 20th century. As many of these swords would have be hilted in Hausa areas, the colonisation in the late 19th century of most of these states would account for the lack of brass hilts in early 20th century pieces. It appears that older pommels are usually those in an ovoid shape, with the stacked plate form being much later. Various intermediary types can be seen, in particular the Air Mountains region has a flat pommel style with small numbers of plates. Sometimes old hilts were modified to confirm to changing tastes – such as a sword in my collection with a classic pommel, re-hilted to accommodate a 1943 Egyptian coin.

Starting in the late 19th century or early 20th century an evolution of the pommel occured among the Tuareg. The ovoid shape was flattened and stacks of brass and copper were added. This change may have come around for several reasons, possibly talismanic, possibly adapting to a lack of Hausa manufacturing as firearms took hold in most of the Sahel.

The construction, decoration and even linguistics of the takouba mark it clearly as a weapon which, whatever its true origins, because a key part of the history of the Sahel and took on a uniquely Sahelian flavour – imbued with attributions of Islamic influence and traditional animistic tribal groups. The importance of the sword inside Tuareg culture, the lavish decorative embellishments of the Hausa and Nupe, a range that extends from Algiers to the far reaches of the Mandara Mountains point to a sword form that was so effective, dominate and crucial to these cultures that it influenced the course of history.

Nimcha (Moroccan sabre) sparring part 3

Nimcha (Moroccan sabre) sparring part 2

Nimcha (Moroccan sabre) sparring

Tunis, Tunisia, North Africa World Tai Chi & Qigong Day - Opening Statement

Tunis, Tunisia, North Africa World Tai Chi

mardi 14 novembre 2017

BRUCE LEE AND QIGONG

http://www.qimagazine.com/fileadmin/free_downloads/Qi_Mag_Back_Issues/qi_43.pdf

lundi 13 novembre 2017

6 Archery Match

[HD] Josh Jackson Interview (Rookie Introduction 2017)

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Dancing With An Alvin Ailey Dancer

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Qi Journal

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jeudi 9 novembre 2017

http://www.espn.com/high-school/girls-basketball/recruiting/prospects/_/class/2018/status/0

Counting down the top 25 women's basketball players for 2017-18 9:25 AM ET espnW.com

Counting down the top 25 women's basketball players for 2017-18

9:25 AM ET

espnW.com

Who are the most talented women's college basketball players in the country? From which ones do we expect big things this season? Who are the front-runners for national player of the year? After tallying the votes from Charlie Creme, Graham Hays and Mechelle Voepel, espnW is counting down the best in the nation. Come back each day this week as we add another five honorees.

6. Jordin Canada, UCLA, G, 5-foot-6, senior

2016-17: 17.8 PPG, 7.1 APG, 43.4 field goal percentage

Quietly competitive, Canada has slowly transformed into a more vocal leader her senior year, hoping to lead a program she is largely responsible for resurrecting to its first Final Four. A drive-and-dish point guard with a dangerous first step and great quickness, Canada ranked ninth in the country and first in the Pac-12 in assists per game a season ago. Canada also established a career high in points per game and vastly improved her deep-shooting accuracy, the biggest weakness in her game. If the jump shot continues to evolve, Canada becomes nearly impossible to guard one-on-one. -- Charlie Creme

7. Asia Durr, Louisville, G, 5-foot-10, junior

2016-17: 19.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 40.5 3-point field goal percentage

There are players who will average more points or shoot a better percentage from the 3-point line, although neither list will be that long. But there is no more stomach-churning experience for an opponent than watching Durr hit a couple of shots in a row and knowing they are the first stray pebbles of an avalanche. Healthy last season after an injury-plagued freshman campaign, she proved to be among the most difficult players to defend. With her range, quick release and ability off the dribble, she already has a professional offensive game. -- Graham Hays

8. Sabrina Ionescu, Oregon, G, 5-foot-10, sophomore

2016-17: 14.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.5 APG

Make no mistake, it's substance more than style that makes Ionescu valuable on a basketball court. Like former Oklahoma star Stacey Dales for a new generation, Ionescu runs a game like a point guard, rebounds like a small forward and, when called upon, scores like a superstar. She does all of it efficiently, posting a two-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio and shooting better than 40 percent from the 3-point line and 80 percent from the free throw line. All substance. But for a program still establishing itself, Ionescu's style and flair -- her willingness to find the spotlight -- are invaluable. -- Graham Hays

9. Azurá Stevens, UConn, F, 6-foot-6, junior

2015-16 (at Duke): 18.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 53.5 field goal percentage

She possesses the ballhandling and shooting skills some players 6 inches shorter don't have. Stevens is also smooth and strong in the paint, can block shots and rebound. On a team with four All-Americans she might have been the best player in practice last season while she sat out after transferring from Duke. How her vast individual skills mesh with UConn's existing talent will be one of the most interesting storylines in November and December. -- Charlie Creme

10. Kalani Brown, Baylor, C, 6-foot-7, junior

2016-17: 15.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 67.9 field goal percentage

Her field goal percentage is the best for any returning Division I player. That's important for a Baylor team that again needs her to be the focus of the offense but has less-experienced help than last year. Baylor lost three starters, so defenses will be keying on Brown as other players look to step into bigger roles. Her strength and finishing touch are top notch. -- Mechelle Voepel

11. Lexie Brown, Duke, G, 5-foot-9, senior

2016-17: 18.3 PPG, 3.9 APG, 3.7 RPG

Two players accounted for nearly 50 percent of Duke's field goal attempts a season ago, which made it all the more impressive that Brown was among the nation's most efficient scorers. She came within five missed field goals, over the course of 34 games, of shooting 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from the 3-point line and 90 percent from the free throw line, the holy trinity of offensive efficiency. That she did it while also leading the team in assists speaks volumes about one of the nation's smoothest guards. -- Graham Hays

12. Kristine Anigwe, California, C/F, 6-foot-4, junior

2016-17: 21.0 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 56.6 field goal percentage

In a day when so many players want to stalk the perimeter, shoot 3-pointers and lead the break, Anigwe is a throwback. She wants to post up, demand the ball on the low block and get to the rim, the closer the better. That's exactly how she put up a 50-point game last season, nearly averaged a double-double, led the nation in 20-point, 10-rebound games, and was sixth in the country in free throw attempts despite seeing regular double-teams. -- Charlie Creme

13. Sophie Cunningham, Missouri, G, 6-foot-1, junior

2016-17: 17.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.4 APG

She was fourth in the SEC in scoring last season as the Tigers finished tied for third in the league. Cunningham endured a lot of back pain throughout last season, but still played in all but two games. She spent the summer focusing on getting healthier and starts this season feeling better. She's capable of becoming an even more effective offensive force, perhaps with a bit more finesse. -- Mechelle Voepel

14. Kia Nurse, UConn, G, 6-foot-0, senior

2016-17: 12.7 PPG, 3.9 APG, 46.2 3-point field goal percentage

On teams with less talent, Nurse would be a star, a big-time scorer who gets to dominate. At UConn she has become a better basketball player. Shooter and defender are her primary skill sets, but finding a distinct weakness in Nurse's game is difficult. She is the undisputed leader of a Huskies team poised to dominate again this season, and Nurse's value was highlighted when UConn nearly lost at Tulane in February without her. -- Charlie Creme

15. Arike Ogunbowale, Notre Dame, G, 5-foot-8, junior

2016-17: 15.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 45.4 3-point field goal percentage

Never lacking in confidence with the ball in her hands, Ogunbowale has become one of the most creative and exciting players in the game. She is equal parts deep shooter, innovative slasher and skilled post-up player, making her a difficult matchup for any defender. Ogunbowale was Notre Dame's most accurate 3-point shooter and also got to the free throw line more than anyone on the team last season except forward Brianna Turner. With Turner out for the season as she continues to rehab a torn ACL, expect coach Muffet McGraw to employ a four-guard lineup and use Ogunbowale in a variety of roles, trying to attack each opponent's biggest weakness. -- Charlie Creme

16. Victoria Vivians, Mississippi State, F, 6-foot-1, senior

2016-17: 16.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.5 APG

Scoring always has been her identity as a player, but the Bulldogs need her to stay engaged in the action even when her shot is not working. And it often didn't work from behind the arc (64-of-228, 28.1 percent) last season. Mississippi State's personnel losses also mean coach Vic Schaefer needs more on the boards from Vivians. She's capable of having a big final season for the Bulldogs. -- Mechelle Voepel

17. Tynice Martin, West Virginia, G, 5-foot-11, junior

2016-17: 18.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.3 APG

Playing with a fearlessness not often seen in a sophomore on the big stage, Martin put West Virginia on her back last spring and carried the Mountaineers to the Big 12 tournament championship. She averaged 27.3 PPG as West Virginia upset top-10 opponents Texas and Baylor. However, a foot injury suffered during tryouts for the U23 national team in July halted that momentum. Martin likely will have to wait until late December or early January to continue that electrifying play that made her a first-team All-Big 12 selection. -- Charlie Creme

18. Rebecca Greenwell, Duke, G, 6-foot-1, senior

2016-17: 16.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.4 APG

Greenwell arrived at Duke as an almost folkloric shooter, and after sitting out her freshman year with an injury, she became one of the most consistent long-range shooters in ACC history. But through some trying seasons, Duke has needed her to be more than merely a markswoman. She led the Blue Devils in rebounding a season ago, one of only two ACC players to lead a team in boards and 3-point shooting. She also set a career high in assists to help free up guard Lexie Brown. -- Graham Hays

19. Shakayla Thomas, Florida State, F, 5-foot-11, senior

2016-17: 14.9 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 49.4 field goal percentage

The reigning ACC player of the year, Thomas has anchored the most successful three-year period in the history of Florida State's program. She combines a scorer's mentality with superior physical strength and an explosive leaping ability that belies her size. Thomas always seems to find cracks in defenses that don't appear to have any. She has one of the most reliable and dynamic midrange games in the country. -- Charlie Creme

20. Brooke McCarty, Texas, G, 5-foot-4, senior

2016-17: 14.1 PPG, 3.6 APG, 43.0 3-point field goal percentage

Officially, McCarty is the reigning Big 12 player of the year and the first Longhorn ever to win that award. Unofficially, the shortest player in our rankings might well be the best inch-for-inch player in the land. There is an intangible quality to what makes her special, an ease of manner at full speed that catches the eye. But she also brings ample tangible statistical evidence of maturing into one of the most efficient lead guards in the country. -- Graham Hays

21. Mercedes Russell, Tennessee, C, 6-foot-6, senior

2016-17: 16.1 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 56.2 field goal percentage

She greatly improved scoring consistency as a junior, including progressing at the free throw line (67.1 percent, up from 54.5 as sophomore). Some thought she might jump to the WNBA. (She was eligible, as she has been in school four years, having sat out 2014-15 with injury.) But Russell stayed to help guide a Tennessee team that has promise but really needs her to lead. -- Mechelle Voepel

22. Monique Billings, UCLA, F, 6-foot-4, senior

2016-17: 16.7 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.9 BPG

Any post player benefits from the proximity of a point guard such as UCLA's Jordin Canada, but make no mistake: Canada also finds life made easier by having Billings around. Those two spent part of their summer together on a loaded United States Under-23 national team, which should only help their chemistry this season. Billings had more defensive rebounds than any two teammates combined a season ago and very nearly did the same with offensive rebounds. -- Graham Hays

23. Morgan William, Mississippi State, G, 5-foot-5, senior

2016-17: 10.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, 1.5 SPG

She'll always be remembered for the shot that beat UConn in the national semifinals and her school-record 41 points in the Elite Eight overtime win against Baylor. This year, William and the Bulldogs hope to challenge South Carolina for the SEC title and follow up on their Final Four breakthrough. She has started every game for Mississippi State the past two seasons and is fearless about taking charges against much bigger players. -- Mechelle Voepel

24. Myisha Hines-Allen, Louisville, F, 6-foot-2, senior

2016-17: 13.9 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 49.3 field goal percentage

Almost since her arrival in Louisville, Hines-Allen has established herself as one of the best multidimensional, offensive power forwards in the game. As good as her post-up game is with an uncanny ability to push around her defender, she might be even more dangerous now facing the basket from 15 feet and in, as her jump shot has improved. The ACC player of the year as a sophomore, Hines-Allen took a small step backward a year ago, averaging four fewer points, but she became an even better rebounder. Her 17 double-doubles ranked 12th in the country. -- Charlie Creme

25. Ruthy Hebard, Oregon, F, 6-foot-4, sophomore

2016-17: 14.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 58.8 field goal percentage

Like fellow sophomore Sabrina Ionescu, Hebard had a great debut season last year for Oregon. The Alaska native hit the game-winning shot against Temple in the NCAA tournament's first round and had a double-double against Duke in the second round, as the Ducks ultimately advanced to the Elite Eight. Coach Kelly Graves said Hebard has gotten physically stronger and benefited from USA Basketball play over the summer. -- Mechelle Voepel

Power 5 preview: Teams to watch

Jackie Young's Fighting Irish were hit hard by injuries heading into this season, but will get immediate help from transfer Jessica Shepard. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

9:30 AM ET