Down and Dirty in Bali

(6/28/2008)

Incorporating a wide range of martial art forms, Mepantigan is a traditional fighting style in Bali in which young men and women, clad in sarongs, do battle on local beaches or, more popularly, in rice fields knee-deep in mud.

Despite aggressive body slams and somersaults end in the muck, rules actually do exist. Kicking, punching, leg sweeps, eye-poking, scratching, groin hits, biting ala Mike Tyson, hair pulling, spitting and profanity are all against the rules. A fight is conducted in a 5 x 5 meter arena comprised of two rounds of 5 minute's duration.

Exciting and spirited, a mepantignan match is usually accompanied by a traditional gamelan orchestra.

1st Open Mepantigan Bali Championship



Bali will host the first Mepantigan championship.

Mepantigan Wrestling