Testa
4296945
221797666
2008-06-26T03:54:59Z
Ukexpat
70142
Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/124.176.234.107|124.176.234.107]] to last version by Martarius (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]])
{{dablink|Testa may also refer to the thick and hard outer protective shell of a [[seed]].}}
'''Testa''' is an [[Eritrea]]n fighting technique/[[martial art]] that emphasizes [[headbutt]]ing. Its name comes from the [[Italian language|Italian]] ''testa'', meaning head, having been adopted during the colonial period. Its basis is on real [[hand-to-hand combat]] techniques, although it is often practiced in the open as a [[dance]]. The system as adapted by Dennis Newsome includes [[kick]]s, [[punch (strike)|punches]], and limited [[grappling]], but the emphasis is on [[headbutting]], with the other techniques being used mainly to set-up headbutts. It is not unusual for testa practitioners to use so called "dirty techniques" such as [[eye-gouging]] and [[biting]], although these are not taught nor practiced in the open. In traditional Testa, there is a sole focus on trapping and headbutting. There is no known historical documentation pertaining to Testa, only techniques taught from generation to generation.
==References==
{{Wiktionary}}
*{{cite journal|last=Bruster|first=Ron|year=1982|month=October|title=Testa: A Brutally Beautiful African Martial Art|journal=Inside Kung-Fu|volume=9|issue=10|pages=49–52}}
{{martialart-stub}}
[[Category:African martial arts]]