Catch the Fight

Is wrestling a traditional Polynesian sport? Is it historic truth that Polynesian tribes left their leaders fighting to end a war?

The tension for the upcoming sport event at Tuaro Maohi is visible among spectators, too

Pride of winners and disappointment of losers is clear today. On a round sandy arena, bordered by palm leaves, wrestlers give their best at sunset. Two rules only: opponents’ back on ground: 1 point. Opponent pushed out of the ring:  1 point

Fighters crash from time to time on spectators while pulling up clouds of sand with their sweat bodies.

The tiny pieces of clothes do not help keeping family jewelry hidden: “Mon bijou!” wrestlers whisper from time to time while pulling up their pants…

Women fights are not less muscular then men: my pride shaking hands to the Maori fighter (on the top of the Tahitian in this picture) after she got the final

A dance of bodies not less attractive than dancing Heiva nights

Each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday the following episodes will be published and links will be active after 11AM CEST of the scheduled date:

– September 2023-
French Polynesia: My displacement in time – from 6.9.23
1. Dots in the ocean – from 8.9.23
2. With wet ankles in Big Moana – from 10.9.23
3. Would you mind bringing the fruit? Be quick! – from 13.9.23
4. Coconut split – from 15.9.23
5. Moana’s ritual – from 17.9.23
6. On the road to the Rock of Displacement – from 20.9.23
7. A dangerous hug – from 22.9.23
8. It’s war! – from 24.9.23
9. Heiva nights: dancing the myth– from 27.9.23
10. Catch the fight – from 29.9.23

– October 2023-
11. Another portion of fruit, quick! – from 1.10.23
12. Lift it if you can – from 4.10.23
13. Keep Moorea always in your mind – from 6.10.23
14. Allons enfants de la Patrie a Tahiti! – from 8.10.23
15. Return to the Spear Age – from 11.10.23
16. What’s on in Papeete – from 13.10.23
17. Teahupo‘o, surf for the gold medal – from 15.10.23
18. Papeete open air – from 18.10.23
19. Heiva nights: back to the origins – from 20.10.23
20. Va’a: the displacement in time – from 22.10.23
21. Va’a: the competition – from 25.10.23
22. Heiva nights: across time  – from 27.10.23
23. Heiva champions – from 29.10.23

– November 2023 –
24. Don’t wake up Te Fiti – from 1.11.23
25. Sharks ahead! – from 3.11.23
26. Na na Huahine – from 5.11.23