An introduction to Senegalese wrestling in Dakar is a session at a traditional school in the capital, on the beach, in an arena or in a local training space. Coach, outfit and entertainment are included, beginners are accepted, and advanced holds are not taught.

A wrestling session, from history to first holds

The session starts with an introduction to Senegalese wrestling, the national sport and the most popular in the country: its history, its essential rules and its emblematic rituals. You then follow the stages of a traditional training session: a full warm-up (power, mobility, grounding), an introduction to basic stances, balance and footwork exercises, learning simple, safe holds, and coordination and strength work.

Depending on the training place of the day, the activity takes place on the sand, in an arena or in a local training space. Sand supports controlled falls and makes for gentle practice. The session includes observing the wrestlers’ routines: pre-fight rituals, songs, stamping on the ground, symbolic gestures. It ends with some light practice or an interactive exercise, in a supportive spirit.

Comfortable clothing is essential: shorts or loose trousers. Training on sand reduces impact but can tire the legs, and staying hydrated is strongly advised, especially for beach sessions. Photos or videos can sometimes be taken at the end of the workshop. Children can take part depending on their age, with someone accompanying them, and no martial arts background is needed.

If you live in Dakar, it is a chance to discover from the inside a sport you often know only from a distance. If you are visiting, it is a way into the popular culture of the city.

Where do people train in Dakar?

Sessions change place depending on the day: Yoff beach, the beach at Cite de la Cassation, a local arena or a training space. Wrestlers often train there at sunrise, and Pikine is also one of the neighbourhoods linked to wrestling. Dakar is a city you get to know through its neighbourhoods, and wrestling is one of the liveliest. Yoff is one of the beaches used.

Extending your time around Dakar

The Corniche is good for an active walk after the session, and the neighbouring markets and workshops show the cultural environment of the sport. To carry on, the emblematic markets of Dakar, the African Renaissance Monument and Gorée Island are the classic outings, and Senegalese wrestling can also be tried elsewhere in the country.