An introduction to Senegalese wrestling in Mbour is a training session on the sand, in one of the strongholds of wrestling on the Petite Côte. Coach, outfit and entertainment are included, the workshop is entirely suited to beginners, and no advanced technique is taught.

A wrestler’s training, introductory version

The session starts with an introduction to traditional wrestling: its social importance, its modern development and its roots in everyday life in Mbour. It continues with a warm-up on sand, inspired by the training of local wrestlers: joint mobility, gentle leg strengthening, stability and balance exercises, grounding and basic posture.

Next come the fundamental techniques: waiting and defensive stances, lateral footwork, small shoulder or hip holds suited to beginners, gentle dodging exercises, core and stability work. Training generally takes place on the beach or in a sandy community space, an ideal setting for controlled falls. You also discover cultural elements specific to wrestling: songs of encouragement, ritual gestures, symbolic stamping in the sand. The session ends with a very light, supervised and safe opposition exercise.

Sessions are adjustable, with a gradual pace and regular breaks. The heat can be high: drink plenty, and wear loose clothing (shorts, T-shirt). The rituals are traditional, but taking part is optional. Children can take part with someone accompanying them, depending on their age.

If you live on the Petite Côte, it is a cultural activity close to home. If you are visiting Saly, it is an outing that shows another side of the region than the beach.

Mbour, a town of fishermen and wrestlers

Mbour is about 80 km south of Dakar, on the Petite Côte, 5 km from Saly. It is the country’s second fishing port after Dakar, a dynamic coastal town where fishermen, athletes, families and young apprentices mix, and whose neighbourhoods buzz on big fight days. The beaches of Mbour and Saly are often used for morning training.

Around Mbour

The fishing port, with the return of the pirogues, remains the emblematic sight, and the local markets give a measure of the atmosphere. The craft village of neighbouring Ngaparou offers sculptures, masks and wooden objects, and the Somone lagoon extends your discovery of the coast. To carry on, Senegalese wrestling is also offered elsewhere in Senegal.