Shin-kicking, also known as shin diggings or purring, is a
combat sport
A combat sport, or fighting sport, is a contact sport that usually involves one-on-one combat. In many combat sports, a contestant wins by scoring more points than the opponent, submitting the opponent with a hold, disabling the opponent (''knock ...
that involves two contestants attempting to
kick each other on the
shin in order to force their opponent to the ground. It has been described as an English
martial art, and originated in England in the early 17th century.
History
It was one of the most popular events at the
Cotswold Olimpick Games from 1612 until the Games ended in the 1850s.
When the Games were revived, in 1951, the sport was included as the World Shin-Kicking Championships and remains one of its most popular events, drawing crowds of thousands of spectators.
Shin kicking also became a popular pastime among Cornish miners as a subset of
Cornish wrestling. Known as clog fighting or 'purring' in the mill towns of Lancashire, it was a
combative means of settling disputes popular in the later 19th century until the 1930s. Clog fighting and its associated gambling by spectators was illegal.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the sport was also practised by British immigrants to the United States.
Technique
During each round, the combatants face each other and hold on to each other's collar or shoulders. Traditionally (in the Cotswold Olimpicks), they wear white coats, representing
shepherds' smocks.
They typically attempt to strike their opponent's shin with the inside of the foot as well as their toes. Success in the event requires both agility and the ability to
endure pain, the loser crying out "Sufficient" when he has had enough.
The matches are observed by a
referee
A referee is an official, in a variety of sports and competition, responsible for enforcing the rules of the sport, including sportsmanship decisions such as ejection. The official tasked with this job may be known by a variety of other title ...
, or
stickler, who determines the score of the match.
[ Modern competitions are won by the combatant who wins six out of ten against his competitor.][
In modern competitions, the combatants are required to wear soft shoes and stuff their trouser legs with straw for padding.][ Ambulance crews also attend the events in case of injury.][
]
See also
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References
{{reflist
Bibliography
Drayton, Michael, et al. (1636), ''Annalia Dubrensia: upon the yearly celebration of Mr. Robert Dovers Olimpick Games upon Cotswold-Hills'', London: Robert Raworth.
* Gandy, Rob (2021), "Bold Dover", ''The Fortean Times'', FT408, (August 2021), pp.46-50.
Folk wrestling styles
Sports originating in England
Culture of England