BOIS ACADEMY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO RESTORING THE ART OF STICK FIGHTING

You may have heard of Karate and Judo, Japanese

combat forms. If you have grown up in Trinidad and Tobago, you would certainly be familiar with the terms Kung Fu or Wushu, the world famous Chinese fighting style. Those with an interest in martial arts would even be aware of Jiu Jitsu and Tai Chi. The genuine enthusiasts would also know about the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira. But have you ever heard about KALINDA? If you are like this writer, chances are, you havent ever heard the correct name for Trinidad and Tobagos indigenous martial art, known to most of us as Stick Fighting. The Bois Academy of Trinidad and Tobago is working to restore the art of Stick Fighting or Kalinda to its rightful place in our nations cultural landscape. Formed in August 2010, the Bois Academy has four (4) major objectives:

Nolan Cummings, Director of the Bois Academy of Trinidad and Tobago, explains that the organization is focussing on reviving the history and culture of Moruga, one of the few communities in Trinidad and Tobago where Stick Fighting is still actively practised. The Bois Academy, formed in St. Marys, Moruga is working in conjunction with the St. Marys Village Council to promote music, drumology, dance and martial traditions that form part of the Kalinda tradition. The Bois Academy will be reviving these traditions of warfare, albeit in a more palatable format, suitable for modern society. In 2011, with the assistance of corporate citizens, the Academy hosted an Ole Time Kalinda Gayelle during the Carnival season at the St. Marys Recreation Ground Basketball Court. This event sparked keen interest in Kalinda as thousands of residents came out to see the matches. A roving gayelle is carded to be held at various locations throughout the year.

The Bois Academy of Trinidad and Tobago would like to thank FRAM Exploration (Trinidad) Ltd for its assistance for the 2011 Gayelle and provision of space for drumology practice sessions. The Academy is appealing to corporate Trinidad and Tobago to support the restoration of our rich cultural tradition of Kalinda to the place of honour it deserves.

To archive the local folk tradition and culture associated with the art of Kalinda. To propagate the art form through emersion, by which Kalinda would become more than something we do, but will influence who we are as a people. To educate the local, regional and eventually, international community about Kalinda. To develop the practice of Kalinda in Trinidad and Tobago and the world.

Also in the works is a series of lectures, seminars and workshops which will be held in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). The Academy has also compiled songs from the leading Chantwells in Trinidad and Tobago and a CD will be available for purchase by the third quarter of 2011. An outreach programme has been started at the St. Marys Government Primary School where drumology and Capoeira are practiced and taught. Mr. Cummings is extending an open invitation to all, especially the youths, to learn about the culture of Kalinda. He advises however, that this is a system of discipline and self management that takes hard work and patience. Kalinda is more than a physical activity; it is a way of life.

For further information, please contact: NOLAN CUMMINGS Bois Academy of Trinidad and Tobago Phone: 335-0170 Email: boisacademytt@gmail.com