Danmyé
The Danmyé or Ladja (also known as Ladjia, Kokoyé, Wonpwen) is a martial art from Martinique that is similar to Brazilian capoeira and to other arts in various Caribbean islands (Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica).
Ladja in the 1930s | |
| Also known as | Ladja, Ladjia, Kokoyé, Wonpwen |
|---|---|
| Focus | kicks, evasions, takedowns, punches, grappling, acrobatic |
| Country of origin | Martinique |
| Ancestor arts | Engolo Senegalese wrestling |
| Related arts | Capoeira Knocking and kicking |
Ladjia is based on the prominent use of kicks and head butts, as well as hand blows. While punches became more common in the late 20th century, earlier periods featured kicks, sweeps and acrobatic defenses.
Danmyé represents martial practice where two players engage in combat within a circle (won) formed by supporters (atlaj) and spectators, regulated by an orchestra (mizik-la). The orchestra typically consists of a drum (tambou), played by two people, accompanied by chants, sometimes improvised, and rhythmic hand claps. This music is directly connected to the Kalennda-Bèlè dances.
One of the characteristics of Danmyé is the use of cunning to deceive the opponent.