Research Information System
6th International African Conference, Tripoli, Greece, 10 February 2023, (Full Text)
The aim of this study is to introduce Pala-Pala wrestling as traditional wrestling in Cameroon and to
determine its similar points with Turkish wrestling. A literature review was conducted and some
videos were watched. Pala-Pala is one of the traditional wrestling events among Bakweri in
Cameroon. It is usually applied when the season is about to switch from the rainy season to the dry
season. Tournaments are usually held in an open area where the villagers are in the arena. Wrestling
is practiced by young men and women who have strength, stamina, endurance and agility. Pala-Pala
match consists of three rounds of one minute each. The winner is the wrestler who can either pin his
opponent or lift his opponent completely off the ground. If, after three rounds, there is no winner,
the match is considered a draw. If any of the wrestlers are forced out of the ring, the wrestlers get
themselves into the middle of the ring and start again. The competition ends with the announcement
of the champion wrestler of the year. Pala-Pala traditional wrestling has the aim of raising
grassroots wrestlers for the Cameroon national team, as well as protecting the cultural heritage. It
has similarities with Turkish traditional wrestling in that it is performed with drums and music.