Tahtib
Tahtib is a martial art that originated in Egypt. It relies primarily on the use of a wooden stick for striking, defensive or dodging techniques.
The origins of Tahtib seem to go back to the 2nd millennium BC, some of Tahtib gestures are engraved in the walls of three tombs among the 39 rock-cut tombs of the archaeological site of Beni Hasan, in the eastern bank of the Nile, near the city of Minya.
The fighting stick does not appear to have been used as a battlefield weapon, rather it was used primarily as a training tool and/or for sport.
Stick fencing continues to be practiced by Egyptians, particularly during festivals and the month of Ramadan. Stick fighting and stick dancing is performed during marriage ceremonies. It is called tahteeb or tahtib and still practiced in upper Egypt.
There is much feinting and other stylistic elements that involve energy, sensitivity and a counter-for-counter flow. The fight is accompanied by drummers, and is an event with its own ceremony and rules of conduct.
The stick
The stick itself is about four feet in length and is called an Asa, Asaya or Assaya, or Nabboot. It is often flailed in large figure-8 patterns across the body with such speed and violence that the displacement of air is loudly discernible. There is another form practiced from horseback known as “Horse Stepping” which uses a stick that is nearly 12 feet (3.7 m) long.