Shin-kicking, also known as shin diggings or purring, is a
combat sport
A combat sport, or fighting sport, is a competitive 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 opp ...
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
Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defense; military and law enforcement applications; combat sport, competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; a ...
, 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. 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 tit ...
, 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.][
Legend has it that some shin-kickers wore ]steel-toe boot
A steel-toe boot (also known as a safety boot, steel-capped boot, steel toecaps or safety shoe) is a durable boot or shoe that has a protective reinforcement in the toe which protects the foot from falling objects or compression. Safety shoes ...
s during the competitions and tried to build pain tolerance by hitting their shins with hammers. 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
* Clog (British)
A British clog is a wooden-soled clog from Great Britain. The uppers are typically leather, and many variations exist in style and fastening.
History
There are two explanations of the development of the English style clog. They may have ev ...
* Cotswold Olimpick Games
* Robert Dover (Cotswold Games)
Robert Dover (1575/82–1652) was an English attorney, author and wit, best known as the founder and for many years the director of the Cotswold Olimpick Games.
Family
Robert was probably born between 1575 and 1582 in Norfolk, one of four chi ...
* Wenlock Olympian Games
The Wenlock Olympian Games, dating from 1850, are a forerunner of the modern Olympic Games. They are organised by the Wenlock Olympian Society (WOS), and are held each year at venues across Shropshire, England, centred on the little market town o ...
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.
Combat sports
Folk wrestling styles
Sports originating in England
English culture