Warrior Sciences University ; African Warrior History Pt. 1 (Broad overview and fundamentals)

African martial sciences / martial arts are vast. In Nubian Egypt there were statues of Prince punt holding a boomerang . Another Kemetic system besides the Nubian wrestling documented on tomb walls was Ku-Ta which meant defender of the Pharoah, used by the royal bodyguards. It filtered to the Fillipines and became known as Kuntao . Jirilbu is central / west African system and is where Judo and Jiujitsu style techniques came from. Jacadi is from central regions and utilizes empty hands, kicks and flows. Somo is central region and is like Capoeira. Ljala is a stickfighting system of the Yoruba of Nigeria/Benin. Ethiopian Pan Kau Rau Shen is identical to Pankration or Pangration , obvious connection being the similarity of namesakes, but of course extending far beyond surface similarities.

The ancient martial sciences of the Nubians / Kushites whom ruled ancient Egypt and perfected and mastered warfare, techniques respectively of Nubian wrestling Pankaurashen contained grappling using throws locks holds weapons like lance, shortsticks and others along with other different varied skills. All grappling, wrestling and submission fighting owe their roots to the source which are these systems. Pankration it’s self comes directly from the ancient Ethiopian (Kushite) martial art of Pan kau ra shen or Pankaurashen which means “fighting with the power of Ra” which is not a reference to the Egyptian sun God Ra, but "rau" which is the spirit or life force, that emanates from within you like light from the sun (like Chi or Ki). In essence, to "fight with the power of the spirit" which is infinite power, and the warriors who utilized this system did amazing feats being able to control their bodies and their spiritual energies, and channel them in combat maneuvers.

Nubia of ancient Africa was called the land of the bow. The bow and arrow, archery in itself was originated by the people along the Nile Valley Region. That is also where the first martial sciences martial arts of the world came forth from. Nubia got its knickname because of the reputation of its deadly archers. During ancient times, armies of Greece, the Middle East and other places would hire Nubian mercenaries because they were so deadly.

Kyokushinkai Karate founder and grandmaster Mas Oyama known as the “Godhand” published his first book "What is Karate" where he spoke on the African origins of the martial arts and Ancient Africa being the birthplace of martial arts also. He was pictured in one of his fighting postures that is the same as a salutary and spiritual stance well known throughout the ancient Kemetic / African world.

The Zulu

The Zulu warriors of Africa under the guidance of warrior king Shaka were one of the most fierce and well trained warrior groups ever. Historians note in his prime he could have conquered the entire African continent if he truly wanted, but did not have that desire. Seen as cruel by some scholars, Shaka's training methods were highly effective, making capable warriors. Shaka even developed a new weapons and a martial arts system, naming it Zulu Impi after his famous warriors. Shaka was known as being a brutal and even cruel leader at times, but his people still loved him because he such a powerful leader, and expanded their empire making them feared and respected. When he came to power, he overhauled the way his warriors the "Zulu Impi" trained. He made them run / hike for miles and miles a day. He would make them hike on rough terrain to callous their feet. They would hurl large stones and do other related things for strength training. He designed a new spear called a "kwla" which to him "resembled the sound it made going into the enemies body". It had a shorter staff for gripping with a flat, wide blade. Meant for stabbing and infighting in close quarters opposed to tossing or throwing like a regular spear. He designed a new shield to go with the spear also, which is iconic in relation to Zulu imagery. In the town square, he made his soldiers march over very sharp thorns that fell from the local trees, and if anyone hesitated when commanded to do so, he would pull them aside and kill them on the spot. This type of action made his warriors obey his commands without question. The arduous training made them physically capable to carry out his commands. This all played into the Zulu battlefield tactics. They learned how to move in unison and crush their enemies with their sheer numbers, conditioning and toughness along with their weapons. One noted battlefield maneuver was attacking from the front, the ends would swing around inward like horns, and they would decimate the enemy. They made a lot of use of hard flanking maneuvers in conjunction with other tactics. Many warrior culture historians have said the Zulu were the African equivalent of the Spartans of Greece.

African Knighthood

The Moors

he history of the Moors as well as who they are at times have been very debated. The confusion that surrounds them stems from the fact that the name / term "Moor" referenced not only a large group of people, but different groups of people over the course of different time frame.Due to multiple factions over different time spans, it can blur their history. At times, the different "Caliphates " did not even get along and warred versus one another. The Moors of Northern Africa (African / Africoid individuals) were warrior scholars. Besides being very adept at warfare and military sciences, they were scientists, philosophers and scholars. Most do not know that all Moors were not Muslim as commonly thought. There were some whom were Christians and others that followed traditional African belief systems. When the Moorish Knights took a city, they were known to immediately sack libraries to hoard all the books to study. The African contingent of the Moors went into Europe around 711 A.D and over the course of time there, had some crushing battles that showed their warrior prowess. When the Moors ruled Southern Europe for 700 years they made many advances in technology, science and society in general. Europeans struggled after the Vandals destroyed Rome, and their civilization became backwards taking a steep decline. When the Moors took over southern Europe (specifically Spain) they ushered in the Renaissance Era. This brought in in the sciences, mathematics, astronomy as well as other things that built society up like hot and cold running water and such. Prior, the Kings and Queens whom inhabited pre-Moorish occupation lived in barns with chickens, cows and other animals freely roaming in and out (as stated,they were in decline from the fall of Rome). Also, bathing was considered a sin at the time in Europe. This was a breeding ground for sickness and disease. With running water and knowledge of the medical sciences, the Moors changed all of this, corralling animals and incorporating cleanliness , bathing and bath houses and related things. Being scholars, the Moors established the first University in Europe. Their educators were in such high demand that they could earn handsome sums of money educating. Moorish educators actually traveled to different places in Europe and back to Africa to teach and educate.

As sailors they spread their martial arts knowledge to the Philippines and the term they use "moro -moro" in their martial arts is a reflection of the Moorish contribution. In Europe, many times,when Moors were depicted in any images they would include the symbol of a skull and crossbones which has always been associated with pirates. Moorish pirates and their history is well known, as they had many battles along the Barbary coast and the seas of Northern Africa. There is a secret organization called "skull and bones" and Freemasonry comes directly from Moorish Science. This line of knowledge also brought about other societies too, like the knights Templar. This goes much deeper because the Knights Templar used this knowledge as part of the training for their specialized warriors who fought using stealth and a number of other discreet tactics and methods. These are the same methods seen in other places like some secret East and West African warrior societies, and with the Moshuh Nanren, said to be the bodyguards of the royal family of China. The methods of the Moshuh Nanren are said to be the forerunner of what later became Ninjitsu methods in Japan.

Lots of European families "coats of arms" depict Moors faces on them. This is because not only did these families have bloodline ties with the Moors, but Moors also built castles as well. The history of castle building and fortification originated in Africa, with many castles of note being in Ethiopia. There are many paintings in Europe of Moors in castles as well as in battles defending castles.

Saint Maurice and the legend of the Black Knight

Black Knighthood; legend says the first knights were black or of African origins, with the term Knight referencing that their skin was “as dark as night “as a form of wordplay.

Saint Maurice Saint Maurice was according to tradition the leader of the legendary Roman Theban Legion in the 3rd century, and one of the favorite and most widely venerated saints of that group. He was the patron saint of several professions, locales, and kingdoms. He is also a highly revered saint in the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria and other churches of Oriental Orthodoxy.

Born: 3rd century, Thebes, Egypt

Died: 287, Agaunum, Switzerland

Canonized: Pre-Congregation for the Causes of Saints

Major shrine: Abbey of St. Maurice, Agaunum (until 961), Magdeburg Cathedral (961-present)

Feast: September 22 (Catholic), December 27 (Orthodox), Thout 25 (Coptic Orthodox)

Attributes: banner, soldier, soldier being executed with other soldiers, knight, indigenous African in full armor, bearing a standard and a palm, knight in armor with a red cross on his breast, which is the badge of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus

The Black Knight

The Black Knight is an ambiguous motif that exists in many Arthurian legends. In some cases, Black Knight is used to refer to a random knight who appears as a competitor to one of the Arthurian knights. In other episodes, Black Knight is a disguise often taken up by Sir Lancelot to escape attention. The most notable reference to a Black Knight is the tale of Sir Morien. According to a 13th century narrative of King Arthurian legends, Morien is called a son of a Moorish princess and is named the Black Knight because of his African lineage.

The Black Knight as Sir Morien Sir Agrovale, one of the Knights of the Round Table, set out to look for Sir Lancelot when he became lost. During his search in far-off lands, he came across a Moorish princesses whom be bedded. From this union, Sir Morien was later born. Agrovale abandoned the Moorish princess and his illegitimate son and returned back to King Arthur’s court. Arthurian legends state that when Morien grew up, he set out to seek his father and reached England on this quest.

The Black Knight and Sir Lancelot In the version where Sir Morien is considered to be the Black Knight, a story is related about his confrontation with Sir Lancelot. According to this story, Sir Morien was pitted against Sir Lancelot as a teenager. The combat continued for a long-time and in this hand-to-hand combat, neither was able to overpower the other. Finally, Sir Gawain intervened and asked the two to stop fighting in the spirit of good knights who meet a fine adversary. Since the origins of Sir Morien are described to be Moorish in Arthurian legends, subsequent stories related to him state that he always wore North African armour, very different from the armour of other Arthurian knights. Even the shield he bore was said to be of a Moorish make and shape.

The Black Knight and His Appearance Since Sir Morien was of an African descent and had black skin, he has been described to be of an exceptional appearance in Arthurian legends. One legend, for instance, repeatedly refers to his skin color as an unusual feature. According to these sagas, Sir Morien was black throughout and only his teeth were white, which is an obvious fact for a person of a different skin color but apparently a surprising fact for medieval authors. The legends further state that no one would have dared to face Sir Morien had he not called upon God in front of them and affirmed that he was not the devil. This exasperation of other knights over his appearance, the legends state, was also for the fact that he was exceptionally tall and very skilled in combat.

Shaolin Legacy

In the White Garment Hall White garment hall of the Shaolin Temple in Hunan province China there are two 12 ft long murals depicting Shaolin Monks Monks training in boxing Kungfu This mural itself shows African/ Africoid or “ black” monks training together with Chinese monks. The history of these black monks has gone unspoken of for a long time historically, but is solid proof of the history / lineage and connection of the original skills of the African martial arts that predate the recorded Chinese arts. There is one source the ancient motherland.

Samurai Legacy

There are many Japanese legends about the black man and their warrior lineage. One legend states you have to have one drop of black blood to be a Samurai. Another recounts how they were overran from the south by a group of fierce black warriors. They were so skilled it led partly to why the black belt is the highest rank in Japanese martial arts. Sakanouye Tamura Maro (800 C.E) was a black man and was the first Shogun of Japan.

The African Memnon : Great warrior - hero of the ancient world

(not to be confused with Greek Agamemnon)

Memnon came from a royal bloodline and lineage, though later, his legend would have him bespoke of as being a offspring of the Gods, or revered in a Godlike fashion by some. In the literature "Works and Days" Heisod recounted Memnon as being the son of Tithonos and his wife, the Goddess Eos. The Kushites / Ethiopians of Africa whom Memnon came from, were depicted as spiritually advanced and favored by the Gods. They also had reputation as formidable warriors. The ancient Greeks referred to them as " the blameless ones". As their King, Memnon was expected to be the greatest of a great people. The ancient Greeks looked at them this way with awe and admiration. When they saw a black skinned person, they thought of Memnon and the Ethiopians and expected such person to exhibit nobility, wisdom, and other virtues. When Memnon traveled to Troy to aid in the battle of Troy, the Greek poet Homer quoted himself saying "to Troy came no hero of nobler line".

Memnon trained in the warrior sciences in youth. He grew into mastering the Kushite method, Pan Kau Rau Shen which means fighting with the power of Ra (the energy of the spirit). Pan Kau Rau Shen in Greek hands later became Pankration. The Kushite form though, was total combat in all ranges of empty hand as well as weapons based fighting. Besides empty hand fighting, he mastered swordsmanship, and was known to have a dual wielding style (long sword in one hand, short sword in the other). He also mastered knife fighting and archery. Beyond this, he studied well and mastered strategy and tactics, which along with these skills are what made his legend on the battlefield.

Memnon bested Achilles in battle using Pan Kau Ra Shen (fighting with the power of the spirit) the Ethiopian or Kushite father of the Greek Pankration system. This unparalleled warriors story is recounted in The book series The Shades of Memnon. Memnon was a great warrior - hero of the ancient world, though not many at all even know his story or of his adventures. In movies and such in later times, Memnon was left out of the story because, mostly likely, the story when told centers around the Trojan Horse and Achilles. Moreso, it is probably because at the battle of Troy, Memnon not only played a pivotal role (arriving to defend Troy), he fought the two greatest Greek warriors at the time. Memnon battled the giant warrior Ajax who was only second to Achilles who was their most elite. Ajax could not defeat Memnon, and Achilles and Memnon fought toe to toe. It was stated that as great as Achilles was, even he could not defeat Memnon in a head to head, toe to toe battle. This proves not only how great a warrior Memnon was, but broke the the notion of Achilles being unbeatable (though definitely a force). This is probably why the whole story of Memnon was left out of the Trojan war tale, though it is a centerpiece.

From the writings and study of Memnon, his adventures, and his life, we ascertain the following facts of this little known, but great warrior - hero ;

- Memnon's greatness and nobility

- Memnon's black skin tome and handsome looks

- Memnon's attachment to thefamous colossi near Thebes in Egypt (Colossi of Memnon)

- Memnon was the epitome of strength, knobility and righteousness

- Memnon was a King as well as a warrior - hero traveling all over the ancient world and engaging in many battles undefeated, and he was loved and admired by the people of the ancient world

African warriors in Rome ; Gladiators, Generals and Leaders

In Rome there were more Africans apart of the populace than told or realized. Not all slaves or servants as one would assume, and history it’s self accounts for some being scholars, three became Popes, there were multiple African Generals, and there were ten that became Emperors. Septimus Severus is one whom has been recounted as being “dark skinned” with his grandfather actually being a Knight in Rome. The infamous Hannibal Barca whom conquered Rome is another. African soldiers of Rome distinguished themselves under the reign of Emperor Diocletian.

There are references and proofs of Africans being involved in Roman competitions in everything from Boxing to Pancratium and Gladiatorial fighting. To impress the Armenian King Tiridates, the Emperor Nero commissioned Patrobius to host Gladiatorial games. These games consisted all of African competitors in Puteoli 66 A.D (book; Gladiators and Caesars by Kohne and Ewigleben).

Gladiators could either have been slaves bought for the purpose of training and being fought as Gladiators or criminals and debtors whom usually were forced to fight as execution, given no weapons and tossed in to the fray. Lastly, were regular, free men whom subjugated themselves to the Gladiator lifestyle in order to earn riches, fame, and glory…..the aim of all gladiators. For those whom were slaves, if they survived for three years of arena fighting, they were usually given their freedom. For many captive or in bondage, it was a lucrative way to earn freedom and become rich in the process. A Gladiator was met with the fanfare that a top basketball or football player of modern day is. Their faces even adorned / endorsed products.

All of this is but a small example of the history and lineage the Warrior Sciences University see ourselves as a modern continuation of, but more so a small glimpse into the long and rich history of the African Warrior and the African Warrior Sciences.