22. Nguni Stick Fighting
The Zulu people inhabited southern Africa, and they were known throughout history for having incredibly strong warriors. Rather than being a proper army, the Zulu warriors are a volunteer militia that men can join between the ages of 19 and 40. Typically, they use a stabbing spear, and a throwing spear. They also carried shields made of cowhide, which would help them block blows from oncoming attacks. Warriors practiced their fighting skills using sticks, rather than using deadly weapons. This was a way to have competitive fighting with one another outside of warfare.
Players almost never die while doing stick fighting, since it’s not a deadly weapon. However, many men ended up with scars on their bodies from these games, which is like a badge of honor. Stick fighting is still practiced today among the Zulu warriors as their way of training. If they never go to war in modern times, this may be the only form of combat some men ever face in modern times.