Mkunga lalem
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Mkunga Lalem is the world's oldest and most effective ghoul-fighting martial art, as introduced by Max Brooks in the fictional novel World War Z.
Nothing is known of the composition, structure, or movement of this martial art. It has been described by the author as Afro-Caribbean in nature, and is translated as "The Eel and the Sword" by the author, though no direct linguistic translation is availible. "Mkunga" can be translated as "Eel" in Swahili.
Details of Mkunga Lalem are non-existent, however inferals may be made due to both the fighting capabilities of the zombies that Max Brooks describes, as well as comments by the author. In a press report for a seminar at the University of Georgia, Max Brooks proposed that attendees would be taught basic moves of Mkunga Lalem, including how to get a zombie to cut it's own head off.
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[edit] Basic Undead Theory
The Zombie Survival Guide, also by Max Brooks, is the most widely accepted definition of the composition, abilities, tactics, and methods of the undead.
The undead as detailed by the author are both slow and unthinking. However what they may lack in these departments are more than compensated for by their ferocity, strength, single-minded determination, and complete lack sleep or energy requirements. Most commonly it is the ability of a zombie to continue attacking a single target, no matter how impossibly defended, from the moment of acquisition until the moment of complete decay, a period lasting anywhere from three to eight years (depending on humidity or frost affecting decompostition rate), which results in the physical if not mental failure of the human combatant. As well, any transfer of fluids with a zombie immediately exchanges the virus responsible for the condition (see solanum), and thus there are no wounded in combat with the undead, nor are the standard martial-art strategies for harm reduction applicable.
[edit] Weaponry
While a wide varieties of weapons are discussed in The Zombie Survival Guide, hand weapons are generally seen as most desirable, due to their relative lack of maintenance or complextity in comparison to firearms. Of these, the machete, sword, and axe are excellent choices.
Special mention must be given to the Shaolin spade, a long staff with a crescent blade at one end and a reverse concave blade at the other. This weapon provides both effective decapitation of the target, and range required to safe guard the user. Perhaps the only major flaw with this weapon is it's rarity, as few are readily availible in a time of crisis.
In World War Z the melee weapon most used by the paramilitary is the Standard Infantry Entrenchment Tool. (Also known as the "Lobotomizer", or "Lobo" for short.) The weapon consists of a short handle, weighted with a bell-shaped blade on one end, and a spiked point at the other, used for penetrating the orbital cavity of an assailant. Extremely effective in close quarters, the Lobo is well suited to narrow, confined spaces such as urban areas or tunnels.
[edit] Basic Movement
To date there exist no descriptions, images, or schools of Mkunga Lalem combat. The translation "The Eel and the Sword" itself does hint towards certain styles of martial-arts.
Allegedly Afro-Caribbean in nature, Mkunga Lalem may well immitate or draw from elements of capoeira, the Brazilian martial art which ephasizes continual movement, an excellent stratgey when combating the undead.
The "Eel" in the title most probably refers to the human combatant, moving in a slippery and fluid manner, removing oneself from the icy grip and reach of an undead foe.
As destruction of the brain is the only known method of "killing" a zombie, all strikes should be directed at neck level, or involve dedicated thrusts intent on piercing the skull.
