Bajan Stick-Licking or Stick Science traditional form of stick fighting in Barbados.
Bajan Stick-Licking or Stick Science is an African system of weapons fighting that features the use of fire hardened sticks of varying lengths. 'Lickin Stick' as it is usually known was most likely transferred to Barbados from the Kongo (Congo)/Angola region of Africa during the 15th century by military men who had been captured as prisoners of war. These soldiers were then purchased by various European enslavers and shipped as cargo to the Caribbean, where some ended up in Barbados as slaves.
For much of Barbados' history, this African Fight has been an integral part of the society. It has been a test of manhood, a fun but dangerous sport, a means of self defense and a method of settling disputes. Contrary to some mythology, Stick Lickin' is not a hybrid of African Stickfighting and European fencing, but is a Kalenda system and exists in many other parts of the African diaspora including Trinidad, Grenada, Puerto Rico and the United States.
References Carrington, Sean (2007). A~Z of Barbados Heritage. Macmillan Caribbean Publishers Limited. pp. 199. ISBN 0-333-92068-6.
Similar styles are found in Trinidad, Grenada, Puerto Rico and in the United States.
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