We’ve certainly hurt ourselves by accident while trying to juggle, but that’s not the same as combat juggling. This unorthodox game is swinging its way into the heart of the sports world with a bizarre mix of athletics, skill, and showmanship.
What is combat juggling?
Juggling, in its humblest form, is a street art, performed at carnivals and circuses. But bring it to the arena of competitive sports, and it turns into a wild, adrenaline-pumping showdown known as Combat Juggling. The aim? Hold your ground, keep your balls in the air, and knock out your opponent’s juggling pattern. Sounds crazy, right? But that’s the essence of this exhilarating sport.
Picture this: skilled athletes in a gladiatorial match, maintaining their juggling rhythm while trying to disrupt their opponents. It’s a riveting spectacle, combining finesse, quick reflexes, and relentless attack – ingredients that make sports fans sit on the edge of their seats.
Who came up with this unique sport?
Combat Juggling’s origin traces back to the International Jugglers’ Association (IJA) Championships. Its growing popularity can’t be ignored, and it’s gradually creeping onto sports networks, entrancing audiences with its unique charm (and the fact that it even exists).
Mastering juggling is prerequisite number one. But then throw in the element of combat, and you’ve got a whole new ball game. The athletes – or should we say warriors – take the stage with five juggling clubs each. The battle begins with the sound of the whistle, and the athletes swing into action.
Then comes the disruption. The aim isn’t just to keep your clubs spinning in the air; it’s about making sure your opponent’s clubs hit the ground. That’s where the combat comes in.
Where’s the combat?
It’s juggling meets dodgeball. The last person standing, juggling clubs intact, wins.
The competitors range from professional jugglers to sports enthusiasts looking to step out of their comfort zones. And the best part? Anyone can participate. Gender, age, background – none of it matters. All you need is a set of juggling clubs, a knack for disruption, and a hearty dose of competitive spirit.
The first World Juggling Federation’s Major League Combat event was held in 2010. Since then, Combat Juggling has exploded into the public consciousness, drawing both seasoned jugglers and curious newcomers. Its popularity has even spawned a dedicated fanbase, and the sport has become a mainstay at juggling festivals across the globe.
Source: “Combat Juggling is the next best sports craze to sweep the nation” — Medium