Martial arts in East Timor (16 images)
In East Timor martial arts is a nationwide cult. Almost every young person belongs, or at least has loyalties, to a group. Some groups tap into the clandestine rites and rituals of traditional Timorese magic, some have Catholic leanings and some overt political affiliations. The black pajama-clad Sacred Heart, perhaps the largest of all, takes its inspiration from Java, centre of the country's former overlord, Indonesia.
Some see martial arts as a cover for street thuggery, blaming...
more »In East Timor martial arts is a nationwide cult. Almost every young person belongs, or at least has loyalties, to a group. Some groups tap into the clandestine rites and rituals of traditional Timorese magic, some have Catholic leanings and some overt political affiliations. The black pajama-clad Sacred Heart, perhaps the largest of all, takes its inspiration from Java, centre of the country's former overlord, Indonesia.
Some see martial arts as a cover for street thuggery, blaming groups for compounding the violence that has rocked the fledgling nation in recent years.
But others say it can instill a sense of discipline and self-respect among a burgeoning yet marginalized youth. They say in a climate of disillusionment, youth loyalties have all too easily been manipulated by shadowy forces to create chaos for political gain.
« less
