Tahteeb known as tahtib in Arabic is the name of traditional martial art that involves the use of a stick to fight. It is originally called fan a'nazaha wa-tahtib ("the art of being authentic through the use of a stick").
While tahtib was popular among peasants and farmers, it was also used for military training. It was also popular among Christians in the early Christian literature for leisure activities and festivities such as weddings and celebrations. It is thought that tahtib evolved into a game or performance art in this civilian context.
The Egyptian folk dance involves a wooden stick. It is often called a "stick dance," a "cane dance," a "stick-dancing game," or even ritual mock combat accompanied by music as a background.
This performance is generally practiced by males, both young and old, mainly from the Saeedy populations in upper Egypt, especially the rural areas, in which the stick has historically been used as part of daily life and regarded as a sign of manhood.
The rules of the game include mutual respect, friendship, courage, strength, chivalry, and pride, which are all based on values. Tahteeb is often played in public or private settings. Tahtib competitions can be held to encourage new participants, as well as special tahteeb evenings that involve different governorates that can last almost a week.
Tahtib is based on a re-exploration of the sources of tahtib as a fighting art, codifying the techniques and teaching them structurally to enhance their value as a martial art. In traditional tahtib, the head is the main target, since it is considered the most vulnerable part of the body. Consequently, techniques are used to protect one's head and reach the head of the opponent.
This game facilitates the transfer of knowledge within families, neighborhoods, and anyone wishing to learn. It helps participants develop confidence from the skills learned and a sense of pride from performing in front of their community while strengthening family bonds and encouraging good community relations.
Nowadays, the word tahtib has come to encompass both martial practice and performance art. It is most commonly practiced in Upper Egypt today. Tahtib, now is frequently performed for tourists in Luxor and Aswan areas and is celebrated as a festive game.