A group of young Palestinians have formed a team to hold regular martial arts shows in the ruins of buildings, which were destroyed in the 2014 war in the northern Gaza strip. Practising three times a week, the group of ninja-like youths develop a strong team member's intuition, mental agility and self-confidence, according to Ahmed Samour, 21, who started the group.
They have been receiving martial arts training at local clubs in Gaza for two years specialising in speed, flexibility and fire blowing- describing it as a blend between Freestyle Nunchaku, street fighting and swordplay.
A Palestinian youth blows fire as he demonstrates his ninja-style skills for the photographer in front of the ruins of a building that was destroyed in 2014 warMohammed Salem/ ReutersA Palestinian youth adjusts his face coverMohammed Salem/ ReutersA Palestinian youth jumps with a sword in front of the ruinsMohammed Salem/ ReutersA Palestinian youth holds swords as he sits on a section of a ruined buildingMohammed Salem/ ReutersA Palestinian youth leaps from the rubble of a ruined buildingMohammed Salem/ Reuters
"It's tough training as we are highly exposed to injury," said Mohammed Majed, 16 "we like it because it strengthens our determination and enhances our personality."
They hold regular shows in the hope that the publicity generated will eventually lead them being invited to participate in international contests.
A Palestinian youth adjusts the costume of a boyMohammed Salem/ ReutersA Palestinian youth and a boy jump as they demonstrate their ninja-style skills for the photographer at the ruins of a buildingMohammed Salem/ ReutersPalestinian youths jump as they demonstrate their ninja-style skillsMohammed Salem/ ReutersA Palestinian youth blows fireMohammed Salem/ ReutersPalestinian youths fight with swords as they demonstrate their ninja-style skills for the photographer at the ruins of a houseMohammed Salem/ ReutersPalestinian youths and boys exerciseMohammed Salem/ ReutersPalestinian youths blow fire as they demonstrate their ninja-style skillsMohammed Salem/ ReutersPalestinian youths fight with swords at the ruins of a building, that was destroyed in 2014 war, in the northern Gaza StripMohammed Salem/ Reuters
