
Chicken fight, also known as shoulder wars, is an informal game often played in a lake or swimming pool. The game involves teammates working together, with one sitting on the shoulders of the other, to knock down or separate the opposing team. The game has been banned in some swimming pools due to safety concerns. Interestingly, a similar game called kibasen, which involves a team of four competitors with three carrying the fourth, is commonly played in Japan during annual sports day events at schools. However, it is worth noting that some schools have removed physically demanding games like kibasen due to the risk of injury. While the term chicken fight may bring to mind this lighthearted game, it is important to acknowledge that the phrase has a darker connotation in the context of cockfighting, a blood sport that involves forcing roosters to fight, often to the death. Cockfighting has been documented throughout history and is considered a cultural tradition in some regions, but it is widely recognized as animal cruelty and is illegal in many places.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of game | Informal, often played in a [lake or] swimming pool or on a field |
| Number of players | Two teams of two players |
| Objective | Knock down or separate the opposing team |
| Rules | One player sits on the shoulders of their teammate or rides piggyback; the person on the bottom is the "vehicle" and cannot use their arms or hands; the person on top is the "attacker" and can use any means to separate or knock down the other team |
| Winning condition | Last team remaining wins |
| Variants | Kibasen (Japan), Briga de galo (Brazil), Camel Fighting (Mexico), Sumo wrestling-inspired version (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada) |
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What You'll Learn

The game chicken fight is similar to the Japanese game 'kibasen'
The game "chicken fight" is similar to the Japanese game "kibasen" as they both involve riding on the backs or shoulders of teammates and attempting to knock down or separate opponents. Chicken fight, also known as shoulder wars, is an informal game often played in a lake or swimming pool. It involves one team member sitting on the shoulders of their teammate or riding piggyback. The objective is to knock down or separate the opposing team through teamwork. The person on top is the "attacker", while the person below is the "vehicle". The attacker can use any means to separate or knock down the other team, while the vehicle is restricted to using only their momentum and cannot use their arms or hands. The last team remaining wins the game.
Kibasen, which translates to "cavalry fight" or "cavalry battle", is commonly played as part of an annual sports day event in Japanese elementary and junior high schools. It is played on a field and involves a team of four competitors, with three carrying the fourth, who wears a bandana (hachimaki) or a hat. The team loses if they are knocked over or if their bandana or hat is removed by an opponent. Similar to chicken fight, competitors in kibasen are often divided into opposing red and white factions.
Both games involve physical contact and can result in injuries, leading some schools to remove them from sports day programs or ban them entirely. Despite their similarities, there are also some differences between chicken fight and kibasen. Chicken fight is typically played in water, while kibasen is played on a field. Additionally, chicken fight can be played with two-player teams, while kibasen is played with teams of four.
The games chicken fight and kibasen share core mechanics and objectives but differ in team composition and setting, with chicken fight involving pairs in water and kibasen featuring teams of four on land. Both games provide an entertaining and physically engaging experience for participants, contributing to their popularity and cultural significance.
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Cockfighting is a blood sport
When searching for "why is a chicken fight called a chicken fight", results for the sport of cockfighting are also shown. This may be due to the fact that the term "chicken fight" is used to refer to cockfighting in Brazil, where the game is known as "briga de galo".
Cockfighting has a long history, with the first documented use of the word "gamecock", denoting the use of the cock as a "game" or sport, recorded in 1634. However, it was during Ferdinand Magellan's voyage of discovery of the Philippines in 1521 when modern cockfighting was first witnessed and documented for Westerners. The sport was also popular in ancient times in India, China, Persia, and other Eastern countries, and was introduced into Ancient Greece in the time of Themistocles (c. 524-460 BC).
Despite being illegal in many countries, including all 50 states in the US, cockfighting still persists and is closely connected to other crimes such as gambling, drugs, and acts of violence. Bets on the fights can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, and illegal weapons have been found at cockfights due to the large amounts of cash present. In addition, the sport has been linked to the spread of the highly lethal bird flu virus from birds to humans through contact with blood and feces.
Cockfighting is also a religious obligation in Balinese Hinduism, practiced as an ancient religious purification ritual to expel evil spirits. This ritual, a form of animal sacrifice, is called "tabuh rah" ("pouring blood").
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Cockfighting is an ancient tradition in Balinese Hinduism
When one thinks of a chicken fight, it is easy to assume that it refers to a fight between chickens, or cockfighting. However, a chicken fight is actually an informal game played in water, where players compete by riding on the shoulders of their teammates and attempt to knock down and separate the opposing team.
Cockfighting, on the other hand, is an ancient tradition in Balinese Hinduism. It is a ritual considered a mandatory means to complete the religious ceremonial procession, called "Tabuh Rah" or "spilling blood". The purpose of Tabuh Rah is to ward off evil demons, often depicted in animal form in sculptures around Bali. The blood of the losing cock is believed to drive away these evil spirits, and after three cockfights, enough blood has flowed, restoring harmony and balance.
Cockfighting is deeply rooted in the culture and history of Balinese Hindus, who are known for their spirituality. While it may be seen as inhumane by some, it is a tradition that holds significance in their religion and culture. The owners of the cocks go to great lengths to ensure their roosters are in top condition, as the outcome of the fight can determine their financial fate. The cock is treated as a pet, with regular foot massages and its feathers stroked until shiny. The rooster is kept in a small braided basket by the roadside to get accustomed to the noise during the fight.
The religious aspects of cockfighting within Balinese Hinduism have been protected, allowing the fights to continue within temple walls. However, gambling, a significant attraction of cockfighting, was banned by the Indonesian government in the 1980s, causing big games with high stakes to disappear. Despite this, men continue to organise cockfights in village houses or sheds, partaking in a tradition that is an integral part of their culture.
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Cockfighting is a criminal offence in many places
When people refer to a "chicken fight", they are usually talking about an informal game, often played in a lake or swimming pool, where one team member sits on the shoulders of their teammate. The aim is to knock down or separate the opposing team. This game is also known as "shoulder wars" and is sometimes banned in swimming pools due to safety concerns.
However, a search for "why is a chicken fight called a chicken fight" brings up results for cockfighting, a blood sport involving chickens. Cockfighting is a criminal offence in many places, including all 50 states in the US, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, and Costa Rica. In the US, it is a felony offence in 42 states and the District of Columbia, and being a spectator at a cockfighting event is illegal in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The possession of birds for fighting purposes is also prohibited in 39 states and the District of Columbia.
Cockfighting is illegal due to its inherent cruelty to animals and its close connection to other crimes such as gambling, drugs, and acts of violence. Large amounts of cash are often present at cockfights, leading to the presence of illegal weapons and gang members. Despite its illegality, cockfighting persists in many communities, with organisers regularly moving events to new locations to avoid suspicion.
In some countries, cockfighting is still practised despite its controversial nature. In Indonesia, cockfights without a religious purpose are considered gambling but are still widely practised. In the Philippines, both illegal and legal cockfights occur, with the country hosting several World Slasher Cup derbies. In Cuba, cockfighting is legal and popular, with official arenas opened by the state, although gambling on matches has been banned since the 1959 Revolution.
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Chicken fights are often associated with other crimes
A chicken fight, also known as shoulder wars, is an informal game often played in lakes or swimming pools. In this game, one team member sits on the shoulders of their teammate or rides piggyback. The objective is to knock down or separate the opposing team through a joint effort. The person on top is the "attacker", while the person below is the "vehicle". The "vehicle" may not use their arms or hands and must rely on momentum to attack by running into the other team. While chicken fights are a harmless game, cockfights—a brutal blood sport that forces two roosters to fight each other—are a different story. Cockfighting is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, but it persists, closely connected to other crimes such as gambling, drug trafficking, bribery of elected officials, and acts of violence.
Cockfights often involve large amounts of cash, with bets ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. This attracts illegal weapons sales and other criminal activity. Attendees can purchase box seats, and illegal weapons have been found at cockfights due to the large amounts of cash present. The large sums of money involved also encourage bribery and corruption of law enforcement officials, who may turn a blind eye to these events.
Cockfighting is also closely linked to the trafficking of narcotics and illegal drugs. The roosters used in these fights are often injected with steroids and adrenaline-boosting drugs, which are illegal and dangerous substances. The presence of drugs at cockfights can lead to their distribution and sale to attendees, contributing to the problem of drug abuse in communities.
In addition to drug-related crimes, cockfighting has been associated with violent crimes and assaults. The nature of cockfighting as a violent spectacle can attract individuals prone to aggression and violence. The crowds that gather to watch cockfights often include children, exposing them to animal cruelty and desensitizing them to violence. The weapons and knives used to arm the roosters can also be misused in acts of violence or crimes against people.
While some may argue that cockfighting is a tradition or a part of cultural heritage, it is essential to recognize that it is a brutal and cruel blood sport that causes immense suffering to animals and facilitates other criminal activities. Law enforcement agencies must prioritize addressing cockfighting not only to prevent animal cruelty but also to disrupt the associated criminal networks and protect public safety.
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Frequently asked questions
The name 'chicken fight' may come from the Japanese game kibasen, which translates to 'cavalry fight'. In this game, a team of four competitors work together, with three carrying the fourth, mirroring the structure of a chicken fight.
A chicken fight, also known as shoulder wars, is an informal game often played in a lake or swimming pool. One team member sits on the shoulders of their teammate, and the objective is to knock down or separate the opposing team.
Cockfighting is a blood sport in which two roosters bred for aggression are placed in a ring and encouraged to fight, often to the death. This practice is illegal in many places but persists in certain communities.











































