Zamanfou

Main Description

The main purpose of this art form is to relieve stress and have a good time. All you have to do is "write everything at your balls" (γράφτα ολα στ' αρχίδια σου) as is the literal translation from Greek. This actually means that if something bothers you and you cannot do anything about it you should just ignore it. In order to maximize the effect of stress relief there is a characteristic hand movement denoting this. The hand movement is done by driving either hand toward the genitalia. The exact way this is done depends on the mood of the practitioner and to whom he/she is addressing. This is characteristic gesture of males since the Ottoman Empire, but since the emancipation of women in Greece they have come to use it also, even though they do not posses any "balls". They usually paraphrase this by saying "at my pussy lips" (στα μουνόχειλά μου).

Hand Gestures (Technique)

The methodology used for the hand gesture varies according to the individual's preference. This is also a part of the art form of Zamanfou. There are some main techniques though which are usually copied by the younger kids but then evolve into a personal characteristic with distinctive variations. Most of the times these gestures are followed by an exclamation of satisfaction by saying "naaaaa".

Some techniques that are used:

• Flat hand "me mania": The hand is driven with force toward the genitalia with palm facing outward and at the last minute decrease in speed and hits the side of leg next to genitalia hard enough to make a slight slapping noise.
• Direct down: The hand is placed vertical to the ground and driven straight down toward the genitalia with decreasing speed.
• Full length: This technique is most often used when the practitioner wishes to give great emphasis. Here the hand starts from the foot which has been risen to the height of the waist. The hand later follows the inside of the leg while it remains in the air and the hand's palm is facing outwards. The gesture finishes when the hand reaches the genitalia.
• Miyagi: This one can be combined with any of the above. In adition to performing any other technique a sound as that of a karate move is made. It helps if the rest of the body moves along with the sound and the movement. The name comes from the movie Karate Kid which has influenced the generation that brought this art form to mainstream.