Was 'Gouging' An Official Fighting Style?

Historically, the term 'gouging' has been most commonly linked with certain forms of unlicensed stand-up combat and street fighting methods. These fights were not regulated by formal rules, making them a part of informal, often brutal, conflict resolution in various contexts.

Historical Context and Practices

In some historical settings, 'gouging' refers to a specific method of fighting where fighters would intentionally target vulnerable areas, such as the eyes, to cause pain or disfigurement. In regions like the southern United States, including states such as Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, practitioners often enhanced their nails or teeth to maximize the effectiveness of their eye gouging techniques.

While these practices were not officially recognized or regulated, they were ingrained in the local culture and considered an acceptable means of resolving disputes. Eyebrows on the art of gouging typically included strikes to vulnerable areas, such as punches, parries, blocks, kicks, elbows, headbutts, throws, and locks, but with a primary focus on gouging the opponent’s eye. This fighting style could result in severe injuries, including temporary or permanent blindness and even the loss of an eye.

Documentation and Recognition

The detailed accounts of gouging can be found in academic sources like Elliot Gorn's 1985 work, Gouge and Bite, Pull Hair and Scratch: The social significance of fighting in the southern backcountry. Gorn's work provided a comprehensive look into the social and cultural significance of these fighting styles in the southern backcountry.

Additionally, there are multiple primary documents that describe the nature of this brutal form of combat. However, there have been very few other academic treatments of gouging, making Gorn's work a rare and valuable resource.

Other Regional Fighting Styles

During the early days of the United States, there were various regional fighting styles, each with its unique goal and methods. In the Midwest, there was Midwestern submission wrestling, which emphasized submission holds. In the northern woods, there was a practice called waffling, where the aim was to create an indentation on the opponent’s face, similar to a logging boot imprint.

These fighting styles, including gouging, often lacked the structure and regulation seen in modern martial arts. There were no belts, titles, or formal records kept, making them unofficial and unregulated forms of combat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while 'gouging' was not officially recognized as a formal fighting style, it held significant cultural and social importance in certain regions of the United States, particularly in the southern backcountry. Its Practices were deeply rooted in local traditions and served as a means of settling disputes and establishing dominance. Although not officially regulated, the techniques and cultural significance of gouging have been well documented and continue to be subjects of historical and cultural interest.