Spanish wrestler and BJJ black belt Juan Francisco Espino competes in Senegalese Wrestling and is now a national champion in Senegal.

The “White Lion” as he is known in Senegal, is one of the few white men to win in Senegalese wrestling. As of June 10, 2013, Juan is unbeaten. He has beaten Khadim Ndiaye, Daoul Kharé, Pope Cargo, Keur Diene, Dawoul Kharé, Cobra.

Espino, who originally discovered his passion for the sport of Wrestling at home with his father and family on the Canary Islands, went on to learn about a variety of forms of wrestling, in Brazil and South Korea, before developing a specific interest in Senegalese wrestling. Espino is the first foreigner to brave his way into Senegalese wrestling arenas, where fans are very excited about the sport and Espino earned the nickname ‘White Lion’ after winning several matches.

Espino is also a BJJ black and has won the FILA world championships in 2012.

Juan with Rafael Mendes

Senegalese wrestling is a type of folk wrestling traditionally performed by the Serer people and now a national sport in Senegal and parts of The Gambia, and is part of a larger West African form of traditional wrestling. The Senegalese form traditionally allows blows with the hands (frappe), the only one of the West African traditions to do so. As a larger confederation and championship around Lutte Traditionnelle has developed since the 1990s, Senegalese fighters now practice both forms, called officially Lutte Traditionnelle sans frappe (for the international version) and Lutte Traditionnelle avec frappe for the striking version.

One of the main objectives is to throw the opponent to the ground by lifting him up and over, usually outside a given area.

Short documentary on Espino in Senegal: