Training of Warriors began at age of 6 or 7. Young boys were taken under the wing of a male
relative: father, grandfather, paternal uncle and given a bow/arrow and taught
how to wrestle. The basic philosophy of Apache training was that even if
outgunned or outnumbered they should never be outfought or outmaneuvered. Training was crucial for survival as it was
essential to minimize warrior losses in light of the larger populations of
their enemies. Death was to be avoided. It was better to fight another day than to die
meaninglessly. Sometimes it was better
to end a conflict with two combatants fighting to death than to take useless
losses by risking the lives of five or six. Novices were disciplined by games to enhance
their endurance from racing before dawn for ten miles without swallowing any water,
or learning to swim in icy water, to activities that increased strength/agility
including hand-to-hand combat, wrestling, and developing dexterity in
horsemanship. Apache training s emphasized the importance of mastering their
bodies to pain. Pain was considered “good medicine” for if one can master it a
warrior can thus keep his mind smooth and steady in combat. Youngsters would
often burn sage on their bodies to practice self-control! Mastery body
weaknesses explains why Apaches were able to run 50 miles “in spirit” while
ignoring the burning in their chest/lungs, or remain motionless for hours so as
not to draw attention of their enemies. Apache coordination/flexibility was
facilitated by shooting arrows/stones through a rolling hoop or at birds, squirrels,
rabbits, or organizing sling shot battles amongst themselves. From age 10-12 Cochise’s training regimen
became more psychological as he was taught to rely only on himself:
“My son, you
know no one will help you in this world.
You run to that mountain and come back.
That will make you strong.
My son, you know no one is your friend,
not even your sister, your father or your mother.
Your legs are your friends; your brain is your friend;
Your eyesight is your friend; your hair is your friend;
your hands are your friends; you must do something with them.
When you grow up you live with these things and think about it.”
(Cf, Tanya Landman, I Am Apache, p.84.)
You run to that mountain and come back.
That will make you strong.
My son, you know no one is your friend,
not even your sister, your father or your mother.
Your legs are your friends; your brain is your friend;
Your eyesight is your friend; your hair is your friend;
your hands are your friends; you must do something with them.
When you grow up you live with these things and think about it.”
(Cf, Tanya Landman, I Am Apache, p.84.)
