And we all thought Fight Club was such an original idea. Tinku, which translates to “encounter” in Quechua and “physical attack” in Aymara, began as an Andean tradition of ritualized combat in which two different communities met, danced, chanted, and got their brawl on—all in honor of Pachamama (Mother Nature), for whom the bloodshed was said to be a sacrifice (though we imagine that it was also a pretty good way to let off steam, too).

While still practiced in its more physical form in certain quarters, Tinku has since become a stylized dance that’s considered an important cultural activity throughout Bolivia. Mimicking real combat, what’s called “festive Tinku” involves colorful costumes (extravagant conquistador hat are a must), and dancers in a crouching stance who circle each other kicking, stomping and throwing punches that never land—all to the rhythm of a steadily-thumping war drum.

The Oruro Carnaval is a great place to see Tinku performed, and even if you can’t make it down to Bolivia, there are plenty of folkloric groups that specialize in the dance all over the US and abroad.