Koshti Pahlavāni - Traditional Wrestling
Across Alam, koshti pahlavāni is practiced and enjoyed. This traditional wrestling is a pastime and sport of high renown across the land. It is itself a form of worship, particularly of @Verethragna, the warrior ram who fights against evil.
Traditional wrestling dates back to ancient times before The Quieting, when it was training for warriors in the Parsan military. It said to be the training of great heros of the past, like Rostam, and the name "koshti pahlavāni" translates direclty to "hero's wrestling."
The principle tenets of koshti pahlavāni are strengthening one’s body and mind so that one may better serve one's comrades when they are in need. It is built around ritualized wrestling done to the beat of a drum, accompanied by various forms of meditation and exercise. It is practiced in a Zurkhaneh, or House of Combat.
The development of physical and mental strength is used to enhance spirituality. Thus, aside from preparing warriors for battle, this training promotes kindness and humility through the cultivation of outer strength. Under the supervision of a pishkesvat, students are instructed in traditional ethics and chivalry. Participants are expected to be pure, truthful, good-tempered and only then strong in body. Acquiring the rank of pahlevan (hero) requires mastery of the physical skills, observance of religious principles, and passing the moral stages.
The Warrior's Code 1. I shall never betray the Zurkhaneh by teaching what I've learned to those unworthy, bringing a dishonorable person to the Zurkhaneh, nor using what I've learned for profit by way of thievery. 2. I shall always honor the request of an honorable dying warrior, friend or foe. 3. I shall not refuse a challenge. Though I may send a student or champion in my place, I will strive in every way I can to meet the challenge myself.
Traditional wrestling dates back to ancient times before The Quieting, when it was training for warriors in the Parsan military. It said to be the training of great heros of the past, like Rostam, and the name "koshti pahlavāni" translates direclty to "hero's wrestling."
The principle tenets of koshti pahlavāni are strengthening one’s body and mind so that one may better serve one's comrades when they are in need. It is built around ritualized wrestling done to the beat of a drum, accompanied by various forms of meditation and exercise. It is practiced in a Zurkhaneh, or House of Combat.
The development of physical and mental strength is used to enhance spirituality. Thus, aside from preparing warriors for battle, this training promotes kindness and humility through the cultivation of outer strength. Under the supervision of a pishkesvat, students are instructed in traditional ethics and chivalry. Participants are expected to be pure, truthful, good-tempered and only then strong in body. Acquiring the rank of pahlevan (hero) requires mastery of the physical skills, observance of religious principles, and passing the moral stages.
The Warrior's Code 1. I shall never betray the Zurkhaneh by teaching what I've learned to those unworthy, bringing a dishonorable person to the Zurkhaneh, nor using what I've learned for profit by way of thievery. 2. I shall always honor the request of an honorable dying warrior, friend or foe. 3. I shall not refuse a challenge. Though I may send a student or champion in my place, I will strive in every way I can to meet the challenge myself.
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