Asia

The techniques of Krabi krabong have already been developed in antiquity by drawing from a variety of different sports. The way of getting around with the staff is almost identical to the one used in Chinese monkey style, while rotating a one-handed weapon together with walking around a circle came from the Indian kalaripayattu. However these are not the only sources of inspiration. It is clearly visible that a solid part of the sport has been developed under the influence of Indonesian Silat or Burmese Banshay.
Additionally, most likely in XVII century, the Thai adapted the sword fighting techniques. That is when the Ronin troop supported them in quelling the riot caused by death of one of the kings.
In 1767, Thailand (at that time called Siam) has been attacked by the Burmese, having their capital city Ayutthaya destroyed. It resulted in majority of the chronicles and other sources being destroyed, hence the limited knowledge of the development of Krabi krabong among other things. The techniques, however, were being passed orally, which allowed the tradition to remain intact.
There were a lot of temple schools run by Buddhist monks across the country where Krabi krabong originated. Principles of Buddhism were taught there, as well as a variety of common subjects, such as astrology. What is more, young men were introduced to secrets of sword fighting identified with Krabi krabong.
The sport has been used for fighting until the coronation of King Rama II (1809) who reorganized the army and equipped it with muskets. Nevertheless, the sport has not only remained, but also became a part of contemporary tradition of Thailand.
Interestingly, the very name of the sport was established in 1936, when Krabi krabong has been added to the curriculum of the local Academy of Physical Education.

Mural painting - Naresuan's krabi-krabong (right with) Mingyi Swa.

Kumdo (Gumdo) means “the way of the sword”.
Kendo is Japanese fencing whereas Kumdo is Korean fencing. They differ in that Kendo is more strategic as practitioners seek the “perfect strike.” Kumdo, on the other hand, is more aggressive in nature, as practitioners proactively draw out their opponents.
Kumdo is Korean. But it’s derived from Kendo, a Japanese martial art form. In the late 1800s, Kendo was introduced to Korea by the Japanese as one of the ways to train the police. But in time, it morphed into Kumdo, a Korean art form with a distinctive flavor that makes it different from its ancestor.

In the fourth century of the Common Era a new system of metallurgy was introduced to the Korea Peninsula from China. This introduction gave birth to a new and superior weaponry. Previously, the bow and the staff had been the primary tools of warfare. With the introduction of refined metal crafting, the sword took on new importance. This was because of the fact that this new metallurgy made the sword a much more reliable weapon, as it became more difficult to fracture during battle.
At this juncture of history, Korea was divided into three warring kingdoms: Koguryo, Silla, and Paekche. Due to this fact, beginning in the fifth century C.E., formalized groups of warriors came into existence on the Korean Peninsula. These warriors embraced Buddhism and devoted themselves to the cultivation of moral values, based in Confucian ideology. These warriors took martial warfare to a new and much more refined level of understanding than had been previously embraced. Among these armies were the Kyong Dang of Koguryo and, most notably, the Hwa Rang of Silla.
The Hwa Rang were formed during the reign of King Chin Heung. They were an elite, warrior corps, made up of young noblemen. These warriors trained their bodies and minds in all forms of martial understanding. The Hwa Rang, through refined military strategy, defeated their neighboring armies and unified the three Korean kingdoms. Throughout history, Korea has looked to the Hwa Rang for inspiration for the martial art tradition.
As the sword became the key instrument of close contact warfare, it was one of the Hwa Rang's primary weapons. The techniques of the Korean sword, at this period of time, were stylistically formalized into twenty-five poses and postures that would most rapidly result in an opponent's demise.

The Philosophy of Kum Do: “Kal-deung is the sky and Kal-nal is the land, therefore Kal itself produces the combination of Um and Yang (Yin and Yang). Son-jap-yi is a king and Kal is the subject to the king’s will. Abusing Kal could cost one’s life, therefore, there should be Do (Way) when handling Kal (Sword).

That is Kum Do.” Kum Do is traditional Korean swordsmanship, which is more than a sport. It is a form of art that is considered both a discipline as well as a sport. Kum Do is both physical and psychological training. First of all, with Kum (sword), one can practice to improve one’s physical fitness, by practicing various attacks, blocks and forms. Do (the Way) helps control one’s mind and inner desire. All Kum Do activities help growth of muscle, bone and enhance vital energy. Kum Do is a way to defend oneself with physical improvement and regulation of one’s health and longevity.

Throughout Korean history, various swords techniques were practiced by both men and women. At one time in Korea, women were allowed to practice only with a palm-sized knife, Eun-jang-do, for self-defense. Today, however, Kum Do is practiced by men, women, and children of all ages and abilities. Kum Do practice at Kang’s Martial Arts emphasizes discipline, mental and physical skill as well as health and conditioning.

Kum Do forms is like a sword dance, which is based off ancient Korean traditions. Forms are essential to teaching proper technique, body posture, and balance. Kum Do sparring gives the student a chance to apply sword technique in actual combat situations in a safe way. Bamboo swords are used to strike targets and in sparring matches where armor is worn to prevent injury.

Kurash has long history. Many customs of Uzbek nation are incarnated in this sport. Scientific studies show that so initial type of sport, kurash was spread 3,5-5 thsouthand years ago. Many rare ancient findings found in Surkhan, Zarafshan and Fergana valleys, graphic art patterns drawn on rock-stones prove completely above mentioned opinions.

Picture 1. Rock carvings or petroglyphs found in the Tangri cave in the northern part of the Tien Shan mountain range featuring two Kurash players in action. Belongs to the Patriarchal period (more than 4 000 years B.C.). The picture from the IKA Library

There are several examples of Central Asian nations’ folklore, including “Alpomish”, “Gurugli”, “Avazkhon”, “Rustam”, “Tulganoy” epos in which brave, courageous, deft and dexterous, intelligent and wise people were aggrandized. Additionally, these heroes were respected as the symbols of the nation. In that fact, deeds of nation heroes in terms of boldness and couragenousness were honored and symbolized as a perfect person.
Some valuable findings was given in the works of great thinkers, for example “Kitob al konun fit tib” (Abu Ali ibn Sina), “Shohnoma” (Firdavsiy), Temur tuzuklari” (Amir Temur), “Hamsa” (Alisher Navoi), “Boburnoma” (Zahiriddin Muhammad Bobur), “Futuvatnomai Sultoniy” (Husain Voiz Koshfiy). Besides, there are honorable information in the epos of Uzbek and Tadjik folklores. We can know from these sources not only about kurash, but also its features, kurash conditions and measures.

Picture 2. The wall-painting featuring two Kurash players from Sogdiana. Discovered in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. VII century A.D. The picture from the IKA Library

Kurash was reflected in folk-tales of Uzbek nation, too. For instance, we read the following sentences: “… seven years passed since then, Hasan and Zuhra grew up. Ones upon a time, Hasan played with children (fighted in kurash) and in that way he defeated all children of the country. As Hasan grew up, his strength also increased day by day. He began to defeat also older people in the homeland in fighting (kurash). Than Hasan became athletic and handsome person.
In “Tulganoy” tale, views of kurash were described. The army of Kukan Khan began to move Urta tepa. When Kukan Khan and the army of the Urta tepa were collided with each other, they did not start the battle, forces ranked in the lines. The heroes of Kukan and Urta tepa agreed with fighting in kurash. Then polvon Ollonazar started fighting. Ollonazar showed that kurash not only fighting or defeating opponents, but also kurash impacts soldiers spiritually and morally. Kurash contests’ have symbolic meanings, it reflects physical trainings, moral make-up fighting sides and helps to boost spiritual mood of the athletes. In “Hirs Polvon” epos, doing physical exercise has play a main role in shaping the qualities of strong man. One character of the tale says: “I have not met the strong person whose strength is equal to me. I do not want to be defeated by opponents. Therefore, I do exercise or do kurash regularly”. They show about exercises that are effective in system of physical education. For example, using the kurash technique of “Qoqma” by Hirs Polvon was given in this tale. It is noticeable that “Qoqma” technique is still used in today’s kurash.
The epos of “Alpomish” has a role in the folklore of Uzbek nation. The fictional ideas of these epos has vital basis, and it units with real historical events. Struggles of kurash athletes, their strength, dexterity, tolerance and knowing or using them in kurash were described in a fictional way in “Alpomish”. Material evidence found due to the investigations, explorations scientific archeological searchings and observations of historic, ethnographic and philosophic scientists gives crucial facts about kurash. Known as an initial individual sport type, kurash appeared in the area of Movorounnahr.
It was common ritual for people who lived in that time to hold kurash competitions in the weddings, festivals or national holidays and brave, bold men used to be applauded proudly.

Picture 3. The picture of Alpomish

Ancient manuscripts belong to BC show that kurash had a main in general performances and national spectacles. Many written and historical monuments proud abovementioned information. For example, Elian Klavdiy, antique scientist, pointed that in the past, Sak and Massagets tribes lived in the area, correspond today’s Uzbekistan territory. Kurash was widely spread among these tribes. It was usual when men were going to get married, they had to defeat their fiancées in kurash competitions. This tradition depicts even women trained kurash in that time.
A famous orientalist and ethnographer S.P.Tolstov wrote that kurash was a great importance in the history of Uzbek nation, in Eid Ramazan or Kurban Hait ceremonies, in the days of Navruz holiday. Under the leadership of eldery people, kurash competitions were held in the first three days of these holidays, people came to watch, prisoners were released, guiltes were forgiven. In fact kurash played a vital role in the lives and lifestyles of Uzbek nation.
In the period of attacks to Central Asia by Aleksandr Makedonski, social life, economy, lifestyle of people developed well. Moreover, different games and sports, physical training and athletic games were organized in Central Asia as Ancient Olympic Games in Greece. In the period of Sogdiana and Baktria’s forces, adroit and skilled acrobats were popular among people lived in Central Asia in BC. Adroit, battle-hardened door-keepers in physical respect went to Greece, Iran and Vizanty in order to praise about their amazing and at the same time extreme games, circus performances that were filled with pointed satire and laughter, active, flexible and unbelievable games of athletes, seething dances of hukkachi and wooden feet or horse dances, deep meaningly words and jokes of clowns.
In old times, community had a member of obligations and responsibilities in terms of physical training field. Young generation would have to have several qualities needed in real life, including braveness, adroitness, tolerance and definiteness. Famous Grecian historian Kwint Kurtsiy Ruf wrote that the army of Aleksandr Makedonski captive 30 strong athletes during conquering Central Asian’s areas. It was clear to kill captives. Knowing their sorrowful fate, they kept themselves brave, began to sing songs, danced with one another. Because, of their such actions, the captives were appraised highly by Aleksandr Makedonski and he decided to save their lives. Though many years or centuries passed since then, historical folktales and legends still do not lose their importance.
Arabs invaded Middle Asia (VII-VIII centuries), continued to move nearer to Samarkand city, but they were not able to enter there. Then, Arabs made a hole through the wall of the city. The way for city was opened. However, on the hole of the wall a strong man appeared suddenly and blocked the hole which caused them not to conquer the city in a long time, further, the killed many of the enemies with his sward. At that time Arabian Khalifa Kutayba announced to donate 1000 dirham for the person who bring that strong man’s head. Afterwards, enemies pounced crowdedly and strong man perished in this incomparable battle. Unfortunately, the name of that hero was unknown in history. Despite this, his heroic deeds were preserved among nations and he is still known for today’s people.
We can know about the kurash history from the literatures of past life. For example, in “Shohnoma” epos of Abulkhasim Firdavsiy, nation honour strong, brave men grew and challenge them to from enemies. Furthermore, kurash was a main importance in the epos of “Gulistan”, Sadiy Sheroziy. The author wrote about a person who aware of how to fight and knew 360 kurash techniques, therefore he used different techniques of fighting in each days. He thought 359 throwing techniques of struggling to his one follower. However, he kept the secret one of his technique from his follower. The student regarded that he knew all tricks and nobody showed resistance to him.
And so, there were lot of types of wrestling in nation. There were even teachers (coaches) teach these wrestling types to young generation, however, the description of these wrestling types are not known for us. For example, Mahmud Koshgariy, historic and linguist, wrote his book (“Turk og’zaki va yozma ijodiyoti to’plami”). This book gives us crucial facts about different types of wrestling. He pointed about kurash belt, uniform and athletes’ physical capacities. He wrote that athletes must be strong, flexible and elastic. He listed some ancient strong athletes (polvons).
Academic A.Askarov says by presenting some interesting information about ancient kurash athletes: “Famous kurash athletes had a special sign on their wrists who come to the gilam12 to fight. If the athlete were women, the sign would be in the neck of them. This tradition was seen in the source of ancient Kirgizs, too. Signed boys and girls were considered the most powerful, strongest and famous among the kurash athletes. In daily life they would cover their sign under the dress and other people did notice the sign. When they come to the field (gilam), their sign were visible to opponents and it made them hesitate. Many spectators applauded more signed athletes”.
Uzbek people consider that kurash is a means of the upbringing of person. Actually, kurash athlete who had strong, endurance, became strong-willed and brave or incarnated moral pureness of hard-working people were deeply-respected. According to the historical rules struggle time were not limited and athletes were chose their contestants with their appearance. Before the fight they used to do light exercises or massages their body. The kurash uniform was traditional.
As we pointed before, there were different types of wrestling in ancient territory of Uzbekistan. According to the rules of “Fergana” style, kurash athletes wore cotton clothes namely “chopon”, while they athletes from “Bukhara” style used to wear oriental robe without cotton in competition. In addition, they were required to wear traditional trousers namely “ishton” and special shoes. Usually, kurash athletes fight without shoes. This traditions wearing exists in today’s kurash, also. It is started in ethnographic investigations that kurash was early development in the area of Uzbekistan and it was common for people to organize kurash matches in weddings or general community performances.
Ancient sources or manuscripts give irrefutable evidence about kurash athletes. Many fighters (polvons) were world-famed in terms of trying one’s strength, raising heavy things, and outstanding heroism, therefore they became well-known among nation and countries, finally named “polvon”.
It was written that many kurash competitions were held in the areas of Uzbekistan X century AD. It was noted in ancient Chinese manuscript that the people of Fergana organized competitions by being divided in two groups on Navruz holidays. Other fact is that, according to the information of Maksudiy, Arabian geographer and traveller, belong to X century, that there were also similar customs to hold kurash struggles in the big cities, coupled with Marv, Samarkand and Balh. Indeed, people gathered in one place in accordance with their wishes and willingness and arranged such competitions on Navruz holidays.
There were different types of the wrestling in ancient borders of Uzbekistan territory, some types were embodied in it and became famous under the name of kurash. These types were differentiated from one another according to the rules or usages in practice, and their fighters wore special uniform “yaktag”, “chopon” or belts on wrists. Definitely, the action of kurash were done by holding somebody by the belt.
Fighting two men pictured in the thin border b order of silver ladle that belongs to the middle of the first thousands years ago. Scientists confirm that this silver ladle appertains to ancient Vizanty. Also, several items that found Chelak village near Samarkand gives valuable information. Among geometrical patterned carvings, silver handled package is the most attractive. On the handle of its, two fighters were fighting in kurash. This finding belongs to first middle ages which means that kurash has a long history.
Some opinions about kurash and physical training were reflected in the points of Ibn Sina. Ibn Sina was able to give correct instructions to the fighters in the field of utilizing methods of physical training. The amount of physical training and defining it was seriously paid attention by this famous philosopher. Furthermore, he equally illustrated the organs of physical training according to the condition of it. When organs would be temperate, the temperate body would be suitable for it. If it is necessary to make weak bodies strong, these organs should do exercises a lot. The strong and through points, knowledge of Ibn Sina about physical training have been successful for coaches.
Pahlavon Mahmud has huge significance when it is talked about the development or history of kurash. Although he was a fur-tailor, Pahlavon Mahmud was a good in kurash and never failed. In fact, he was a great philosopher and poet lived between XIII and XIV centuries. He was born in 1248 year near Khiva (Khorazm) while his family was moving from Urganch to Khiva. Pahlavon Mahmud grew up physically powerful and he trained with kurash. He fought in a lot of kurash competitions and became winner held in the cities of Khorazm together with India. Therefore, Mahmud was well-known with the name of “Pahlavon”.

Picture 4. Photo of Phakhlavon Makhmud

According to stories, Pahlavon Mahmud saved the live of Roy Ropoy Chuna, the king of the India, in one of the wars. Then, in return for this, he made captives who were Khorazm release from India. An ardent patriot built a number of gravestones for the warriors, died in the war happened near Khiva against the army of Chingizkhan.
Because of being physically strong, many cowards were afraid of him. However, Pahlavon Mahmud was naturally modest fellow.
We can’t imagine kurash without the Great Amir Temur! During the period of great Amir Temur and his powerful dynasty culture, science, art, cottage craft and military fields were hugely developed. Especially, Amir Temur put a lot of emphases on making progress of military.
According to the historical evidences, he had no equal in terms of kurash, measuring strength or swords, shooting an arrow, and riding horse. Kurash was an inseparable part of Amir Temurs soldiers and their exercises. On the grounds of the Marcel Brion, French poet and historian, Amir Temur was incomparable in kurash and he was courageous, had a character of appreciating bold warriors. Even, there were such situations at wars that soldiers had to fight against enemies without weapons individually. Also, Temur made some important notes about kurash in his autobiography.
Being overthrown of the kingdom of Amir Temur led to cease exist experience and achievements. After that, it was pointed at historical sources or manuscripts that Bobur trained with kurash and he thought the secrets of fighting to his warriors. As a result of leaving for India and reigning there, kurash began to be spread over India and developed.
According to written notes by Gulbadanbegim, the daughter of Bobur, women wore dresses that suitable for triumphal days and they attended actively in riding horses. Also, Gulbadanbegim wrote about women’s name who sat in beside of kings in triumphs and their abilities in diverse craftmanship and skills or capabilities in playing different musical instruments.

Japanese archers, circa 1860

A traditional sport, Kyun, is very popular for Rakhine people in Myanmar. This sport began from the reign of former Rakhine kings in history. Figure of Kyun sport can be seen on the walls around the cave of Shaitthaung Temple built by King Mong Bar Gri reigned in Mrauk-U in A.D 1531.