Bökh Wrestling : Mongolian folk style wrestling ᠪᠥᠬᠡ Үндэсний бөх | Summary and Q&A
TL;DR
This video explores the history, rules, and traditions of Mongolian folk wrestling, including its origins, different versions, and cultural significance.
Key Insights
- 💪 Mongolian wrestling, also known as Bokh, is considered an ancient and traditional grappling art that originated in Mongolia over 9000 years ago.
- ♂️ The roots of Mongolian wrestling can be traced back to ancient times, with the first depictions showing similarities to Sumo wrestling during the Neolithic era in Mongolia.
- 📜 According to the "Secret History of the Mongols," Bodibok, a famous wrestler, purposefully lost a match to please Genghis Khan. The wrestling style was named after him, and the story reflects the significance placed on pleasing the Khan.
- 🌍 There are different versions of Mongolian wrestling, with variations in rules and clothing depending on the region. Inner Mongolia has a unique rule where any body part touching the ground signifies defeat. ⏰ Mongolian wrestling matches have no time limits, as the focus is on getting the opponent to touch their upper body and knees or elbows on the ground rather than achieving a specific submission.
- 🤝 Sportsmanship and respect are important in Mongolian wrestling, with competitors expected to help each other after a match and not attack when one's clothing gets loose.
- ⚖️ Mongolian wrestling emphasizes upper body control, and leg grabs are prohibited in Inner Mongolia. This restriction may be due to the warrior heritage and the focus on maintaining a strong posture.
- 👖 The traditional clothing for Mongolian wrestlers includes a jacket called "zodog," briefs or trunks called "shudag," and leather boots called "gutal" with slightly upturned toes.
- 🎭 Ceremonial dances are performed at the start and end of matches, with different regions imitating various animals like falcons, phoenixes, lions, or tigers. The dances add a cultural and symbolic element to the sport.
Transcript
hi this is shady and the mongols are on the shore arguably the strongest warrior race to have ever lived their three pillars to make a perfect warrior are horsemanship archery and of course their folk style wrestling the book wrestling which we're gonna discuss in this video or discuss its history its first depictions and the several versions accor... Read More
Questions & Answers
Q: What is the significance of the name "bokh" in Mongolian wrestling?
The name "bokh" is believed to have originated from a wrestler named Budi Boch, who purposefully lost a match to please Genghis Khan, leading to the naming of the wrestling style after him.
Q: Are there weight classes or age limits in Mongolian wrestling?
No, Mongolian wrestling does not have weight classes or age limits since the goal is simply to get your opponent to touch their upper body and knees or elbows to the ground.
Q: Why do some regions of Mongolian wrestling allow leg grabs while others do not?
The allowance or prohibition of leg grabs in Mongolian wrestling may be influenced by the region's historical context and cultural emphasis on upper body control for warfare and self-defense purposes.
Q: How does Mongolian wrestling compare to other grappling arts, like sumo and judo?
While there are some similarities between Mongolian wrestling, sumo, and judo, each grappling art has its unique rules, clothing, and cultural traditions that differentiate them from one another.
Q: Why is sportsmanship and courtesy important in Mongolian wrestling?
Maintaining sportsmanship and showing respect towards opponents is integral to Mongolian wrestling, including helping an opponent up after a match and not attacking if their clothing becomes loose.
Q: How are the traditional outfits, called zodog and shudag, made in Mongolian wrestling?
The zodog, the jacket worn on the shoulders, is traditionally made from wool but can also be made from leather, cotton, or silk, while the shudag, the small briefs or trunks, are typically blue or red.
Q: What are some of the ceremonial practices in Mongolian wrestling?
In Mongolian wrestling, the match starts and ends with a dance, which varies depending on the region and may imitate animals such as falcons, phoenixes, lions, or tigers.
Q: How does the lack of time limits in Mongolian wrestling affect the matches?
The absence of time limits in Mongolian wrestling reflects the focus on technique and strategy rather than rushing to win, allowing for bouts that can last for hours.
Summary & Key Takeaways
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Mongolian folk wrestling has a history dating back over 9,000 years, with early depictions showing similarities to sumo wrestling.
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The art of Mongolian wrestling, known as "bokh," was practiced by military men during the Mongolian Empire to keep fit and strong.
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The rules and clothing of Mongolian wrestling vary by region, but all versions emphasize upper body control and discourage leg grabbing.