Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Bökh or Mongolian Wrestling

First off, we really have to talk about the outfits.  Let's start with the Jodag - or the jacket.  The legend goes that it is open because once a great wrestler defeated all and then ripped open the jodag to reveal she was a woman.   From then on the jodag had to be open (this is a manly sport after all).   When wrestlers are defeated, their opponent unties the jodag to show that they are out. 

You also have the shuudag - I'd call them briefs.  They are small and tight to keep the opponent from getting a good grip and prevents tripping.
Then you've got the boots - or the gutal.  And last, but certainly not least - you've got the hat. It's a little hard to tell, but the hat is knotted at the top - it's supposed to symbolize power and frighten away enemies.   And, let's face it - it's super cute on these two little guys.

But let's talk about the actual matches.  While we watched a few rounds at the stadium, it was much easier to figure out on tv. 

Here are the basics.  There aren't any any weight classes or time limits
You are out if your knee, elbow or for that matter your entire upper body touches the ground.   It seems (we tried to figure this out on our own - so you might not want to quote me) that the longer the round goes the more places they are allowed to grab.  After so much time both wrestlers can grab onto the jodag - and if they still can't get each other out - there is some grabbing of the shuudag. 

Then there is the dance.  Generally they imitate falcons or a phoenix, and will circle the standards in celebration before taking on the next opponent.

It really is something to be seen.

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