Mongolian Wrestling! Can You Ride a Horse

Bökh, also known as Mongolian wrestling, is a traditional martial art and sport in Mongolia that involves two wrestlers trying to take each other down using grappling techniques and throws. The goal is to force the opponent's back to touch the ground. Matches can last several minutes and require great strength, skill, and endurance. Bökh is often accompanied by music and traditional Mongolian chants, and wrestlers wear a unique costume consisting of a tight-fitting vest and shorts.

Legend has it that Genghis Khan had a unique way of selecting his wrestling champions. He would hold a horseback race, and the first 64 riders to cross the finish line would be chosen as wrestlers. They would then compete in wrestling matches, with the winners advancing to the next round. Whether or not this was an effective method of selecting champions, it certainly adds an interesting element of randomness to the process!

As the founder of the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan recognized the importance of physical fitness and combat training in preparing his soldiers for battle. Wrestling was one of the key disciplines used to train his fighters, along with archery, horseback riding, and swordsmanship.

According to historical accounts, Genghis Khan established wrestling camps where his soldiers would train and compete against each other. The matches were often held in the evening after a long day of training, and they were accompanied by music and traditional Mongolian chants. The matches were intense and physically demanding, and Genghis Khan himself was said to be a formidable opponent.

Today, Mongolian wrestling, known as Bökh, is still a popular sport in Mongolia and is considered a national pastime. The sport continues to be practiced in a traditional manner, with competitors wearing traditional Mongolian clothing and engaging in ritualized pre-match ceremonies. So if you're ever in Mongolia, make sure to check out a Bökh match for an exciting and unique experience!

Check it out! https://youtu.be/5dLuUzhuUBc or https://youtu.be/Qfp1pmvFidw (idk how I feel about this video, but it was entertaining enough)