Browsing author

admin

Traditional Wrestling and Warrior Physical Culture in Afghanistan: A Silk Road Perspective on Northern Wrestling Heritage

Authors/Creators Shamin Hotak, Mohammad (Researcher) Description Afghanistan has historically occupied one of the most strategic geographical positions along the Silk Road, connecting East Asia, Central Asia, Persia, and the Indian subcontinent. For more than two millennia, the region has served not only as a commercial corridor but also as a meeting place for military traditions, […]

Bridging Eurasia: The Silk Road Living Heritage and Sustainable Ssireum Transmission

The International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF) is proud to announce an official side event at the 2026 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). Titled “Bridging Eurasia: The Silk Road Living Heritage and Sustainable Ssireum Transmission,” this event will take place on July 9, 2026, from 13:00 to 14:30. As the global community gathers at the […]

Warrior Physical Culture Beyond Traditional Wrestling: Childhood Grappling as Cultural Memory in Tunisia along the Silk Road

Description Traditional wrestling has long been regarded as one of the defining components of warrior physical culture throughout Eurasia. Previous publications describe Grech as a historical wrestling tradition of Tunisia; however, contemporary recognition of such a tradition appears to have largely disappeared among local martial arts practitioners. Interviews conducted with a Tunisian INSF Advisory Board Member […]

Pakistani Kushti (Pehlwani): Traditional Wrestling and Warrior Physical Culture along the Silk Road

Description Pakistani Kushti (Pehlwani) represents one of the oldest surviving systems of traditional wrestling and physical culture in Eurasia. More than a competitive sport, Kushti preserves a comprehensive educational system integrating physical conditioning, ethical discipline, martial training, and community life. This paper examines the historical development of Pakistani wrestling from ancient regional traditions through the […]

Gama Pehlwan and the Warrior Physical Culture of the Silk Road: Kushti, Traditional Wrestling, and Physical Conditioning in the Indian Subcontinent

Description Traditional wrestling has long served not only as a competitive activity but also as a fundamental component of physical education, military preparation, and cultural identity across the Silk Road. Among the greatest representatives of this tradition stands Gama Pehlwan (Ghulam Muhammad Baksh), whose undefeated career symbolizes the strength of Kushti, the traditional wrestling culture […]

Ancient Egyptian Wrestling Culture: The Beni Hasan Tomb Paintings and the Legacy of Indigenous Grappling Traditions

Description Abstract This study examines the historical significance of wrestling culture in ancient Egypt through the famous wrestling scenes depicted in the Beni Hasan tomb paintings dating to approximately 2000 BCE. These paintings provide one of the world’s earliest visual records of organized wrestling techniques, demonstrating that grappling was practiced not only as physical training […]

Tanzania’s Historic Wrestling and Warrior Culture: Cultural Heritage, Social Values, and Contemporary Significance

Description Tanzania possesses a rich and diverse tradition of indigenous wrestling and warrior culture that has shaped community identity, social organization, and youth education for centuries. Across numerous ethnic groups, wrestling functioned not merely as physical competition but as an educational institution that cultivated discipline, courage, leadership, and social responsibility. This paper examines the historical […]

Bangladesh Martial Arts Leader Nazir Hossain Appointed as International Advisory Board Member of the International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF)

Nazir Hossain, International Advisory Committee Member of the International Northern Ssireum Federation (Reporter Kim Min-jeong)= The International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Md. Nazir Hossain of Bangladesh as an International Advisory Board Member, effective 5 July 2026. Mr. Hossain is one of Bangladesh’s most accomplished martial arts professionals, […]

International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF) Launches Inaugural Academic Journal to Bridge Traditional Warrior Culture with Modern Martial Arts Research

The International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF) is proud to announce the launch of its official academic journal, the Journal of Northern Ssireum and Global Martial Arts Studies. This landmark publication represents a significant milestone in the Federation’s mission to preserve, study, and promote the rich heritage of traditional wrestling and warrior culture from the Eurasian […]

Ancient Egyptian Wrestling Culture: The Beni Hasan Tomb Paintings and the Legacy of Indigenous Grappling Traditions

International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF) Traditional Wrestling Studies Mohamed elleboudy International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF) Research Fellow INSF Traditional Wrestling Research Project Published by the International Northern Ssireum Federation INSF Academic Series Volume 3 Abstract This study examines the historical significance of wrestling culture in ancient Egypt through the famous wrestling scenes depicted in the […]