What is Chidaoba (Georgian wrestling)?
Wrestling with music, dance and 200 holds.
Short answer
Chidaoba is an ancient Georgian martial art that combines wrestling with music, dance and special garments, and it has been on the UNESCO intangible heritage list since 2018. It is practised by a large proportion of the male population.
Why
- UNESCO added Chidaoba to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018.
- It had a combat function until the late Middle Ages and later became a spectacular sport.
- Wrestling sections exist in almost every village and city, and it is practised by young people, schools and sports clubs.
Details
Tournaments are held in an open-air arena before an audience. Music of the zurna and the doli (a Georgian drum) marks the start of a bout and sets its pace, and wrestlers try to beat opponents with special holds. Wrestlers use around 200 holds and counter-holds, the code of conduct is chivalric, and the wrestlers wear special garments called chokha. Sometimes a wrestler leaves the arena dancing a Georgian folk dance. For the zurna, doli and other instruments see Georgian musical instruments, and for dances see Georgian dances and assa.
Outdoor practice runs from early spring to autumn, and young people often learn by watching matches first. Check scoring and formal rules with the organisers. For clothing see Georgian national costume.
Tip
If you want to watch Chidaoba, ask about tournaments and demonstrations in the area where you are: check the schedule with the organisers.
What may differ
Rules, holds and customs can differ by region and club. There is no single scoring system.
Common misconception
Chidaoba survives only as folklore and is no longer practised.
What actually happens
It is practised by young people, city residents, sports clubs and educational institutions, with wrestling sections in almost every village and city.
People also ask
- What is Georgian wrestling called?
Sources
- UNESCO: Chidaoba, wrestling in GeorgiaChecked at:
This answer is for reference only: check rules and tournament schedules with the organisers.
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