Chidaoba

Georgian Wrestling

Member Organization(s)

Introduction

Chidaoba (wrestling) is an ancient form of martial art practiced by a large proportion of the male population throughout all the regions, villages, and communities of Georgia. Bearers of the tradition include young people, city residents, sports clubs, educational institutions, and amateur organizations. The practice is a complex phenomenon that combines elements of wrestling, music, dance, and special garments (‘chokha’). Having had a combat function until the late Middle Ages, Chidaoba gradually became a spectacular sport. Tournaments take place in an open-air arena, surrounded by a large audience, accompanied by a wind instrument (‘zurna’) and Georgian drum (‘doli’) music, which marks the beginning. Wrestlers attempt to defeat each other through special holds, and vibrant music enhances the dynamics of the contest. The code of conduct is chivalric, and occasionally the wrestlers leave the arena with a Georgian folk dance. Chidaoba uses an important number of special wrestling holds: there are an estimated 200 such holds and counter-holds, the combination of which speaks to the wrestlers’ creativity. The practice encourages a healthy lifestyle and plays an important role in intercultural dialogue. From early spring to autumn, young people practice wrestling outdoors, mastering skills previously acquired by watching matches, and there are wrestling sections in almost every village and city of Georgia.

History

In Georgian literary sources, the description of the element can be traced as early as from the 9th century. In the 17-18th century, Georgian enlightened and encyclopedist Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani gives the first definition of the term "rkena"(wrestling). This spectacular ancient martial art was widespread not only in the regions but in cities as well. At the beginning of the 20th century, cities, especially the capital, Tbilisi, became the center of Georgian wrestling. Best wrestlers from all over the country would gather in the squares specially designed for the purpose. Favorite palavans(prominent wrestlers) enjoyed the utmost popularity and respect among society and even today, their legendary names are well-known to those interested in wrestling.

Nowadays, Chidaoba is practiced in many educational institutions, amateur sports clubs and sections.

References

“Chidaoba, wrestling in Georgia”. UNESCO ICH.

Georgian National Wrestling Federation (2019). WoMAU membership application form.

“치다오바, 조지아의 레슬링”. 유네스코와 유산.