Zoor Khane: History and Techniques of the Ancient Martial Art of Iran (Paperback)

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Product Description

Iranian soldiers of the past traditionally honed their famed physical strength and combat techniques by practicing zoor khane – a comprehensive martial system with training exercises designed to develop the power and agility needed for fighting with the sword, bow and arrow, club and shield. Though its origins are shrouded in mystery and legend, zoor khane is perhaps among the oldest extant martial arts in the world. In this book, D.H. Luijendijk, author of Kalarippayat: India’s Ancient Martial Art, uses step-by-step photos of each technique to transport the reader into a traditional training hall of zoor khane, revealing the age-old knowledge of this revered art. He also examines the vital link between zoor khane and wrestling, which has always been an important part of the Iranian martial arts. Anyone with an interest in martial arts, wrestling or Middle Eastern culture will find a wealth of information in this book

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (July 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581605145
• ISBN-13: 978-1581605143
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #699,847 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enter the House of Strength!, May 14, 2008

By	K. Frankel "dainin" (Boca Raton, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Zoor Khane (also spelled Zurkhane or Zurkane) is a system of physical and spiritual cultivation practiced in Iran and adjacent areas which were part of ancient Persia. Although the subtitle describes it as a martial art, and it certainly must have been in the past, the author describes how many of the martial aspects have been lost (sword fighting) or separated (wrestling) from Zoor Khane in the past century. The author provides a very interesting section on the historical background of the tradition, and comments on possible links to a variety of systems, including the Indian martial art of Kalarippayat, Turkish oil wrestling, and the spinning tradition of the Mevlana Sufis (AKA "Whirling Dervishes").

Zoor Khane is practiced by groups of men in an octagonal pit. The term Zoor Khane refers to the place of practice, which means "House of Strength" in English. The ritual is lead by a musician who chants sacred poetry while keeping time on a drum, and ringing bells to mark the beginning of different sections. The participants go through a lengthy sequence of exercises. Many are body weight exercises, including those commonly known as the "Hindu squat" and the "Hindu pushup" in the U.S.(obviously they are not called that in Iran!), twisting pushups, high speed spinning jumps, and a variety of other movements resembling qigong conditioning exercises. The pushups are performed with the hands on a small wooden plank. Other exercises use unusual equipment, including massive wooden clubs, an iron bow with weights hanging from a chain, and large wooden shields. A chapter on wrestling is also included. The book is well illustrated with photographs, and has adequate descriptions of how to do the exercises.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of the martial arts, bodyweight exercises, or practioners of systems such as the Russian kettlebell, Indian clubs, or club bells, as part of their origin is likely to be found in this art. I found a DVD of the ritual online from a vendor of Iranian movies, under the title "Varzesh e Bastani"