Mongolian wrestling
Mongolian wrestling, known as Bökh, is a grappling art originating in Mongolia. It belongs to the broader family of folk wrestling traditions and centers its training on standing techniques, specifically the execution of throws and takedowns performed while both competitors remain upright. The absence of ground fighting is a defining characteristic of this style, meaning that once a practitioner causes an opponent to touch the ground with any part of the body other than the feet, the exchange is considered complete. Training is oriented around developing the physical and technical skills required to off-balance and bring down a standing opponent.
As a grappling art with a standing-only focus, training in this tradition generally emphasizes balance, body positioning, grip work, and the timing needed to apply throws effectively. Practitioners develop lower-body strength and stability alongside an understanding of leverage, as controlling and redirecting an opponent's weight is central to the style's approach. Conditioning the body to resist takedown attempts is also a typical element of grappling training of this kind.
Those considering Mongolian wrestling are encouraged to visit local schools, observe a class in person, and speak with instructors before committing to training. Related grappling and folk wrestling styles are linked below for further comparison.
Gear to expect. Grappling training typically calls for a gi or no-gi rashguard, and quality mats for home drilling — your school will tell you exactly what, and when. New students rarely need to buy anything for a trial class.
Mongolian wrestling on Wikipedia →
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