THE RELIGIOUS SOURCE OF MARTIAL ARTS Spirit Warrior
ASIAN Geographic|AG 158
Over the centuries, martial arts have travelled far beyond their places of origin and become some of the greatest sports ever devised. In contemporary culture, names like Jackie Chan and Jet Li have broken language barriers, transcended cultural differences and made martial arts the go-to commercial success, embraced by billions and eventually influencing many Hollywood movies.
Tri Huu Luu
THE RELIGIOUS SOURCE OF MARTIAL ARTS Spirit Warrior

For many, kung fu is synonymous with the warrior Buddhist monks at the famous Shaolin Temple. Commercially, martial arts legend Bruce Lee comes to mind. Looking at muay thai (Thai kick boxing), we think of its lethal punches and kicks. In India, kushti (Indian wrestling) takes the prominent prize with its exotic and spiritual devotion that is the cornerstone of the sport.

Chinese martial arts, Indian wrestling and muay thai have thousands of years of history, all of which stem from religious sources.

They take vows to live the simple life – no alcohol and smoking. This also includes a life of celibacy. 

Kushti

It is a few minutes past 6am and the morning light has not yet broken through the thick layer of fog over the sugar cane fields. Most of Kolhapur is still asleep. The nearby Hindu temple starts sounding its bells. A small number of elderly devotees make their way to the shrine for morning worship.

Kolhapur is a small town, home to half a million friendly people. It is about 400 kilometres south of Mumbai, with a cool climate. It is also an ideal place for training in the sport of kushti.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der AG 158-Ausgabe von ASIAN Geographic.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der AG 158-Ausgabe von ASIAN Geographic.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS ASIAN GEOGRAPHICAlle anzeigen
A Spectrum Of Scarlet: The Symbolic Red Of Asian Flags
ASIAN Geographic

A Spectrum Of Scarlet: The Symbolic Red Of Asian Flags

A common thread that unites many Asian flags is the prominent use of red, a colour rich with symbolism

time-read
4 Minuten  |
AG 165
Curry: A World of Flavour, Tradition, and Culture
ASIAN Geographic

Curry: A World of Flavour, Tradition, and Culture

From its humble beginnings in India, the concept of "curry" has evolved into a culinary language understood around the world

time-read
7 Minuten  |
AG 165
The Power Of Asian Red Fruits - Discover 10 Nutrient-Rich Gems Of The East
ASIAN Geographic

The Power Of Asian Red Fruits - Discover 10 Nutrient-Rich Gems Of The East

In the vast tapestry of Nature, Asia has gifted the world an array of unique and vibrant fruits, particularly those in shades of red. These scarlet-hued gems, packed with flavour and nutrients, not only add a burst of colour to your plate but also carry valuable health benefits. From antioxidant-rich goji berries to the exotic dragon fruit, let's explore some of the most popular red fruits from Asia and discover why they should be part of your diet.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
AG 165
Bhutan: A World Of Its Own
ASIAN Geographic

Bhutan: A World Of Its Own

With its majestic monasteries, red-robed monks, charming rural villages, and vibrant festivals, the Kingdom of Bhutan is a Himalayan paradise that promises an enriching travel experience like no other

time-read
3 Minuten  |
AG 165
Take The Red Pill
ASIAN Geographic

Take The Red Pill

From the vermilion torii gates of Japan to the famed rust-hued walls of India's Agra Fort, the burgundy robes of Burmese monks to scarlet chillies drying in the Bangladeshi sun, red is the quintessential colour of Asia.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
AG 165
70 Days for Our Land Animals
ASIAN Geographic

70 Days for Our Land Animals

Raising awareness about conservation, the environment, and the land-dwelling species of the world

time-read
2 Minuten  |
AG 165
The Red Panda
ASIAN Geographic

The Red Panda

Meet the elusive guardian of the Eastern Himalayas

time-read
4 Minuten  |
AG 165
Revealed Doctor Yellow
ASIAN Geographic

Revealed Doctor Yellow

Japan Railways' special lemony Shinkansen is a rare sight to behold

time-read
3 Minuten  |
AG 164
The Mighty Yellow
ASIAN Geographic

The Mighty Yellow

Over 5,000 kilometres long and flowing through nine provinces and autonomous regions, the Yellow River is China's second largest, after the Yangtze, while its basin is deemed the cradle of Chinese civilisation

time-read
3 Minuten  |
AG 164
Wildlife Big Yellow Beauty
ASIAN Geographic

Wildlife Big Yellow Beauty

The popular "amelanistic" form of the Burmese python is considered among the most beautiful snakes - if that's your sort of thing

time-read
4 Minuten  |
AG 164