What Is Pahlavani?
Persian Yoga is the world’s oldest martial arts strength conditioning system. In its country of origin, Iran, Persian Yoga is known as Pahlavāni.
Persian Yoga is unlike anything I have ever done before.
Matt Furey
Combat conditioning coach, Zen master, author
Pahlavāni is a complete strength conditioning system.
Pahlavani is holistic yet uncomplicated in its approach. It is a complete integrated form of exercise that uses tools, like the Shena (push-up boards), Meel (Persian clubs), Sang (shields) and Kabbadeh (steel bow). These symbolic Persian martial arts tools provide increased resistance and neurological input during circular multi-planar movements under load.
Yoga in Iran is a systematic, fluid and incredibly demanding, yet simple and approachable, practice that integrates specific routines and exercises which focus on developing all of the physical skills required by any martial artist and those who pursue total fitness. This Iranian martial tradition is simple, but not easy.
Pahlavani is a “battle-field” proven strength conditioning system that has evolved throughout millennia. The sequential practice of Persian martial art has been passed down in history through a lineage and generations of great masters.. These magnificent martial arts include wrestling techniques and dynamic variations with the yoga equipment that unlock and activate a great potential for strength which is beyond just the physical.
Pahlavani (Persian Yoga) is traditionally practised in the Zurkhaneh, the house of strength. It is regarded the world’s oldest living martial arts strength conditioning training. To prepare for wars, infantry members, archers, and cavalry riders used to practice this traditional martial art. The systematic practice of Persian Yoga not only benefited them physically, but it also helped them gain insights into and develop warrior spiritual, mental, and emotional powers.
Pahlavani is a living art of strength that is intertwined with the Persians’ rich history and culture. This type of yoga is used by many current Olympic and world champion wrestlers to help them excel in their sport. This art form is appropriate for men and women of all ages. Pahlavani is simple, but it is not easy.
Aside from the physical benefits of Persian Martial Arts, it also provides spiritual and ethical elements. One can feel a sense of unity with themselves and the world around them while practicing Pahlavani yoga.
There are numerous benefits to this yoga form that you will only discover if you try it!
As a psychotherapist with a specialisation in the somatic components of health and wellbeing, I was impressed to find many of the healing principles uncovered by modern neuroscience already deeply embedded in Persian Yoga.
Forrest James
Psychotherapist
