HISTORY of Persian Warrior Arts

VARAcombat Martial Arts of Persia

Persian Martial Arts [VARAcombat]

Persian Warriors were primarily made up of two groups :

i) Pahlevanan 
ii) Ayyaran

The former were larger than life figures , whose exploits became myths ; often acted as royal champions ,  representing the King and the Persian Empire in individual combat on the battlefield.  Ayyaran operated mainly in groups , often behind the scene ,  gathering  intelligence & working clandestine operations. They were nimble , quick , experts in camouflage ; Proficient in infiltrating behind enemy lines  & night combat.

The Seven Components of Persian Warrior Arts 

I)        Varzesh Baastani ~ (PAHLEVANI) Preparations , Conditioning & Weapon Drills
II)       Kushti ~  WRESTLING , (Ground Fighting Techniques)
III)      Boxe Perse  ~ KOOBESH (zarbeii) Striking Techniques ,Utilizing Hands / Feet.
IV)      Nabard Abzar  ~  RAZM-AFZAR (Practice of Weapons) of Cavalry & Infantry.
V)        Estetar-O-Shabrow ~ Stealth , Camouflage and Night training.
VI)       Geeyah-Darmani ~  Herbalogy & Breath Control Exercises.
VII)     Maram Pahlevai ~  Spiritual (BELIEFS) Development & Warrior Code of Conduct.

Ref  :  VARAcombat
          AVARA ~ Iranian Martial Arts

WARRIOR RETURNS : Cleansing the Warrior Spirit

The Ancient Persian Warriors came home to A cleansing of Body, Soul and the Spirit. A Warrior is immersed in violence and detachment on the Battlefield. The consuming Energies of brutality, trauma and mayhem, need to be cleansed and restored to their proper place. Without appropriate honoring rituals and guided cleansing, the Spirit remains detached and violent energies manifest in negativity, destruction and general atrophy.

The Role of Ashavans in Spiritual Restoration and Unification of Warriors

The  ASHAVANS  (lit. Followers of Truth),  were priests, shamans, astronomers, who adhered to Zarathustra, [the world's first Philosopher, 3000 to 5000 B.C.]. Their Path of Wisdom (Way of the Magi), learning and teachings, observed  the tenets of Truth and Wisdom, and they considered themselves Guardians of The Earth and Animals. Their lineage as Philosophical Elders and Spiritual Benefactors came to an end in 333 B.C. with the destruction of their collective wisdom (extensive libraries of books & writings), at the hands of Alexander of Macedonia.

 Through celebration of his service and dedication, A warrior became whole. His sacrifice and Bravery assigned him A recognized valuable status, and his deeds and Acts of Valor on the battlefield immortalized.

 The Warrior returned home to his family and friends, fragmented, and still  cloaked in the battle mindset. Through A process of rejuvenating rituals and meditations ( Balance of reuniting and rejoining),  A normal daily life was restored.

                               
                               FIRE :  Cleanser and Purifier 

FIRE had A central role in these rituals, since purification requires burning and cleansing of residual negative energies, and welcoming back the Warrior to the bosom of his community. Fire was regarded as A technology that separated man from animals (consciousness), in that man controls fire to his desire[ kept his shelter warm, cooked his food, and protected him in darkness].

AHURA~MAZDA,  monotheistic deity made up of  Ahura (masculine), meaning Lord, and Mazda (feminine), meaning Wisdom, resided in the Light, Truth and Goodness, battling the evil Forces of Ahriman, who ruled Darkness, Lies and  Ignorance. Ashavans worshiped Ahura-Mazda and served the Persian King and his Warriors. This unfolded in the Persian Mythology depicting A constant battle of Good versus evil. Ahura-Mazda and in particular Mithra (yazata), divine Sun-Lord, were protectors of Persian Warriors.

The "Ashavans"  performed A valuable role in the psychological and spiritual wholeness of the Persian Warriors (in between battles) that are absent in present day approach to Warrior role and their Mental Health . The Warrior deserves more than just lip service upon their Homecoming, for (their contributions) sacrifice and service. 

Ashavans :  Priests,  Shamans,  Philosophers,  Sages,  Astronomers,  Magi,  Spirit Guides,  Missionaries

                              Elements in Warrior Restoration and  Purification

                                                     Utilization of Fire, Water, Air Elements
                                          Expression through Music, Story-telling and Dance
                                        Warriors display of Strength and Martial Knowledge
                                                Celebrating and Honoring Warriors publicly


Ostad Behzad Ahmadi

Persian Martial Arts [ VARAcombat ]