Zurkhaneh: Cultivating Spirit of True Athleticism

TEHRAN -- Zurkhaneh translates to “house of strength” in Persian and is a system of exercise based on combat using equipment that mimic weapons from centuries ago - from wooden clubs and maces, to shields and strips of metal that mimic the bow. But beyond strength and agility, at the center of Zurkhaneh is the practice of spiritual devotion and humility.

The art is said to date back over 2000 years ago to the Persian-Roman war that went on for nearly 600 years, making it a necessity to train men in combat to ensure generations ahead were prepared for war. 
Zurkhanehs are holy places for the athletes practicing varzeshe pahlevani, an ancient sport combining bodybuilding, moving skills, music, dramatic art, and religious worship. 
In this centuries-old ritual, men perform rhythmic movements with great passion, using tools that symbolically represent ancient weapons. At first, their strong devotion might seem overdone, but it soon becomes clear that it is a fundamental aspect of the pahlevani ceremonial rites.
Training at zurkhaneh usually starts after 6 pm. This is when the participants finish work and meet at the gym. Pahlevani operates very much like a ritual ceremony. The athletes remove their shoes and wash their hands when entering the training room. And before each session they sit together and drink tea.

The zurkhaneh plays an important social role for these men; it’s a place to discuss politics, religion, and soccer. Most athletes have known each other for years and feel at ease expressing themselves inside the zurkhaneh. 
The main portion of a varzeshe pahlevani session is dedicated to weight training, notably using a pair of mil (wooden clubs), sang (metal shields), and a kabbadeh (bow made of iron with metal rings and coin-like pieces hanging from its body). 
Each such piece weighs some 44 pounds. This part of the training is followed by exercises like Sufi whirling and juggling, which are intended to build strength as well as reinforce the virtues of sportsmanship, modesty, humbleness, and all while avoiding arrogance.
Traditionally, the zurkhaneh demands no payment from its athletes and instead depends on public donations. In return, the zurkhaneh provides community services and protection. All those who attend are strong believers in Allah and praise him and the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) repeatedly during each session.
They also pray for the good health of each participant and his family, regardless of his social rank, wealth, or religion. Indeed, varzeshe pahlevani itself fuses elements of pre-Islamic Persian culture with the spirituality of Shia Islam and Sufism. This unusual religious blend is a reflection of the great mix of ethnic groups, languages, and cultures that coexist within Iranian society.
Zurkhaneh is far more than a theatrical centre for synchronized wrestling. This is where a group of men perpetuate a sacred heritage they pass onto future generations—as it has been passed on to each of them. 
Indeed, fathers, as “masters,” transmit skills and manners to their sons, as well as essential moral values. Most of these athletes are simple men living ordinary lives. They are postmen, butchers, shopkeepers, or taxi drivers.
But when they enter a zurkhaneh, a transformation takes place. They become fighters, singers, worshippers, and poets. This gripping metamorphosis can also be seen as an echo of the remaining pre-Islamic culture and its strong legacy in modern Iran.