Pehlwani / Kushti पहलवानी

South Asian wrestling in clay pits (akhara) with intense calisthenics.

Key characteristics

• Dand, bethak exercises
• Gada club

Forms & curriculum

• Varies by school.

What training looks like

Training revolves around falling safely (breakfalls), grips, balance-breaking, throws, pins and controlled submissions. Cooperative drilling builds toward live resistance practice.

Questions to ask a school

• How are new students taught to fall?
• Is live rolling or randori optional at first?
• What is the coach's lineage or rank?
• What are the mat-hygiene rules?