Kazaksha-kures

A martial art, Kazaksha Kures, is inextricably linked with the history of the Kazakh people.

A vacation in Kazakhstan can enrich your time by attending national games.

Until the early 20th century, there was no rule for dividing wrestlers into weight categories in Kazaksha Kures. Therefore, they wrestled solely according to the principle of “the strongest is the winner.” Wrestling by weight categories and age distinctions only began to be used in the 1930s.

The Kazakh people have always been known for their sports, which reflect their rich history.
Another popular wrestling style is Kazaksha-kures, which is always held during major national events.

The first national championship in Kazaksha-kures was held on December 15, 2000, in Astana.

Unlike other wrestling styles, which rank athletes based on their weight or skill level, Kazaksha-kures does not impose strict requirements on participants. All matches are mandatory standing. Competitors use traditional belts as a wrestling tool.

A fight in Kazakhsha Kures takes place in special jackets, called “chapans,” with a cloth belt, called “belbeu.” Any holds on the belt and above it are permitted. The goal of the fight is to throw the opponent onto their back. A unique distinction between Kazakhsha Kures and other forms of wrestling is that victory can only be achieved by combining resourcefulness and skill with physical strength and speed. The match ends immediately after one wrestler is pinned by their opponent, as wrestling is only permitted while standing.

We recommend complementing your vacation in Kazakhstan with attending events featuring national games and martial arts.

Animated video review of the martial art Kazaksha-kures