Gyulesh is more than just a form of wrestling; it embodies a rich cultural heritage and athletic prowess that is integral to Azerbaijan’s identity.
What is Gyulesh?
Gyulesh is a traditional Azerbaijani wrestling style that combines athletic skill with cultural rituals. Matches begin with a ceremonial warm-up and focus on throwing opponents onto their shoulders using various techniques. Recognized for its vibrant expression of Azerbaijani culture, Gyulesh emphasizes respect, strategy, and physical prowess.
The goal in Gyulesh is to throw your opponent onto their shoulders using various holds and throws. Wrestlers, known as pekhlevans, historically wore mirrors on their knees to symbolize their commitment to staying off the ground. Each bout features a range of dynamic moves, making the competition engaging. Gyulesh is not only a sport but also a vibrant expression of Azerbaijani culture, highlighting athleticism and music.
Uniform of Athletes
The uniform of athletes in Gyulesh is important for both tradition and functionality. As a wrestler, you wear durable loose trousers that are embroidered for ease of movement. These trousers, cut below the knees and narrowed, come with a soft belt and are typically made of vibrant red and blue cotton. In competitions below the republican level, you can choose trousers in any color, as long as your belt is red or blue.
Your uniform also includes protective bandages and soft-soled shoes without exposed hard parts to reduce injury risk. During team competitions, you display the emblem of your organization or country, promoting unity and pride.
While grappling, you can use grips on your body, legs, and trousers for leverage, showcasing the uniform’s practicality. However, safety rules prevent wearing rings, bracelets, or other items that could be hazardous. In Gyulesh, the uniform reflects your heritage and improves your performance on the mat.
Pre-Fight Preparations
Before stepping onto the mat, wrestlers prepare with essential routines that set the stage for the competition. Dressed in their national loose trousers, you stand opposite your opponent in your corner—red for the first fighter and blue for the second.
When the referee blows the whistle, you and your opponent exchange a respectful bow and right-hand gesture. Next, you perform warm-up exercises known as pekhlevans, accompanied by the sounds of gara zurna, balaban, and nagara, with music from “dzhangi.” This lasts for one minute and serves as a preliminary part of the fight.
During the warm-up, you raise your hands and engage in rhythmic movements, jumps, and acrobatic displays. Judges evaluate your performance, giving a score of plus or minus. A “plus” is indicated by the referee raising your colored hand. After another handshake and shoulder taps with your opponent, you’re ready for the five-minute match ahead.
Course of the fight
As the whistle blows, the fight starts in a standing position, with both wrestlers eager to showcase their abilities. The atmosphere is tense as they attempt to throw each other onto the mat using trips, hooks, and back heels. The objective is to force the opponent to touch their shoulder blades to the mat or assume a “bridge” position, which does not guarantee victory.
During the five-minute bout, every second matters. If neither wrestler secures a decisive move or points, the winner will be determined by their performance during the music known as “dzhangi.” You focus on the competitors as they maneuver strategically, always ready to respond to the arbitrator’s whistle.
Injuries or disordered uniforms lead to a brief pause, lasting no more than three minutes. If a wrestler cannot resume, they lose the match. The contest only concludes with the sound of the gong, marking the end of this intense display of strength and skill.
Outcomes of the Match
When analyzing match outcomes, you’ll encounter two main types: Dominant Win and Decision Victory. A Dominant Win happens when one wrestler clearly outmatches the other, while a Decision Victory is based on points earned during the match. Understanding these results is key to grasping how wins are determined in Gyulesh.
Dominant Win
A dominant win in wrestling occurs when one wrestler forces their opponent onto the mat, resulting in a clear victory. This happens when a wrestler’s shoulders touch the mat simultaneously, leading to a defeat. The defeated wrestler incurs a penalty of 4 points, while the winner receives none.
Even accidental touches, like a shoulder blade grazing the mat or falling into a “bridge,” count as defeats. If both wrestlers hit the mat at the same time, the match continues. However, if a wrestler’s head is behind the mat when their shoulder blades touch, no defeat is registered. If their lower body is behind the mat, a defeat is noted.
A victory can also be declared if the opponent is absent, recorded with a duration of 0 minutes and 0 seconds. This win is recognized by the head judge or at least one judge, and can also be validated by two judges in the absence of the head judge, ensuring a fair outcome.
Decision Victory
In wrestling matches where no clear winner is determined, judges assess wrestlers based on their performance points. If scores are tied, a one-minute exercise is conducted, and the wrestler with a “plus” wins. If one wrestler has a higher score at the end, they are declared the winner.
Victory by points is gained through executing techniques that score higher than your opponent. The winning wrestler gets one point, while the loser receives three penal points. This scoring system emphasizes strategic execution and effective techniques.
A decision victory is decided by three judges: an arbitrator, the head judge, and a side judge. They evaluate your performance, tally points, and determine the outcome based on their assessment. Stay focused and deliver your best techniques throughout the match. When the match ends, aim to have impressed the judges to secure that decision victory.
Evaluation of Techniques and Strategies in Wrestling
The assessment of techniques and actions in wrestling is conducted by a panel consisting of a mat chairman, an arbitrator, and side judges. In cases of disagreement regarding the evaluation of actions and touchés, the decision is made by a majority vote among the judges.
Points System
Points are awarded based on the quality and amplitude of the techniques executed during the fight. Techniques are assessed at 1, 2, 3, or 5 points.
1 Point
- Opponent is in a position lying on his stomach or stalling.
- Successful escape from stalls or dangerous positions.
- Leaving the opponent in a capturing position on the mat.
- Punishing an opponent for a forbidden action without disrupting their technique.
2 Points
- Techniques in a standing position that result in the opponent being in a dangerous position without isolation.
- Techniques in a stall that leave the opponent in a dangerous situation.
- Touching the opponent’s shoulder blades to the mat.
- Punishment for a forbidden action that disrupts the attacking technique.
3 Points
- Techniques in a stall or standing position isolating the opponent, resulting in a dangerous position but without high amplitude of the attacking wrestler.
5 Points
- Techniques executed from a stall or standing position with high amplitude and putting the opponent in a dangerous position.
Flipping Techniques
- Flipping techniques are assessed based on the final position of the attacking wrestler:
- 2 points if the attacking wrestler’s back touches the mat with their head or elbow.
- 1 point if the attacker touches the mat with hands or flips back without contact.
- No points if the attacker is in a sitting position on the opponent.
Stalling
Stalling is assessed when the attacking wrestler forces the opponent into a kneeling position. If the attacking wrestler is in a lower position due to poorly executed techniques without opponent effort, they lose points.
Repeated Flips and Technique Changes
The attacking wrestler is allowed a maximum of two flips in succession. After two flips, they must change their grip and perform a different technique. If these conditions are not met, the referee interrupts the fight.
