Wrestling is a combat sport involving grappling-type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and take downs, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. It is a physical competition, between two (occasionally more) competitors or sparring partners, who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position. There are various forms of wrestling which is not popular, one of them being Inbuan. It cannot be completely called combat sports or even Indian martial arts. Indian martial arts basically refer to the fighting systems of the Indian subcontinent. There are variety of names and terms used for it, usually deriving from Dravidian sources. As by classical terms, it refers for all fighting systems. Thus, there remains blur line of wrestling and martial arts when it comes to Inbuan wrestling.
Origin
Originally, Inbuan wrestling is a form of wrestling and combat sports which emerged in Mizoram, India. It is believed that Inbuan form of wrestling emerged in the village of Dungtlang in 1750. It was recognized as a sport after the "Mizo" people migrated from Burma to the Lushai Hills. It is said that people of Mizoram were hardworking, courageous, and hunting lovers and even they had craze for exercise and physical workout, thus the youth always had yearning to learn these kinds of activities and sports. And during this time, Inbuan wrestling took birth in Mizoram. It is a traditional ancient sport. Later, youth accepted this and boost information about it.
Know more about Inbuan Wrestling
Basic idea of this form is wrestling is that a fighter is required to lift up the opponent off the ground. The match generally have three rounds each of 20 to 60 seconds of duration and is continued until a wrestler is lifted off the feet that is gets out or break any rule. The winner is the one who succeeds in lifting his opponent off the ground by using one’s skills, strength, rapid movements of arms and legs and also by being mentally and physically alert. By using the legs, the aim is to loosen the grip of an opponent’s legs or feet. So, the “grappling” techniques are used in this combat form, the main weapon would be the “arms” of the wrestler. Thus, it is done without any weapon. The contest is held in a circle 15-16 feet in diameter on a carpet or grass. A wrestler wears a “catch hold belt” or some sort of rope which is around waist in this form of combat.
Inbuan wrestling leads to physical exercise and it also becomes and adds a competitive spirit among people.
Rules and Regulations
There are certain rules and regulations that are required to be followed:
A fighter is strictly not allowed to bend knees.
The wrestler cannot kick the opponent; doing so can lead to disqualification or even losing the game.
A wrestler is not allowed to step outside the circle in which the match is held.
Pushing is also not permitted.
Inbuan form of wrestling is held only on soft mud, carpet or grass.
Inbuan wrestling is still played in Burma and also in Mizoram. According to some sources, it is also believed that the game originally originated in Burma and later came to Mizoram but there is no guarantee and confirmation about the same. The love for the sport is depicted clearly as it is still spreading but it is limited to Mizoram, as no training centers or schools are available around the world as this “grappling” form of combat is mainly remains in Mizoram.
Inbuan wrestling is one of the lesser known sports in India and youth should be encouraged to participate, it should not remain limited and restricted to Mizoram. The government should come up with training schools, and it should be flourished at a competitive level as well.
