The ancient art of Chidaoba is performed by a large proportion of the male population throughout all of Georgia's regions, villages, and communities. The history of Chidaoba dates back to the 9th century, and tales suggest that Georgian knights were practising this form of folk wrestling in a chivalrous manner.
This grappling art was also mandatory for aristocratic warriors during the middle ages. An interesting fact about Chidaoba is that the word comes from a term that means “to wrestle against a beast”. A trite description of what Chidaoba is. The first description of Chidaoba was found in the writings of Shota Rustaveli and other ancient authors. The practice started in early childhood and continued through local fairs, holidays, and community gatherings.
Those who practice the tradition include young people, city residents, sports clubs, educational institutions, and amateur organizations. The practice is a complex phenomenon combining elements of wrestling, music, dance, and special outfits known as 'chokha', which are traditional Georgian costumes.
Chidaoba was first used for battle until the late Middle Ages. Eventually, it developed into a spectacular sport. Matches will take place in what is known as a "krug", an outdoor traditional arena. The match is either held on grass or a specific type of sand or sawdust, or in certain circumstances on a wrestling mat. A defining feature of a "krug" is the presence of musicians who perform unique Chidaoba music. This music is so important to Chidaoba that musicians are given honorable seating at all times.
The musicians play the traditional Georgian drum called doli. They also perform on the Georgian flute called "zurna", or the Georgian bagpipe called "chiboni". The music during the wrestling match is designed to match the intensity of the Mochidave (wrestlers), so when the match is slow, the music will be slow, and when the match is fast-paced, fast-paced music will be played. As the wrestlers attempt to defeat each other using special holds, the vibrant music enhances the dynamic of the match. There is a chivalric code of conduct, and occasionally the wrestlers leave the arena performing a Georgian folk dance.
Chidaoba is a wrestling style that uses many special wrestling holds and counter-holds. An estimated 200 hold variations and counter-hold variations are used; the combination of which speaks to the wrestlers' creativity. Chidaoba has such a cultural significance to Georgia that matches are frequently organized at religious and celebratory events. The practice encourages a healthy lifestyle as well as encourages intercultural dialogue.
Throughout the spring to autumn, young people practice wrestling outdoors, mastering skills they learned from watching matches. Georgia has several clubs dedicated to wrestling. Chidaoba was influential in modern development and determined the success of many notable Georgian wrestlers. It is more than a style of wrestling; it represents an entire people.