Iran's warrior traditions

Iran has a history of great leaders and different martial arts. . We have only but a hand full of written documents which shed some light how powerful and adapt at fighting our ancestors were. A goblet of proof of our warrior ways has still survived, but not like the way the Chinese and the Japanese have. We had some of the best swordsmiths in the world, and the Pulad-e Johardar (wootz steel) was just as good as the Japanese tamahagane steel. Persian wootz steel is still a hot item for collectors. Unfortunately, some of our ancient ways have been lost, Varzesh Bastani is reminiscent as to how our warriors trained. With the release of the highly anticipated new book “Arms and armor of Iran” coming out. more light will be shed on how it once was.

 

“Arms and armor of Iran, The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period” by Manouchehr Moshtagh Khorasani is the only book of its kind that deals specifically with this subject. Over 3000 pictures to illustrate the beauty of the workmanship. Over 3000 pictures to illustrate the beauty of the artifacts. It will unlock doors of knowledge that few have known before. A lot more information can be found at arms-and-armor-from-iran Through the website you can view some exerts from the book and also register for the book. The book still hasn't been released but it is expected to be released by the end of July 2006.

The author, Manouchehr Moshtagh Khorasani, is a scholar on Iranian arms and armor. Dedicating over 8 years of research to all aspects of weaponry through out Iran's history. Mr. Khorasani traveled to many museums in Iran, and was honored by examining some swords of Iran's greatest leaders. He is a wealth of knowledge about swords of all kinds, everything from making to using swords. On top of all his dedication to revive Iran's lost arts, he has managed to be an important exponent of the Japanese martial arts. Mr. Khorasani is a teacher of a very scarce style of Sogo Bujutsu (complete combat art). Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto ryu is probably one of the oldest traditional styles of martial arts in Japan which includes studying kenjutsu, iaido, jujutsu, and much more. Mr. Khorasani also holds black belt ranks in Karate, and Kungfu. He's quite an inspiration, and I believe if anyone could revive our martial arts traditional , Mr. Khorasani is the catalyst to accomplish this difficult task. Here is an interview of Mr. Khorasani done by Persianmirror.

I want to leave you with some articles that Mr. Khorasani wrote. They are a must read for everyone, especially Iranians.

 

Reviving the ancient Warrior Spirit of Iran

Artistic Warriors: Iranian swords set the standard of quality.

Terminology of Arms and Armor used in the “Shahnameh”

 

The coming of this book is really exciting to me and I want to share this with as many people as I can. What Mr. Khorasani is doing with this book and all his research is very important for the Iranian Culture. As a fellow martial artist, I have always tried to find out about the martial traditions of our ancestors only to come back empty handed was always surprising to me. Although, I didn't research as hard as Mr. Khorasani. Its very exciting to hear about the revival of some of our warrior traditions. With all the sacrifice that Mr. Khorasani is exerting, what was once lost- will be found.

Stay strong,

Jahun Moayedzadeh