Why is Iran a martial arts superpower?

The martial arts world has analyzed a lot about the strength of American boxers, the fighting skills of Russian boxers, and even anecdotes about Chinese kung fu. But not many people pay attention, Iran is also a superpower in terms of fighting ability.

Iran is extremely strong in wrestling - Photo: REUTERS

At the 2024 Olympics, Iran won a total of 12 medals, including 3 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze medals. All were in the 2 sports of taekwondo and wrestling.

It is one of the examples that shows Iran's strength in martial arts. Although not participating in the professional fighting system, this Middle Eastern country is the king of wrestling, taekwondo and even judo.

At the Asian Games level, Iran is the country that has won the most gold medals in wrestling. They even compete with South Korea in the medal race in taekwondo.

Why are Iranians so good at martial arts? This has long been considered an interesting topic, not only in the sports world but also in the scientific world.

The natural advantage of Iranians

Iranians are mainly of the Iranid anthropological group (a branch of the Caucasoid race), with genetic characteristics well suited to combat sports : tall average height (male ~1m76), balanced muscle-bone ratio, good reflexes and predominance of fast muscle fibers.

Several recent studies have found that the rate of ACTN3-RR allele - a gene that regulates fast muscle fibers, closely related to explosive strength and speed - in Iranian athletes is as high as that of countries like Russia and Türkiye.

In addition, the ACE-DD gene form - which supports vitality and recovery - also accounts for a significant proportion of Iranian athletes competing in wrestling, judo and taekwondo.

This genetic background creates a generation of fighters with good jumping ability, fast punches, physical endurance and high training intensity endurance.

Iranians are good at many different martial arts - Photo: IT

Research from the University of Tehran shows that Iranian male combat athletes have an average VO₂max of up to 56 mL/kg/min - equal to or exceeding many teams from Russia, South Korea, and China. For female taekwondo athletes, this index fluctuates around 49-50 mL/kg/min, exceeding the Asian average.

In addition, the body mass index (MMI) of Iranian boxers is also very ideal, averaging about 7.8 kg/m². This is an important number that shows muscle strength per unit of body mass, ensuring sports that require quick reflexes, the ability to push and pull, and direct collision.

The Iranian physique balances flexibility, speed, and power - an optimal configuration for modern martial arts.

Nutrition and lifestyle

Iranian cuisine is traditionally rich in protein from lamb, eggs, and yogurt; complex carbohydrates from rice and whole wheat; and good fats from olive oil and nuts.

Dishes use herbs, natural spices, and less industrialized foods - this creates a stable nutritional foundation from a young age.

For athletes, this diet supports muscle building, rapid recovery after high-intensity exercise, and avoidance of obesity and metabolic diseases - an advantage that many developed countries lack due to fast and industrial diets.

In movies, Persian warriors are always portrayed as strong - Photo: NPR

In addition, a lifestyle that respects exercise, outdoor activities, and a stable daily routine helps Iranians maintain a good physical foundation throughout adolescence - the golden period for developing professional athletes.

Iran is a highland country with altitudes ranging from 1,200m to 2,000m, with a dry climate, low oxygen levels and large temperature fluctuations. These are ideal natural conditions for developing efficient breathing, improving VO₂max and increasing red blood cell production - similar to regions famous for endurance athletes such as Ethiopia or Bolivia.

Comparing important indicators of combat qualities between some countries - Photo: GPT

Training in such conditions helps Iranian athletes adapt to high competition intensity, maintain good energy, and increase endurance when competing in any environment.

Strong spirit

A special factor in the structure of Iranian athletes is a strong competitive mentality. Many sports psychology studies at Isfahan University show that Iranian combat athletes have a high “mental toughness” index of 8.5 - 8.8 points (on a scale of 10), including the ability to withstand pressure, recover from failure, maintain confidence and focus during competition.

Even Iranian female boxers are very strong - Photo: REUTERS

This comes from many sources: a harsh training environment, aspiration, and even a religiouseducation that emphasizes hard work and perseverance.

Iranian culture has a long history of honoring the virtuous warrior, exemplified by the image of the “Pahlavān” – a warrior who is both brave and benevolent – ​​appearing from the Shahnameh epic to folk shrines. In the zourkhāneh – traditional martial arts houses, sport is not only a physical activity, but also a cultural and spiritual ritual.

Even while absorbing foreign disciplines such as taekwondo and judo, Iranians still balanced their martial arts spirit.

Interestingly, although in the same West Asia region, Qatar, UAE or Bahrain do not develop internal martial arts like Iran . The main reason is the difference in:

Stature and genetics: Gulf people tend to be shorter in stature, with less optimal muscle structure.

Culture: no samurai tradition, little exposure to ascetic training models.

Sports model: rich Gulf countries tend to hire experts and naturalize athletes instead of training from the root.

Modern, sedentary living environment: does not encourage martial arts lifestyle.

In contrast, Iran builds a system of athletes from the working class, trains internally and closely combines sports, education and national culture.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-iran-la-sieu-cuong-vo-thuat-20250622192910499.htm