ABOUT US

Our mission is to share the authentic and original Pahlavani lineage with the world.

Pahlavani five arts Meel Shena Sang Kabbadeh Pazadan

Welcome to the world of Pahlavani, where ancient wisdom meets modern science. This practice has empowered warriors and athletes for centuries. Today, we’re making it accessible to everyone—whether you’re looking to build strength, improve mobility, or find a deeper connection between body and spirit.

The Pahlavani Story

Pahlavani, is recognised by UNESCO as the world’s oldest running form of martial arts conditioning training. The practice mimics an entire ancient style battle.

Originally developed to prepare knights and warriors for battle, it has stood the test of time for one reason: it works.

It’s not about lifting weights; it’s about mastering an art form.

Seven arts of Pahlavani
Pahlavani is traditionally practiced in the Zurkhaneh, literally meaning the house of strength. The Zurkhaneh is more akin to a temple where strength and masculinity were traditionally worshiped through a ritual ceremony that symbolically reenacts the different stages of an ancient battle.
Sang – Shield wall
The first stage of battle is the shield formation, where combatants form a shield wall. In Pahlavani, this is symbolized by the Sang (Shield), which builds grip strength for lifting and pressing shields in ritualized patterns, required for ancient battle.
Shena: The charge
The second stage of battle, the charge, symbolizes combatants clashing, pushing, falling, and rising again in dynamic movements. This is represented through flexibility postures combined with diverse push-up exercises on the Shena, which primarily targets the pelvic and hip complex.
Meel: the combat
The third art focuses on weapon-based combat. In Pahlavani, the Meel replaces weapons to build the strength and skill needed for tools like maces, axes, lances, hammers, and clubs. It primarily targets the shoulder complex.
Pazadan: the chase
The fourth art, Pa Zadan, symbolizes giving chase. This stage of battle is reenacted through high-intensity cardio intervals, culminating in Whirling, a meditative movement also practised by Sufi mystics. Functionally, it builds cardiovascular endurance, rhythm, and balance, keeping you light, quick, and stable on your feet.
Kabbadeh: the siege
The fifth art involves laying siege to enemy encampments and conditioning for horseback archery. Opponents hide behind walls, attacking from above, requiring strength and endurance in the full overhead range of motion. In Pahlavani, we use the Kabbadeh (steel bow) to build this strength.
Koshti: the conquering
You've entered the enemy camp, ready to subdue opponents one by one. This is Koshti (wrestling) Pahlavani, a stylized combat form and precursor to catch and freestyle wrestling. "Koshti," meaning "to kill" in Persian, is the final physical art of Pahlavani, with all other arts serving as strength conditioning for it.
Zarb & Zang: the meditation
To master Pahlavani, one must also master the Zarb (war drum) and Zang (bell), along with the mystical poetry of the great Morsheds (masters) of the Zurkhaneh (house of strength). Rooted in battlefield traditions, the war drum once signaled commands during combat, symbolizing both celebration and lamentation after battles. Today, this art emphasizes the individual's journey to spiritual knowledge—achieved through mastery of body and spirit—becoming the warrior poet.
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Our Story

Pahlavani is more than a conditioning system; it’s a journey. For me, Dr. Kashi Azad, this journey began when I first stepped into the Zurkhaneh, or “House of Strength” where Pahlavani is practised. Guided by masters (Morsheds) and champions (Pahlavans), I immersed myself in the teachings of this ancient tradition.

As a chiropractor and lifelong martial artist, I saw the incredible potential of this practice to transform not just physical health but also spiritual growth. Combining the timeless principles of Pahlavani with modern biomechanics and kinesiology, I’ve developed a structured curriculum that anyone—no matter their background—can practice and benefit from.

I have had the honor of learning Pahlavani from some of the most esteemed Morsheds (Masters). My journey began under the tutelage of Morshed Panahi at the National Olympic Academy of Iran and at his own Zurkhaneh in south-side Tehran, where numerous renowned strongmen and wrestlers train. These experiences deeply enriched my knowledge and practice of Pahlavani, grounding me in a tradition that spans centuries and is used by elite athletes and martial artists.

I furthered my training with Morshed Hojjati, widely regarded as Iran’s most renowned Morshed and himself from a great lineage of masters. He is the owner of Iran’s oldest Zurkhaneh (House of Strength), which has been in continuous operation for 500 years and has a foundation dating back 700 years. This experience provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the physical and spiritual aspects of Pahlavani.

Additionally, I had the privilege of studying with Morshed Mehregan at his Zurkhaneh, where the last great Iranian national Pahlavan (Zurkhaneh champion), Pahlavan Alireza Soleimani, who was also a world superheavyweight wrestling champion, trained and practised. I had the great honor of being initiated as Pahlavan by the late great Pahlavan Alireza Soleimani; may his memory be immortal.

It is now my mission to share the authentic curriculum of the Zurkhaneh and the original physical and spiritual culture of Pahlavani, developed by the ancient Aryans (Indo-Iranians) over two millennia ago. With extensive experience as a certified group exercise trainer, personal trainer, and boxing coach, along with 20 years of teaching experience and advanced degrees (Master’s in Electrical Engineering, MBA, and Doctor of Chiropractic), I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to facilitate and accelerate your learning, practice, and enjoyment of this ancient and beautiful art.

I offer you the opportunity to learn Pahlavani through a structured and progressive curriculum, for the first time made accessible internationally. With clarity and conciseness, I will guide you on this transformative journey of strength.

As we say in the Zurkhaneh: From strength, man attains truth; from weakness stems crookedness and lowliness.

Be tireless

Dr Kashi Azad

Dr Kashi Azad Pahlavani.org and Persian Yoga Founder
Dr Kashi Azad

Our Values

Good thoughts. Good words. Good deeds.

We’re guided by values that have been passed down through generations of practitioners:

  • Courage and Passion: Facing challenges head-on with enthusiasm.
  • Respect and Loyalty: For ourselves, others, and the traditions we honour.
  • Equality and Brotherhood: Sharing this practice openly with everyone, without prejudice.
  • Humility and Gratitude: Embracing the lifelong journey of learning.
  • Above all Strength: Building resilience not just in the body but in the mind and spirit.
Dr Kashi Azad with Morshed Master Hojjati in Iran's oldest Zurkhaneh in Yazd
Dr Kashi with Morshed Hojjati in the oldest Zurkhaneh in the world

Podcasts & Talks

Dive into the World of Pahlavani.

Explore the rich history, art, and philosophy of Pahlavani through engaging podcasts and talks. Join us as we uncover timeless traditions, share inspiring stories, and discuss the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit. Listen, learn, and be inspired!

Proceed with confidence

Time-tested. Battle-proven.

Pahlavani has stood the test of time, shaping knights, warriors, paladins, and world-class martial artists, wrestlers, and strongmen throughout history  including Jahan Pahlavan Takhti, The Iron Sheik, Antonio Inoki, Karl Gotch and Pahlavan Hassan Yazadani to name a few. 

Pahlavān Vaziri AKA Iron Sheik
Pahlavān Vaziri AKA Iron Sheik
Jahan Pahlavān Takhti
Jahan Pahlavān Takhti
Karl Gotch and Antonio Inoki
Karl Gotch and Antonio Inoki
Muhammad Ali Cassius Clay
Muhammad Ali Cassius Clay
Pahlavān Khadem
Pahlavān Khadem
Karl Gotch Godfather of wrestling
Karl Gotch Godfather of wrestling
Persian Pahlavan Savaran cataphract warrior knight

Start your journey

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, Pahlavani offers something truly unique. It’s a system that challenges your body, sharpens your mind, and nourishes your spirit.

Are you ready to discover the martial conditioning system of ancient Aryan knights, warriors and paladins? Let’s walk this path together.

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