Mongolian Contortionism

Mongolia contortionism probably dates back to the practices of Buddhist monks who bent the body to the will of the mind, subsequently there are hints in texts of the 12-13th century where they talk about the contortionism used to amuse the royal court. After the Quing dynasty in 1911, Mongolia decreed its independence from China and under the influence of neighboring Russia it became a communist regime closed to foreigners until its fall in 1990. The Mongolian State Circus on tour was at that time one of the few contacts that the West had with this mysterious distant land. With the fall of communism this discipline develops further, the Mongolian people acquiring a new freedom, searching for their own traditions and contortionism and circus art find a large following. Today the amateur and professional contortion schools are numerous and widespread throughout the territory and especially in its capital Ulaanbataar. Girls enter schools between the ages of 5 and 7, and can choose whether to follow a professional path or simply practice it as a sport. Despite the exercises to achieve the Their extreme flexibility are hard and demanding, they don't have to follow specific diets because their energy expenditure is very high. Although contortionism and circus art are practiced all over Asia, it seems that the level of Mongolian athletes is the highest due not only to the preparation and specificity of the schools but also to a bone and muscular dowry characteristic of the Mongolia even if it is not clear why, some teachers have talked to us about the merit of their traditional meat-based diet which means that the high protein content gives greater power to the athletes making them able to practice very high performances in their exercises. Today there is a very high level of attention towards contortionism which perhaps more than other disciplines has become an icon of Mongolian national pride