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The Great Gama

August 18th, 2009 | Category: * Full Blog (All Categories)

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am back in Connecticut and starting to catch up with emails.  If I have not yet responded to one of your messages, I will get back to you within the next few days.  Last week, I took a drive to the Cape with my wife and family for a vacation (and to celebrate my five year wedding anniversary).  I did not have a strong wireless connection so I am just now starting to catch up.

Oddly enough, since sorting through my messages from last week, I’ve noticed three emails with questions about The Great Gama (Gama Pahelvan).  For those interested in background information regarding the legendary Gama, please refer to the link below.  Gama is said to have trained extensively with low-tech modalities such as bodyweight exercise, isometrics, heavy clubs, etc.

http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/IGH/IGH0402/IGH0402c.pdf

His story certainly makes for an interesting read.

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6 comments

6 Comments so far

  1. levi August 18th, 2009 2:42 am

    furey killed any interest i would have in gama

  2. Todd August 18th, 2009 2:45 am

    Wow fascinating read. I like this image, describing the focus and singlemindedness he had while training:

    “As a rule, he recited the name of god with every breath taken during his set of bethaks, twice for every repetition, and so you could say that his exercise routine was one long prayer.”

  3. John August 18th, 2009 7:02 am

    Congrads with the five year wedding anniversary. I’ve saved the PDF for later today. Thanks

  4. Ibrahim August 18th, 2009 7:12 am

    Yeah, Congrats Ross!

    Furey makes everything a big secret. Levi check out Karl Gotch or scientificwrestling.com.
    There is even a dvd “The physical body 1 & 2″ where Indian wrestlers show how they train.

    And Additionally, do you know the old course of Farmer Burns? The same like on the sandow site.
    Furey sells it for 100 $ in the web. :) :)

  5. Rick August 22nd, 2009 3:45 pm

    Ross,

    Congrats on your anniversary. Gama was a magnificent specimen and a great champion. His story, as well as the history of Indian wrestling, is well told in Donn Draeger’s book Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts. Great article!

    -Rick

  6. David [UK] August 24th, 2009 12:11 pm

    Very interesting post and reading materials.

    Gama certainly appears to have the look of “genuine brute strength”. I certainly believe that he was the real deal.

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