One of the ways for young people to develop both physically and mentally is through practicing a traditional martial art. Taekwondo, karate, and others are well known around the world but there are people who are curious to learn about traditional Bulgarian martial arts or join a camp where one learns how to survive in the wild nature. They have such an opportunity in the city of Stara Zagora where the Baghatur organisation is situated. The word “Baghatur” means a valiant warrior, Yavor Gunchev director of the martial arts school says.

“The school was created in 2000 and its aim is to promote the values that our ancestors, the proto-Bulgarians had. We work with young people and children. They learn horse-riding, archery, surviving skills in the wild. We also teach them about our ancestors and their customs.”

© Photo: www.baga-tur.com

Baghatur also do reenactments of historical battles and events. Rituals and customs of the ancient Bulgarians are also presented. Yavor Gunchev told us more about these reenactments.

“Baghatur teaches martial arts but also organizes reenactments of historical events. We use traditional clothes and weapons. We carefully study the customs and the way of life of ancient Bulgarians. As we known proto-Bulgarians were great riders and that is why horse-riding is one of the activities in our school. Nina Yankova is responsible for the Hippotherapy, which is is a form of physical therapy in which the characteristic movements of a horse are used to provide treatment to children. In the past year Nina Yankova won a gold medal at a competition in Greece. There are no such hippotherapy competitions in Bulgaria and that is why we plan to organise one next year.”

© Photo: www.baga-tur.com

Children as young as 5 practice in the Baghatur school. The organisation also works in a number of joint projects with the State Agency for Youth and Sport. One of the project is called The Spirit of Proto-Bulgarians is in all of us”

"This project ended last year and it aimed at showing that we all have a part of the old Bulgarian spirit and traditions. We want people to know their history better and that is why we are trying to do it in an attractive way. I like the idea that I am promoting Bulgarian history and traditions. People who come to Baghatur always leave with more confidence and pride that our ancestors were truly great people.”

English version: Alexander Markov