Traditional bare-knuckle boxing of Rus': fistfighting

Historically, Russian fistfighting has served as a dual-purpose activity, functioning both as a form of physical conditioning and a unique form of entertainment, though not without its risks. This martial art has deep roots in the Russian culture, dating back to ancient times. However, the recorded history of this tradition is sparse, primarily due to the limited literacy of the time, which was largely confined to the clergy who opposed such activities, viewing them as sinful.

Historical Depictions and References

The earliest representation of a Russian fistfight can be found in the frescoes of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, dating back to the 11th century. The first textual reference to Russian fistfighting is in the "Tale of Bygone Years," specifically in the entry for the year 1068, where it is harshly criticized as an invention of demons.

Attempts to Regulate Fistfighting

Throughout its history, there have been numerous attempts to either completely prohibit or at least regulate fistfighting. It's interesting to note that such prohibitions were specifically targeted at the fistfights as leisure activities and did not extend to folk festivals, where fistfights were a common feature. In a notable instance, a council held in Vladimir in 1274 by Metropolitan Cyril of Kiev decreed the excommunication of those who participated in fistfights and fights with poles, as well as the refusal of prayers for those killed in such fights.

Persistence and Cultural Spread

Despite these restrictions, fistfighting persisted, albeit with some regulations in place. The practice was widespread not only in Russia but among other East Slavic populations as well. In Ukraine, for instance, fistfights often included "noble lords" who would fight side-by-side with commoners in 'wall to wall' battles. The victors of these fights were typically rewarded by the losers with items such as a barrel of mead or liqueur. Fistfights were particularly prevalent in Left-Bank Ukraine, which had stronger cultural ties to Russia; in contrast, they were less common in Right-Bank Ukraine.

Decline Post-1917 Revolution

After the 1917 revolution, fistfighting was deemed a vestige of the Tsar era and gradually began to fade from popular culture, with some enthusiasts transitioning to the sport of boxing.

Rules and Techniques

Fistfight participants were typically young, unmarried men, and the fights could occur in either one-on-one battles or group skirmishes, known as 'wall to wall' fights. These group battles were the more prevalent form. Fistfights were usually held during festive periods such as Christmas (Yuletide), Maslenitsa, Trinity Day, sometimes on Semik, as well as during local feast days and occasionally on Sundays. In early 19th century Ukraine, for example, 'wall to wall' fistfights were common during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The 'season' for fistfights typically began with winter and lasted until mid-summer, with the largest scale fights occurring during Yuletide and Maslenitsa. The chosen venues for these fights were open, spacious areas, and in winter, they were often conducted on the ice of frozen lakes or rivers. These events functioned not only as a form of entertainment but also as tournaments, drawing large numbers of both spectators and participants.

Social and Territorial Dynamics in Fistfights

In these fights, participants were divided along territorial lines: one group might represent one half of a village, or if the fight was between two different settlements, each group would consist of residents from a particular village. Sometimes, these fights could involve participants from several villages. In urban areas, the fights were between residents of different streets, suburbs, or districts.

There were also divisions among participants based on social status and age. The battles would typically start with children, followed by adolescent youths, and finally, married men. The fight would continue until one side was forced to flee to a designated area. If the defeated group regrouped and returned, the fight would resume. In cities, participants might also be divided by social class (e.g., townspeople versus merchants), profession (e.g., craftsmen against seminarians), or ethnicity (e.g., Russians versus Tatars). In the urban proletariat, fights could be arranged between workers from different factories or plants. Each group was led by a captain, known by various titles such as 'ataman,' 'leader,' 'combat elder,' 'commander,' and in Ukraine, 'old man.' This leader was responsible for directing the fight's tactics and motivating his comrades.

In terms of technique, Russian fistfighting primarily involved a range of punches, categorized based on the targeted area (head or torso) and the direction of the strike (straight, side, from above, from below). Fighters combined these techniques with individual strikes and deceptive maneuvers. Notably, each fighter often had their own signature strikes. An important rule in these fights was the prohibition of hitting a downed opponent, with violators considered dishonorable. Despite this rule, injuries and sometimes fatalities occurred. Fighters were also barred from grabbing clothing, using makeshift weapons, or any weapons at all, thus ensuring that the fights were conducted solely with bare hands (or gloves in cold weather).

Prizes and Motivations

The victors in these fights were awarded various prizes, including monetary rewards and gifts such as treats or clothing. In Ukraine, a unique custom involved the winners removing the bell from the church of the village that lost. In individual duels, fighters might compete over stakes or bets. Additionally, spectators who supported a particular group or favorite fighters often contributed prizes, and in some cases, wealthy merchants offered significant monetary rewards to renowned fighters. These rewards served as a major motivation for many to pursue fistfighting professionally.

Cultural Significance and Values

Beyond being a form of entertainment and competitive sport, fistfighting in pre-revolutionary Russia also served as a display of important cultural values such as physical strength, agility, bravery, and dignity. This last quality was reflected in the respect accorded to the victor and the gracious acceptance of defeat, key to the self-esteem of the fighters.

A notable depiction of a traditional fistfight is featured in the 1998 movie 'The Barber of Siberia.' This film showcases a fistfight taking place on a frozen lake, set against the backdrop of Maslenitsa celebrations. The scene captures the essence of the historical Russian fistfighting tradition, highlighting its cultural significance during festive occasions.