Khutulun didn’t ask for respect. She took it.
Born into Mongol royalty in the late 13th century, Khutulun was the daughter of Kaidu, a powerful rival of Kublai Khan. Unlike most noblewomen of her time, she was raised for war. She rode, fought, and trained alongside elite Mongol warriors and quickly proved she was stronger than most of them.
Her legend was built on wrestling. Khutulun challenged men to face her in combat and demanded horses as the price of defeat. Hundreds tried. None beat her. By the time the dust settled, she had accumulated a massive herd and an untouchable reputation. Skill, leverage, and ruthless conditioning made size irrelevant.
She wasn’t just an athlete. Khutulun rode into battle with her father, dragging enemies from their horses and breaking formations through sheer aggression. Contemporary historians like Marco Polo and Rashid al-Din recorded her not as a novelty, but as a serious military force.
Khutulun represents uncompromising capability. No gender politics. No symbolism. Just performance under pressure.
This workout honors physical dominance, grip strength, and the ability to overpower resistance without hesitation.
Earn every rep.
Take nothing for free.
THE WORKOUT
“TAKE THEIR HORSES”
For time. Strength-forward. Grip and control matter.
Buy-In
100 Double-Unders
(or 200 Single-Unders)
Then, 5 Rounds:
- 12 Power Cleans (135/95 lb)
- 15 Goblet Squats (heavy kettlebell or dumbbell)
- 20 Alternating Dumbbell Snatches (50/35 lb)
- 30m Heavy Farmer Carry
Cash-Out
Max Unbroken Hang Hold
Bar or rings. One break allowed. When you drop, you’re done.
Intent:
This workout favors leverage, coordination, and the ability to impose force.
Grip fatigue will try to weaken you. Don’t let it.
Stand tall. Move aggressively.
If you lose control, you lose ground.
Khutulun didn’t give ground. Neither do you.