Won't go to the wrestling match? Then you won't go to war.

What it means

Big tests are passed by people who showed up for the small ones. If you dodge the practice round, you will not stand in the real fight. Take the small challenges seriously.

The source

"Won't go to the wrestling match? Then you won't go to war." This Igbo proverb is recorded in Thomas, Ibo-Speaking Peoples, Part III (1913), Proverbs no. 207, p. 28. Translated by Thomas, 1913.

"He who does not go to wrestle which is life, would he go to fight which is death ?"

Thomas, 1913, Thomas, Ibo-Speaking Peoples, Part III (1913), Proverbs no. 207, p. 28. Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "Won't go to the wrestling match? Then you won't go to war." mean?

Big tests are passed by people who showed up for the small ones. If you dodge the practice round, you will not stand in the real fight. Take the small challenges seriously.

Who said "Won't go to the wrestling match? Then you won't go to war."?

Igbo proverb. Source: Thomas, Ibo-Speaking Peoples, Part III (1913), Proverbs no. 207, p. 28.

What is the original wording?

He who does not go to wrestle which is life, would he go to fight which is death ? (Thomas, 1913). Translated by Thomas, 1913.

Is "Won't go to the wrestling match? Then you won't go to war." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Won't go to the wrestling match? Then you won't go to war." (Igbo proverb, Thomas, Ibo-Speaking Peoples, Part III (1913), Proverbs no. 207, p. 28, trans. Thomas, 1913). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/wont-go-to-the-wrestling-match-then-you