First mentioned in Sangam literature (first or second century B.C.), Kuttu Varisai translates to ‘empty hand combat’. Kuttu Varisai is mainly practised in Tamil Nadu, although it is quite popular in the north-eastern part of Sri Lanka and Malaysia too. An unarmed Dravidian martial art, it is used to advance athleticism and footwork through starching, yoga, gymnastics and breathing exercises. The major techniques used in this art include grappling, striking and locking. It also uses animal-based sets including snake, eagle, tiger, elephant and monkey. It is considered as an unarmed component of silambam.