Martial Arts - Kuttu Varisai

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.

 

Martial Arts - Inbuan Wrestling

A native martial art form of Mizoram, Inbuan Wrestling is believed to have its genesis in 1750 A.D. in Dungtlang village. It has very strict rules that prohibit stepping out of the circle, kicking and knee bending. The way to win this is by lifting the opponent off their feet, while stringently adhering to the rules. It also involves catching of the belt (worn around their waist) by the wrestlers. This art form was regarded as a sport only after the people of Mizoram migrated from Burma to Lushai hills.

Martial Arts - Mardani Khel

This is a traditional Maharashtrian armed martial art, which is practised widely in the district of Kolhapur. Mardani Khel focuses primarily on skills of weaponry, especially swords, swift movements and use of low stances that is suited to its originating place, the hill ranges. It is known for the use of the unique Indian Pata (sword) and Vita (corded lance).

 

Martial Arts - Gatka

Gatka is a weapon-based martial art form, performed by the Sikhs of Punjab. The name ‘Gatka’ refers to the one whose freedom belongs to grace. Some also say that the word ‘Gatka’ comes from a Sanskrit word ‘Gadha’, which means mace. Gatka features the skilful use of weapons, including stick, Kirpan, Talwar and Katara. The attack and defence in this art form is determined by the various positions of hands and feet and the nature of the weapon used. It is displayed on a number of celebrations in the state including fairs.

Martial Arts - Thoda

Originating in the State of Himachal Pradesh, Thoda is a mixture of martial arts, sport and culture. It takes place during Baisakhi (13th and 14th April) every year. A number of community prayers are done so as to invoke the blessings of Goddesses Mashoo and Durga, the principal deities. The game is quite popular in various parts of the State including Narkanda block, Theong division (Shimla district), Chopal division, Solan and Sirmaur district.

 The martial art relies on a player’s skill of archery. Thoda can be dated back to Mahabharata, the times when bows and arrows were used in the epic battle, in the valleys of Kullu and Manali. Hence, Thoda finds its genesis in Kullu. Its name is derived from the round wooden piece attached to the head of an arrow to minimise its lethal potential. The equipment required for this game, i.e. wooden bows and arrows, are prepared by traditionally skilled artisans. The bow’s range is from 1.5 to 2 meters, depending on the height of the archer.

The arrows are in proportion to the bow.

In the game, there are two groups of roughly 500 people each. Most of these are not archers but dancers who come along to boost the morale of their respective teams. The game is played in a marked court so as to ensure a certain degree of discipline. The two teams are called Pashis and Saathis, who are believed to be the descendants of Pandavas and Kauravas of Mahabharata. The archers aim for the leg, below the knee, as there are negative points for striking any other parts of the body.

Martial Arts - Pari-khanda

Pari-khanda, created by Rajputs, is a form of martial art from Bihar. It involves fighting using a sword and shield. Still practised in many parts of Bihar, its steps and techniques are widely used in Chhau dance. In fact, this martial art forms the basis of Chhau dance in which all its elements are absorbed. The name of this martial art consists of two words, ‘Pari’ that means shield while ‘khanda’ refers to the sword, thus the use of both sword and shield in this art.

Martial Arts - Cheibi Gad-ga

One of the most ancient martial arts of Manipur, Cheibi Gad-ga involves fighting using a sword and a shield. It has now been modified to a stick encased in soft leather in place of a sword and a leather shield. The contest takes place in a circle of 7 metre diameter, on a flat surface. Within the circle, there are two lines, 2 metres apart.

The ‘Cheibi’ stick is between 2 to 2.5 feet in length, while the shield is around 1 metre in diameter. Victory in this contest is achieved according to the points earned during a duel. The points are given based on skills and brute force.

 

Thang-ta and Sarit Sarak

Created by the Meitei people of Manipur, Thang-ta is an armed martial art that finds its mention in the most lethal combat forms.

Sarit Sarak, on the other hand, is an unarmed art form that uses hand-to-hand combat. Their history can be traced back to the 17th century when it was used successfully used by the Manipuri kings to fight the British for quite some time. The capture of this region by the British witnessed the ban on these art forms, however post-independence there was a resurfacing of the same.

Thang refers to a ‘sword’, while Ta refers to a ‘spear’, thus sword and spear are the two main elements of 

Thang-ta.

The two components thang-ta and sarit sarak are together called Huyen Langlon. This popular and ancient martial art uses other weapons including an axe and a shield. It is practised in three different ways. The first is completely ritualistic in nature, linked with tantric practices. The second consists of a mesmerising performance of spear and sword dances. The third and last involves actual techniques of fighting.

Distinct from other martial art forms, Sarit Sarak is unarmed combat. When compared to any other existing art form of the same school, it is quite flawless for its offensive and evasive action.

Martial Arts - Silambam

Silambam, a kind of staff fencing, is a modern and scientific martial art of Tamil Nadu. The kings which ruled in Tamil Nadu, including Pandya, Chola and Chera, had promoted it during their reign. The reference to the sale of silambam staves, pearls, swords and armour to foreign traders can be found in a Tamil literature known as Silappadikaram, which dates back to second century A.D. The silambam bamboo staff was one of the most popular trading items with the traders and visitors from Rome, Greece and Egypt. This art is believed to have travelled to Malaysia from its originating State, where it is a famous sport apart from being a mode of self-defence.

 The long-staff was used for both mock fighting and self-defence.

 This was one of the highly organized and popular games of the state since the first century A.D. The record of its origin can be traced to divine sources, for example, Lord Murugan (in Tamil mythology) and sage Agastya are credited with the creation of Silambam. During the Vedic age, training was imparted to young men as a ritual and for an emergency. From a pure defence art, Silambam has

 transformed into a combat exercise.

 There are four different kinds of staves used in this art. The first, called ‘torch silambam’, has lighted balls of cloth at one end of the staff, second produces a sonorous swishing sound, the third is a nonelastic staff that gives clattering sounds and the fourth is quite short yet powerful staff. As far as the dress is concerned, the players wear langots of different colours, turbans, sleeveless vests, canvas shoes, and chest guard and use wickerwork shields.

 There are different kinds of techniques that are used in Silambam including swift movements of the foot, use of both hands to wield staff, use of thrust, cut, chop and sweep to achieve mastery and development of force, momentum and precision at different levels of the body (head, shoulder, hip and leg level). The player must be trained to diffuse an uncontrollable mob by using strokes like snake hits, monkey hits, hawk hits and also deflect stones thrown by them.

 There are three ways to win at Silambam contest. The first involves dispossessing a player of his staff. The second requires counting of the number of ‘touches’ (that are indicated by the number of markings on the body of the opponent) made by one contestant on the other. The third is by judging the skill shown by each contestant in protecting money pouch that is either kept at or between contestant’s feet. The contestant who succeeds in marking the forehead of his opponent wins the contest.

Martial Arts -Kalaripayattu

One of the oldest martial arts in India, Kalaripayattu, although practised in most parts of southern India, originated in the state of Kerala in the 4th century A. D. Kalari, a Malayalam word, refers to a specific type of school/gymnasium/training hall where martial arts are practised or taught (in this case it’s Kalaripayattu). According to legends, Sage Parasurama, who built temples and introduced martial arts, started Kalaripayattu. This art form includes mock duels (armed and unarmed combat) and physical exercises. Not accompanied by any drumming or song, the most important aspect is the style of fighting. Kalaripayattu’s most important key is footwork; it also includes kicks, strikes and weapon-based practice. Its popularity in the country can be easily seen when one looks at Indian movies including Ashoka and the Myth. Even women practice this art. Unniyarcha, a legendary heroine, won many battles using this martial art. Even though Kalaripayattu is used as a means of unarmed self-defence and a way to achieve physical fitness today, it is still rooted in the traditional rituals and ceremonies.

Kalaripayattu includes a number of techniques and aspects. 

Some of them are Uzhichil or the massage with Gingli oil, Fighting with Otta (an ‘S’ shaped stick), Maipayattu or body exercises, Puliyankam or sword fight, Verumkai or bare-handed fight, AngaThari or use of metal weapons and sticks of Kothari.