1. Kalaripayattu (Oldest Martial Art in India)
Originated: In the state of Kerala in 4th century A.D.
Techniques and Aspects of Kalaripayattu: Uzhichil or the massage with Gingli oil, Otta, Maipayattu or body exercises, Puliyankam or sword fight, Verumkai or bare-handed fight etc.
About it:
Kalari is a Malayalam word which means School/gymnasium/training hall where Martial arts are practiced or taught.
Kalaripayattu was introduced as martial art by a legend, sage Parasurama, who built temples.
This art is used as a means of unarmed self-defence and a way to achieve physical fitness today. Also used in traditional rituals and ceremonies.
It includes mock duels (armed and unarmed combat) and physical exercises, important aspect is the style of fighting and is nor accompanied by any drumming or song.
Its important key is footwork which includes kicks, strikes and weapon based practice.
Its popularity also increases with the movie Ashoka and the Myth.
Women also practiced this art, Unniyarcha; a legendary heroine won many battles using this martial art.
2. Silambam (is a kind of Staff Fencing)
Originated: In Tamil Nadu, a modern and scientific martial art.
Techniques of Silambam: Swift movements of the foot, use of thrust, cut, chop, sweep to achieve mastery & development of force, momentum & precision at different levels of the body, snake hits, monkey hits, hawk hits etc.
About it:
Silambam is promoted in Tamil Nadu by the rulers Pandya, Chola and Chera and the reference to the sale of Silambam staves, pearls, swords and armours can be seen in a Tamil literature ‘Silapaddigaram’.
This art also travelled to Malaysia, where it is a famous sport apart from a self defence technique.
For mock fighting and self-defence the long-staff technique is used. Infact, Lord Muruga (in Tamil Mythology) and sage Agasthya are credited with the creation of Silambam. Even during Vedic age, training was imparted to young men as a ritual and for an emergency.
3. Thang-ta and Sarit Sarak
Originated: This art was created by the Meitei people of Manipur.
About it:
Thang refers to a ‘sword’ while Ta refers to a ‘spear’ and is an armed martial art whereas Sarit Sarak is an unarmed art form that uses hand to hand combat.
In 17th century this art was used by Manipuri kings against Britishers later on when Britishers captured the area this technique was banned.
Thang-Ta is also known as HuyenLallong, which is a popular ancient martial art which uses other weapons including an axe and a shield.
It is practiced in 3 different ways: Firstly, ritualistic in nature linked with tantric practices, secondly, mesmerising performance of sword and sword dances and thirdly, is the actual technique of fighting.
4. Thoda
Originated: Himachal Pradesh
Technique: Wooden bows, arrows are used.
About it:
Thoda name is derived from the round wooden piece attached to the head of an arrow to minimise its lethal potential.
It is a mixture of martial art, sport and culture.
It takes place during Baisakhi every year.
This martial art relies on a player’s of skill of archery and can be dated back at the time of Mahabharata where bows and arrows were used in the valleys of Kullu and Manali.
In the game, there are 2 groups of 500 people each. All of them are not archers but dancers also who came with them to boost the morale of their respective teams.
The two teams are called Pashis and Saathis, who believed to be the descendants of Pandavas and Kauravas of Mahabharata.
5. Gatka
Originated: Punjab
About it:
Gatka is a weapon based martial art form performed by Sikhs of Punjab.
Gatka means whose freedom belongs to grace. Others say that ‘Gatka’ comes from a Sanskrit word ‘Gadha’ means mace.
This art uses weapons like Kirpan, Talwar and Kataar.
It is displayed in various occasions, celebrations in the state including fairs.