The world famous Bruce Lee once said –‘I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.
It is not new that practice makes a person perfect in whatever he does. In similar way, Martial Arts is thing which can be mastered only through severe practice and determination.
Since the Pre-Gupta era, Martial Arts in India has had a rich history. Evidence of armed and un-armed combats can be found in our Epics – Mahabharata and The Vedaslike the fight between Arjuna and Karna which involved fists, kicks, finger strikes, knee strikes, head butts, swords, bows, trees and rocks.
Martial Arts in India can be somewhat divided into 8 different styles.
It is not new that practice makes a person perfect in whatever he does. In similar way, Martial Arts is thing which can be mastered only through severe practice and determination.
Since the Pre-Gupta era, Martial Arts in India has had a rich history. Evidence of armed and un-armed combats can be found in our Epics – Mahabharata and The Vedaslike the fight between Arjuna and Karna which involved fists, kicks, finger strikes, knee strikes, head butts, swords, bows, trees and rocks.
Martial Arts in India can be somewhat divided into 8 different styles.
- Kalaripayattu – From the Lands of Kerala originates one of the oldest fighting styles, Kalaripayattu. Basically it is practiced all around South India. The name Kalari means a school or hall where the martial art is taught. Footwork is most importantalong with kicks, strikes and some weapons. It has been made very popular by films like Ashoka and The Myth.
- Silambam – Comes from Tamil Nadu, one of the Weapon-based Martial Art in India is Silambam. Many kinds of weapons are used in this style including some indigenous ones. Silambam is also inspired from movements of animals like that of eagle, snake and tiger and footwork patterns are also important as well. Kuttu Varisai is an unarmed style of Silambam.
- Gatka–Martial Arts in India got this weapon-based form from the Sikhs of Punjab (Modern Pakistan). Weapons like kataar, kirpan, stick and talwar are used. The position of hands, feet and the nature of weapon decides the attack and defense methods. This style is showcased during occasions and fairs in Punjab. Bhuja-yuddha( bare handed) is rarely practiced today.
- Musti Yuddha – From the city of temples Varanasi comes this unarmed martial art style. This style includes elbow strikes, kicks and knees. This technique brings about a complete mental, physical and spiritual development. This style was very famous in the middle ages and it is first recorded in the classical Vedic Epics such as Ramayana and Rig Veda.
- Thang Ta – Also known as HUYEN LALLONG, this ancient martial art style originated from Manipur. This strong yet elegantly sophisticated art includes swords and spears. This style has close relation to Myanmar due to its cultural similarity, ethnic ties and geographic proximity. It is usually performed in three different ways – combat, demonstration and ritual.
- Lathi – From the villages of Punjab and Bengal, Lathi is an ancient Martial Art in India. Originating from Sanskrit term yasti, the word lathi is its Prakrit form. Lathi is made of the male bamboo of about 6 to 8 feet (2.4 m). In past, sticks were also paired with shields as seen in noribari demonstrations. Its popularity is decreasing now, and practice throughout the country can continue its existence.
- Mardani Khel – A martial art based created by the Marathas. This is mainly practiced in kohlapur.
- Pari-Khanda– A style of sword and shield fighting created by the Rajputs comes from Bihar. Its steps are used in Chau Dance.
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