Though Karate, Judo and boxing are new face of martial arts for self-defense, but the charm of traditional form of striking the opponent is worth seeing. It keeps both body and mind fit. Unlike the present form, it involves use of real and heavy weapons and only a proficient one knows the way to handle it. Check out these nine traditional forms of martial arts which define India’s valor.
Kalaripayattu (Kerala martial art form)
One of the oldest fighting systems practiced in most of the part of south India includes strikes, kicks and some weapon based practice. The leaps and jumps and poses are designed to gain control over various parts of the body.
Gatka (Punjabi martial art form)
An ancient form of martial art which find its existence in northern India and is thousand years old. Stick, Talwar, kripan and kataar are some of the weapons used in this art form. The fighters have to be particular about their hand movement as well as type of weapons used. It is also displayed during the fair or celebration in Punjab.
Paika Akhada (Odisha martial art form)
In other words it means ‘warrior gymnasium’ and is an old form of martial arts. This incorporates acrobatic movements and use of various types of sword, sticks and other weapons. It is very much similar to ‘Kalaripayattu’ of kerala. It is performed during festivals and fair in Odisha.
Malla-Yuddha
It is a form of martial art which literally means ‘wrestling combat’ or ‘kusti’. In this fight no weapons are used, but the strength of each fighter is what matters! It incorporates grappling, joint breaking, biting, choking and pressure point striking.
Thanga Ta (Manipur martial art form)
The literal meaning of this term is ‘The art of the sword and spear’ which integrates sword, spear, dagger and etc. This art totally depends on footwork and handwork form with a small dose of the native wrestling style (Mukna).
Lathi Khela
It is an ancient form of armed martial arts which uses one of the world’s oldest weapons. Lathi or stick art is commonly practiced in Bengal and Punjab region of India.
Pari Khanda (Bihar martial art form)
In this form both ‘Pari’(shield) and ‘Khanda’ (sword) are used to fight with each other. This form is very much similar to Odisha martial art form.
Mallakhamba
This form is practiced over a ‘khamba’ (thick and tall log in shape of phallus) by trained wrestlers to improve their grip, flexibility and suppleness.
Mardani Khel (Maharashtra martial art form)
This traditional form of martial art is practiced in Kolhapur, Maharashtra and is particularly known for its use of Indian pata (sword) and vita (corded lance).
Silambam (Tamil Nadu martial art form)
Apart from variety of weapons and footwork patterns, movement of snake, tiger and eagle are taken into consideration for this art form.
