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Thursday, 6 February 2020

ADIMURAI - The First Martial science in the World

ADIMURAI - The First Martial science in the World

         In continuation from my previous post which elaborates about the oldest martial arts from ancient Tamizhagam. The origin, glory and history of ADIMURAI were explained over there. 

In this post, the different Stages, Sub stages of AdiMurai and its details are explained.       

      The world's first martial arts was from Tamizhagam and it was called as 'Adi Murai'. In Tamil, 'Adi' means 'To hit', 'Murai' means 'Method', together it means 'Laws / Methods of Hitting' . It is the oldest martial arts and  it has laid foundation for various other types of martial arts and fighting techniques in the world. More than a martial arts, it is called as Martial / Combat science. 

        To learn first level of Adi murai, one must go through severe physical fitness trainings and exercises. AdiMurai places more emphasis of unarmed combat and gives more practice on this part, which makes the student to come up with unlimited number of different striking techniques. Only after mastering the unarmed combat, one can learn the fighting techniques using weapons .



         Adi Murai is also called as Varma Murai, Adi Murai is the mother of all Martial arts in the world and the most famed Kalaripayattu is not an exception to this. From this ADIMURAI, many martial arts were evolved in the Eastern and Western side of the World.        

    A modified version of Adi murai is incorporated into Kalaripayattu schools in Kerala in the named of 'Thekkan Kalari' (In Tamil, Tekkan means Southern).
      
                 When the mighty Pandya Kings ruled the Rich and fertile land 'Kumari Kandam', they were excelled in Martial arts and Science as well. Where ever they explored, Pandyas conquered the place as they were exemplary in ADIMURAI and War techniques. Adimurai Aasans (Teachers) will teach this fighting styles to Soldiers at the King's Palace and to the Soldiers getting trained for the battlefield. When Pandyas and Chola kings ruled the world, they have introduced this fighting style to the local people and now it's been called in different names across the globe. 

       ADIMURAI was first introduced by Maharishi Agathiyar, who is the First Siddhar and Father of Siddha Medicine. ADIMURAI was also mentioned in Sangam literatures and as stone carvings at many temples in India .


ADITHADI against a wild Animal

       The first and basic level of ADIMURAI is ADITHADI, which is an unarmed combat. Shaolin Kung fu, Karate, Taekwondo were born out of this ADITHADI. It comprises of Striking, Blocking, Grappling and combination of all the three methods.

Adi Murai is combined with Vaasi Yoga (Yoga for Well being / Meditation) and Varma Vaithiyam (Healing Science) combinedly to form a art called as 'Varma Kalai', which is the base of Siddha Medicinal system. Not to confuse Varma Kalai with Adi murai, they both are different. (Varma Kalai will be pen downed as a separate post)

Adi Murai consists of three major and important stages / levels. They are

1. Adi thadi (Unarmed Combat)
2. Ayudha Murai (Weapon based combat science)
3. Varma Adi (Pressure point attacks) 

Let us see one by one starting from 'Adi Thadi'.

1. Adi thadi - It is an unarmed combat, one has to defeat the opponent either by using hands, legs or head butts. It is broadly classified into three components. 

A. Adi (Attack) - Striking Sequences - Kuthu Varisai

         In this sub level, first striking sequences will be taught. It teaches about 

 Striking with Hands - Kai Kuthu Varisai (In Tamil), 
 Striking with legs - Kaal Kuthu Varisai (In Tamil)
 Striking with Head butts - Nethi Adi (In Tamil)

      These Adithadi and Kuthu varisai fighting techniques were practiced from 10,000 BCE, during the era of Kumari Kandam. At that time, it was primarily used to save themselves from dacoits, thieves and wild animals.





Shaolin Kung fu


Bokator in Cambodia

  Kuthu varisai - In tamil 'Kuthu' means Punch and 'Varisai' means sequence. This Kuthu Varisai is also called as empty handed Silambam. In the martial arts of Silambam, before going to the weapon based fighting techniques, empty handed striking sequences will be taught. Kuthu varisai has different stages of training, such as Solo patterns and pair patterns. 

   It was taught as a part of Adithadi, but it can be taught as standalone martial arts as well. Also, it is an empty handed martial arts which employs fighting techniques based on the movement of aggressive animals. The basic stands and posses of Animals and Birds are 

1. Tiger
2. Snake
3. Eagle
4. Monkey
5. Elephant


       Tamil Kshatriya Prince Bodhi Dharma from Kanchipuram went to China and taught Kuthu Varisai, the empty handed fighting techniques to the Chinese people to protect themselves from local bandits. He was a Master of Adi Murai, Adithadi, Kuthu Varisai, Varma Kalai and Silambam. He was also called as 'Father of Shaolin Kung fu' and 'Father of Eastern Martial arts' .


Stone carving of Bodhidharma at Shaolin Temple

      Bodhidharma is the founder of martial arts at Shaolin Temple.  The Shaolin Kung fu and Japanese Karate was born out of Kuthu Varisai. 

           The basic fight patterns of Kuthu varisai is similar to Katas of Karate, Kung fu and Taekwondo. It has six different style of basic punches. In Advanced level, there are 20 different styles of punches. 

Note: For punches alone, kuthu varisai has many different styles and levels. After punches, it deals with Kicks, Defensive stances and much more.

     The advanced level of Kuthu varisai is much lethal and advanced than the highest level of Karate and Shaolin Kung fu. 

In addition to Kuthu Varisai, breathing exercise, Yoga and meditaion are taught. All these techniques can also be found in Shaolin Kung fu taught by Bodhidharma.




B. Thadu (Block) - Blocking Sequence - Thadu Varisai

         Blocking with Head, Blocking with Hand and Blocking with legs techniques will be taught. 

In Tamil, it is called as 'Thalai Thadupugal' - Blocking with head
'Kai Thadupugal' - Blocking using hands
'Kaal Thadupugal' - Blocking using legs




C. Pidi (Grapple) - Grappling Sequence - Pidi Varisai

         Locks, counters and throws. There are six stages of grappling levels practiced with students.  

1. Basic Grappling
2. Advanced Grappling
3. Defensive patterns
4. Offensive Patterns
5. Close Combat methods
6. Full contact fight

In the basic stage alone, there are 10 different styles of grappling





 Grappling technique depicted in the stone carving


 Adi Varisai - Attacking Sequence

         Adithadi practitioners will first learn Striking using Hands, legs and headbutts, Blocking and Grappling sequences like locks, counters and throws. At the final stage of Adithadi, there is a method called 'Adi varisai' which teaches about the combination of striking, grappling and counters that uses every part of the body and whole body power will be used for maximum power in the strike. 

      It teaches 3 variations for every strike. Once these techniques are learnt, the practitioners will use them in different combinations for unlimited attacks and defenses.

    Once the students has learned all these levels of unarmed combat, they will perform pair fighting by using these techniques. 

       This first lesson of Adi Thadi is called in different names across the globe, such as
  •  China - Shaolin Kung Fu, 
  •  Japan - Karate, Jujutsu
  •  Korea - Taekwondo, 
  • Malaysia - Pencak Silat, 
  • Indonesia - Pencak Silat, 
  • SriLanka - Angampora, 
  • Cambodia - Bokator, 
  • Thailand - Muay Thai, Muay Boran 

Towel as Self Defense

      In olden days, all the Men in Tamizhanagm put a towel on their shoulders, when they step out of their home. That Towel can also be used as a weapon against the enemies to fight with. You can't see this type of fighting technique anywhere else in the World. A Towel can also be used in self defense. 



     This unarmed combat 'ADITHADI' is the source for many martial arts in the world, being called in different names



2. Ayudha Murai

Next component of Adi Murai is called as 'Ayudha Murai', which is a weapon based combat science. Ancient Tamilakam had many unique and powerful weapons. Ayudha Murai teaches about many different types of attacks using these unique weapons. 

1. Neel Kambu (Long stick)

2. Kathi (Knife)



3. Vettu Kathi / Aruvaal



4. Vaal (Sword)



5. Vaalum keedayamum (Sword and Shield)


6. Surul Vaal (Flexible round Sword). 

This is the deadliest weapon, which is very sharp and dangerous. It requires less strength to swing, it works based on the centrifugal force. If a person is not trained enough to handle this weapon, it can hurt themselves badly. This weapon was borrowed from Ayudha Murai to Kalaripayattu. This weapon is also used in Silambam martial arts. When not in use, it will be coiled around the waist as a belt.



7. Sedhi Kutchi (Small stick)




8. Katari



9. Valari

This iron returning weapon was invented by ancient Tamizh people, which was also used in Wars by Tamizh Kings. With this weapon as a model, Boomerang was developed by Australians. The history and root of this weapon was recorded in Tamizh Sangam Literature 'Purananooru'.



        Many other weapon fighting techniques are also taught in Ayudha Murai. In reference to these martial arts dating back to Sangam era, there were many fighting weapons excavated from the Adichanallur, an archaeological site at Tamil Nadu.



         Ayudha Murai is a deadly weaponary art and does not have sports component to it. It has several stages and lessons to it

1. Kaaladi varisai - Footworks sequence



2. Ayudha Varisai - Weapon sequence




3. Sandai paada Murai - Fighting against skilled opponent with weapon



4. Padai Veechu - Fighting against multiple armed and unarmed opponents




         This Ayudha Murai techniques were incorporated into Cambodian martial arts by Chola Kings of Tamil Nadu. It was called as 'Bokator', an oldest existing martial arts of Cambodia. 

        The stone carvings at Cambodian temple, depicts the Ayudha Murai fighting techniques using a weapon called 'Aruval'. (Weapon Number 3, mentioned in the Ayudha Murai section)


Aruval weapon used in Cambodian fight

3. Varma Adi

           Varma Adi is the final and advanced stage of Adi Murai. Varma Kalai and Varma Adi are not the same, Varma Adi deals with striking at the vital pressure points of the human body either in an empty hand or using a blunt weapon (stick). Varma is also called as Marma points located at the specific parts of the body and application of pressure in those points will affect the vital energy (Prana) of the body and Nadis of the body. 

Varma Kalai and Marma Kalai are not the same. Varma Kalai is based on Siddhar tradition and Marma Kalai based on Ayurvedic traditions.

      There are 108 pressure points in our human body, in Tamil it is called as 108 Varmams / Marmam in Malayalam, Marmam - means Secret in Tamil, that is secret points of the body. Varma Adi teaches about the locations and angles of attacks / Strikes to hit at those pressure points. These points are targeted to kill / to disable the opponent quickly with minimal effort. Varma adi is taught to students only after the expertise of Adithadi and Ayudha Murai stages. But, these are also taught at the advanced stage of Adi Murai and Kuthu Varisai (Kuthu Varisai is part of Adi Thadi)



 Varma Adi is the last and most advanced stage of ADIMURAI. The learners who completes this stage successfully will get the title as 'Aasan' (Teacher) / 'Varma Yogi'. Varma Adi is also called as

  • 'DIM MAK' in China, 
  • 'KYUSHO JUJUTSU' in JAPAN, 
  • 'SYSTEMA' in RUSSIA,
  • 'FILIPINO KYUSHO' in Filipino etc
There are three component of Varma Adi. They are

  1. Mudhrangal (Finger positions)
  2. Miyangal (Centers)
  3. Adigal and Adangal (Attacks and Revival)
MUDHRANGAL - Finger Positions

       First in order to strike at the vital point of the body, bare hands can not be used. There are certain finger positions, which are used for specific type of attack at particular points. There are 12 basic finger positions (Note : basic number is 12, more than 12 finger positions can be used based on the knowledge of the learner)


MIYANGAL (Centers)

        This teaches about the 108 vital points of the human body and its functions. 



Adigal (Attacks) is broadly classified into  2 different types of Varmam 

A. Padu Varmam (Lethal point attack)

     There are 12 dangerous vital points in our body, attack on which causes fatal and severe effects on the opponent.


1. Varma Puzhi Adi

      This stage teaches about the concept of striking at 108 vital pressure points of the human body. Each Varma points gives different effects on the body. Note: In order to strike at the vital points, finger positions, centers / points at the body and the type of strike together makes an attack.

       Varma Adi will paralyze an opponent immediately, some type of attack will kill the opponent in the time period of 3 months or 6 months depending on the pressure points being attacked.
                
2. Varma Naramb Adi

         Varma Naramb Adi deals with technique of striking at specific nerves of the human body.  In Tamil, Naramb means Nerves. 

It teaches about the nervous system of the human body and the special nerve points. Varma Naramb Adi is used in both martial arts and healing (Varma Vaithiyam). In Varma Vaithiyam, Naramb Adi is taught as one of the lesson to heal human injuries.



            Using this Narmab Adi technique, striking at specific nerves of the human body will make the opponent to disable, paralyses, collapse and even can kill them. This technique is also used in 'Varma Vaithiyam', to heal the affected person and makes them to re gain their consciousness.


3. Varma Elumbu Adi

           Varma Elumb Adi deals with fighting technique of striking at bones and joints of the human body. In Tamil, Elumb means Bones. This technique teaches about the bones and joints of the human body. 



 As mentioned in the Naramb Adi, this Elumb Adi is also used in healing bone fractures and joint injuries. 

           Now a days, this martial arts aspect of this technique is not taught and  it is mostly used only in healing as 'Elumbu Murivu maruthuvam' (Bone fracture treatment). Only few families, who has the palm leaf manuscripts knows this Elumb Adi details. 


B. Thodu Varmam (Commom point attack)

     There are 96 Varmam points in our body which are triggered by specific touch. These are not deadly, but it can paralyze the opponent, will be made to disable their organ movements and its functions.

Adangal (Revival), it teaches about the revival techniques to heal the injuries in the body, which are caused by the attacks. There are 51 Adangal in the human body. These Adangals are used to cure /  to rectify injuries caused to the Varma points / Caused by the Varma point. There are many more methods of revivals, but it is broadly classified as 

A. Miyam Adangal (Revival at center)
B. Podu Adangal (Common Revivals)

More about revivals will be covered in 'Varma Vaithiyam' section of Varma Kalai post.

           Now, coming back to Varma Adi, Varma Adi is the last and most important component of Adi Murai. Adi Murai is the only martial arts in the world which teaches about pressure points (Varma points) of the body in detail. Also, in this Varma Adi another unique and mastermind concepts are taught. 

Amirtha nillai (Nectar Placement).  That is, the effectiveness of the attack on Varma points varies with the movement of the Moon. The most effective point changes with the movement of Moon, starting from toe to head and vice versa once in fifteen days. The movement will be of X shape. The Varma points and it's position will travel in opposite direction. This technique can't be found in any other martial arts in the world. 




        This proves that The Ancient Tamizh Sages have already discovered that the movement of moon IS RELATED to cycle of  human body. Need more proof about Knowledge of Tamizh Siddhars ??!!


   There are many such unique techniques (Kuthu Katai Technique, Knock outs using Internal energy etc), which are not revealed to public, it is kept as secret and it is only known to specific families, which are passed through generations. These Unique techniques can not be found in Kalaripayattu, Angampora, Dim Mak, Systema, Jujutsu, Bokator, Atemi - Waza, Karate, Kung fu, Taekwondo, Muay Boran etc


      Varma Adi is also practiced in China in the name 'Dim Mak', as taught by Bodhidharma. 



Karate , Jujutsu and Atemi - Waza were originated from Varma Adi.


Kali, a Filipino martial arts



Varma Adi as 'Systema' in Russia, which mainly focuses on empty handed striking techniques.




           Currently, this Adimurai is a dying martial art of Tamil Nadu, which needs to be revived and the history needs to be rewritten to loudly state about the glory and origin of ADIMURAI. Let the World know about the different types of Martial arts and science  such as ADIMURAI, SILAMBAM, MALYUDHAM and VARMA KALAI which were widely practiced during the era of Ancient Tamizhagam (10,000 BCE).



- Aarthi Thiyagarajan

Wednesday, 5 February 2020

Oldest Martial Arts in the World - Originated from Ancient Tamizhagam

Oldest and Lethal Martial Science of Ancient Tamizhagam 

        The World's First martial arts was evolved from ancient, rich and First civilized land called 'Tamizhagam' / 'Kumari Kandam'. It was the cradle of all civilization and fountainhead of Knowledge, Science, Medicine, Martial arts, 64 form of Kalas (Arts) and much more. 

       It is the time to expose the suppressed and hidden truths of Tamizhagam - The land of Tamizh people, their masterminds, Valour, Skills, Discoveries, Beauty, 64 arts, Heritage, Festivals, Sports, Science and Technology, Astronomy, Literature, Adventures and their Accomplishments. 

      This Lethal martial arts was called as 'Adi Murai'. In Tamil, 'Adi' means 'To hit', 'Murai' means 'Method', together it means 'Laws / Methods of Hitting' . It is the oldest martial arts and  it has laid foundation for various other types of martial arts and fighting techniques in the world. More than a martial arts, it was called as Martial / Combat science




      Adi Murai is also called as Varma Murai, Adi Murai is the mother of all Martial arts in the world and the most famed Kalaripayattu is not an exception to this. From this ADIMURAI, many martial arts were evolved in the Eastern and Western side of the World. 

          When the mighty Pandya Kings ruled the Rich and fertile land ' Kumari Kandam', they were excelled in Martial arts and Science as well. There were many secrets and techniques in this martial arts, which were not to be taught to all the students. Some of the fighting techniques and Sootchamas (Strategies) were kept as a secret with particular Master / Siddhar families alone. Most of the times, these secret techniques were practiced in a remote isolated and open place, which can't be seen by any person or covered by any media and this is the reason for the less information about ADIMURAI and it's skilled fighting photos. These fighting techniques can paralyses the opponent, can make him unconscious and even KILL the opponent with an ease.

           Where ever the Pandya and Chola kings ruled the world, they have introduced basic fighting styles of ADIMURAI to the local people and it's now called in different names across the globe. 


  •  China - Shaolin Kung Fu, 
  •  Japan - Karate, Jujutsu
  •  Korea - Taekwondo, 
  • Malaysia - Pencak Silat, 
  • Indonesia - Pencak Silat, 
  • SriLanka - Angampora, 
  • Cambodia - Bokator, 
  • Thailand - Muay Thai, Muay Boran 

Varma Adi is a part  of ADIMURAI was also taught in different names across countries. It is the most dangerous martial arts which deals with strikes at the vital pressure points of the body. It can even Kill the opponent effortlessly and hence it is not taught to all the learners of the martial arts. 


  •       China - Dim Mak , 
  •       Filipino Kyusho, 
  •       Japan - Kyusho Jitsu (Touch of Death), 
  •       Russia - Systema 


      ADIMURAI was first evolved for the purpose of self defense from enemies, thieves and wild animals. In Tamil, it was called as 'Tharkappu kalaigal', meaning 'The art of self defense'. 







    
         Lord Shiva taught the techniques of Adi Murai and Varma kalai to his son Lord Murugan and Maha rishi Agathiyar has learnt this martial arts from Lord Murugan. Adi Murai is the basic to learn Varma Kalai and Varma Kalai was primarily used as a part of Siddha medicine to heal the body. 


     Agathiyar was considered as 'The First Siddhar', 'Father of Siddha Medicine' , the great sage Maharishi 'Agathiyar'  introduced this Martial arts called 'Adi Murai', 'Varma Kalai' and  'Silambam' to the World. The first and basic text about these Varma Kalai and ADIMURAI was complied in manuscripts by Agathiyar at Pothigai Mountai, the place where he lived. Pothigai Mountain is very difficult and dangerous to climb, there are no roads or proper paths over there. At the base of this mountain, there is a dedicated temple for Maharishi Agathiyar. Even today, people will go that mountain base and worship Sage Agathiyar, to get his blessings. 

    Siddhars were most knowledgeable Yogi's / Sages who have magical, supernatural and  spiritual powers. They served as Doctors, Saints, Alchemists, Physicians, Founded Varma Kalai (Self defense), 'Naadi Parthal' (Pulse reading) etc. In Tamil, 'Chitham' means 'Attaining the level of utmost consciousness', also 'Siddhi' means 'Powers', that is why there is term called 'Ashta Siddhi' (8 great magical powers attained through spirituality)


Maharishi Agathiyar

     Adi Murai is a violent and effective combat science that was introduced by 18 Siddhars in Tamil Nadu, Agathiyar was considered as Chief Siddhar who learnt this  technique from Lord Murugan. 

       It was originated from the lost ancient sub continent called 'Kumari kandam'.  It is the effective combat science of defending and protecting themselves

18 Siddhars
    
   Adi Murai was also called as Varma Adi murai in Tamil Nadu, it was also called as 'Tekkan Kalari' in the Southern Kerala and it was practiced in Trivandrum, Kochi and Kollam areas. 


     ADIMURAI has several levels and sub levels of learning to become an 'Aasan' (Teacher). In order to become a teacher, both Physical and Mental fitness, Fighting Skills and their flexibility will be tested. Due to the vulnerability of this art, teachers will select few students from the training to teach this lethal martial art.

        The reference of this Adimurai and Silambam was also mentioned in Sangam literatures which dated back to 18th century BCE and Sage Agathiyar has taught this science to his disciples. 



          

      Also, Adimurai is the basic and first step to learn Varma Kalai. Varma Kalai is a traditional and knowledged art of Tamizhs, which was also introduced by Sage Agathiyar before the beginning of Vedic times. Varma / Marma is known as vital pressure points in the human body, it is a branch of Siddha Medicine. In Tamil, 'Marma' means secret, it was called as secret point of our body. 

     Maharishi Agathiyar has carefully complied many methods, techniques and secrets about Varma Kalai.   There were around 1400 Varma manuscripts complied by Agathiyar, in Tamil manuscripts was called as 'Olai Suvadi'. Initially it was used only as medicinal purpose, to heal the body.  Later, it was taught as a martial arts only to selected few students as was very dangerous and can be misused effortlessly. There were many Siddha medicinal manuscripts found in southern parts of Tamil Nadu, some are being analysed and some of which were kept as secret. Aasans (Teachers) will be experts in 108 arts of Varma Kalai. 

     Agathiyar has mentioned about the several attacking methods such as effectiveness of the attack differs with respect to the movement of the moon, or a person can die after the attack of 3 or 6 months and much more. Agathiyar's Adi Murai, Silambam and Varma Kalai was patronized by the Early Pandya Kings and then it was spreaded and celebrated by the following Tamizh Kings. 

Adi murai was the base for Kalaripayattu. Elements of Adi murai can also be found in Kerala's Martial arts 'Kalaripayattu'. 





       Many people claim that 'Kalaripayattu' was the World's oldest martial arts. Absolutely not true !!.  Kalaripayattu was first introduced during first century AD, where as Adi Murai was practiced even before the beginning of Vedic period. It was in practice during 12000 BCE. 


     It is said the Kalaripayattu was taught by Lord Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Note that he is the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, but Adimurai and Varma kalai was taught by Sage Agathiyar from Lord Murugan before the great deluge of Kumari Kandam and even before the occurrence of First avatar of Lord Vishnu, that is Matsya avatar. So, which one is the oldest, First avatar or Sixth Avatar ? From the ADIMURAI martial science, Kalaripayattu was born, not the vice versa. 



        Kalaripayattu means school of fight in Malayalam. The word 'Kalari' was never appeared in any of the Sanskrit texts, but it was found in Purananooru, a Sangam Tamizh literary work in Puram section which describes about the battlefield. 

      In Tamil, Kalari means Battlefield, this term is still used commonly by Tamizh people. The root word for Kalari is a Tamil word 'Kalam', which means field, 'Por Kalam' 'Por' - meaning War, 'Kalam' - meaning field. 

      Also, in Kalaripayattu the primary focus is for the Sword and Knife type of fighting. But, it is just one of the weaponary arts in Ayudha Murai section of Adi Murai martial arts. 

       The Truth is that the Tamizh martial arts ADI MURAI was adopted by Raja of Travancore, to train his armies. This is how, Adi Murai was taught in some of the Kalaris of South Kerala which was called as Southern Kalari / Thekkan Kalari. In Tamil, Thekku is colloquial term to refer Southern direction.
        
      Adi Murai is practiced in Open space, it also teaches about the techniques to fight against multiple armed and unarmed opponents at the same time.



    In Adi murai, there is an unarmed combat technique called Adi thadi. No weapons will be used in this technique. The Practitioners  should defeat the opponent either by using their legs or hands. Armed combats will be taught after they excel in the unarmed combat lessons. (Detailed ADIMURAI techniques will be penned as separate post). There is another technique called 'Santor Murai', which is special fighting techniques for highly proficient people. 

Silambam

         Silambam is a weapon based martial arts of ancient Tamizhagam. Sage Agastya has compiled texts about Adi murai and Silamabam on palm leaves. These martial arts are about 10,000 years old. It has traveled several places across this planet with different names such as Bokator (Cambodia), Angampora (Sri Lanka), Muay Thai (Thailand) etc.


 Silambam practise

         The primary weapon of Silambam is lengthy bamboo stick, which was multi purposely used like in defending against dacoits, thieves and  from Wild animals etc. Later it was developed into battlefield art in Sangam period using sharp weapons like Deer Horns , bladed weapons, sharp sticks, Vallari, Kattari, Maru, Aruvaal etcMore details about Silambam will be covered in separate post. 



                              Weapons used in Silambam

Now, it is used as combat sport in addition to the another ancient combat sport called Malyudham.

     It is Practiced in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore as 'Pencak Silat'. This martial arts mainly focuses on unarmed striking techniques, which is the first lesson of Adi Murai. During the reign of Cholas and Pandya kings in South East Asian regions, some of the lessons of Adi Murai was taught and practiced. 
  


                            Pencak Silat at Indonesia     

It is practiced in Srilanka as Angampora




                                          Angampora

         In Tamil and Sinhalese, Angam means part of the body and 'Pora' means fight.

  It is called as Muay Boran and Muay Thai in Thailand.



                                   Muay Boran in Thailand

It is also practiced as Bokator in Cambodia.




Mal Yudham / Mar Poor

        Mal yudham is a traditional form combat wrestling art originated from ancient Kumari Kandam of Tamizhs. In that also strikes, punches, grapples, locks and strike at particular pressure points (Varma Adi) was incorporated. 

Mar - means Sand. 
Poor - means Fight / Battle.

         Silambam and Malla yudham was conducted as combat sport during Pandya and Chola period. 


                                          Malla yudham

Varma Kalai

          Along with Adimurai, Vaasi yoga (Yoga for well being) and Varma Vaithiyam (Science of healing using specific points in the point) are combinedly called as Varma Kalai.

  It was introduced by Tamizh siddhars from Tamil nadu. Varma kalai is based on Siddha medicinal system. Varma kalai of Siddha mentions about 'Amirtha nilai', which was not present in Kalaripayattu and any martial arts in the world (effectiveness of striking at the poison varma on a persons body depending on the lunar cycle). Siddhar's tradition of Varma kalai has 52 anti vulnerable spots called 'Adangal' varma, which were not present in Kalaripayattu. 



                                     Varma Kalai Demo



     A modified version of Adi murai is incorporated into Kalaripayattu schools of Kerala, called as  'Thekkan Kalari'.

    When Mughals and British ruled India, they have banned all types of martial arts, the palm leaf manuscripts of martial arts were burned and the teachers of these martial arts were arrested and punished. But, it is still in practice in south of Tamil Nadu.

      On the other side, ADIMURAI is a dying slowly in Tamil Nadu, due to the lack of visibility and much pampering of western martial arts. Due to this reason, many people are trying to patent this terrific martial science into the name of their mother land. It is time expose the truth about ADIMURAI, VARMA KALAI, SILAMBAM , it's time to revive the lethal martial arts of ancient Tamizhagam and let the world know about all these types of martial arts and science !!

-- Next Post: Detailed ADIMURAI


- Aarthi Thiyagarajan