Silambam

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Silambam (Tamil: சிலம்பம்), also silambattam (Tamil: சிலம்பாட்டம்), is the Tamil word for both a staff as well as a martial art that features its use. Most people believe that Silambam was created and developed by the ancient sage Aghasthyar who is also credited with the creation Tamil language itself.But this is a myth. The art most probably was created by shepherds(idayars) of the hill(kurinchi) who always carry a stick with them.Even now you can see the shepherds who have no prior Silambam skill, rotating the stick in different albeit irregular ways.

Silambam is a form of stick or walking staff fighting. The length of the staff is roughly 1.68 meters (five and a half feet). The factor that determines the length if the staff is the height of the person wielding it.It should be just touching the forehead about three fingers from the head.But there are different lengths used in various situations.The 3 foot stick called "sedikutchi" can be carried without getting noticed.But separate practice is needed for wielding sticks of different lengths. The usual stance includes holding the staff at one end, right hand close to the back, left hand about 40 centimeters (16 inches) away. This position allows a wide array of stick-and-body movements, including complex attacks and blocks.

Beginners are taught Footwork patterns(Kaaladi murai or Kaaladi) and they must master them before learning spinning techniques and patterns, and methods to change the spins without stopping the motion of the stick.Footworks(Kaaladi) are the key aspects of Silambam and kuthu varisai(bare hand version).There are basically sixteen of them among which four are very important. Gradually, fighters study footwork to move precisely in conjunction with the stick movements. The ultimate goal of the training is to defend multiple armed opponents.

Its emphasis on the staff distinguishes Silambam from Kalarippayattu, another Dravidian martial art martial art.

It is a very good exercise for muscle toning inculcating both aerobic and anaerobic features..On practising it reguraly the body will get a superb posture and look.Silambam also helps a great deal in relaxation and as a mood lifter. Silambam,Kuthu varisai,a bare hand technique literally meaning punching sequence,maduvu(deer horn),surul(long double edged flexible blade),kathi kuthu(knife thrust),Val veechu(sword play),sheela(two finger defense) are all closely related and can be called as a single group of martial arts.

1 History
2 References
3 External links
4 See also

[edit] History

Silambam was patronized by the ancient Tamil Chola, Chera and Pandya kings of South India during the Sangam period.

The references to "Silappadikkaram" in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to the 2nd century refer to the sale of Silamabam staves, swords, pearls and armor to foreign traders. The ancient trading centre at the city of Madurai was renowned globally and said to be thronged by Romans, Greeks and Egyptians among others who had regular sea trade with the ancient Tamil kings. The silambam staff was one of the martial art weapons, which was in great demand with the visitors.^[1]^[2]

After the art spread to the Malay world, "Silambam" came to refer to the art as well as the weapon. Several Malay martial arts such as Silat also incorporated the silambam.

The soldiers of King Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1760–1799) relied mainly on their prowess in Silambam in their warfare against the British Army. ^[1]

[edit] References

^ ^a ^b Raj, J. David Manuel (1977). The Origin and the Historical Developlment of Silambam Fencing: An Ancient Sefl-Defence Sport of India. Oregon: College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Univ. of Oregon, pp. 44, 50, & 83.
^ Sports Authority of India (1987). Indigenous Games and Martial Arts of India. New Delhi: Sports Authority of India, pp. 91 & 94.