Indian Sport: Martial Art in India

India has a long tradition associated with martial arts.. In fact, ancient martial art forms existed to guide communities through warfare. Battles and weaponry could only subsist in the knowledge of classified science and technique of such fighting styles.

Now martial art displays are popular with visitors, with different regions offering different performances and traditions.

Some of the martial art forms from various periods are regions are listed below.

1. Kalaripayatu 

The most popular martial art form that India is associated with is the Kerala grown Kalaripayatu. This fighting style is replete with intense training and challenging the body with graceful, yet lethal, kicks and use of weapons.

Kalaripayatu-in-India

One of the oldest and richest art forms, the form is said to have been developed by Sage Parasurama about 3000 years ago. While many local Kalari schools are spread across Kerala, you can see a comprehensive performance in Fort Kochi and Cochin.

If you are interested, you can also travel to places like Kottayam and Mahe for an up close performance. In Fort Kochi, catch the performance in Greenix Village.

2. Wrestling or Kushti

The art of wresting was fast replaced by modern day gyms. Largely popular in north India, places like Varanasi and even Delhi had wresting rinks, known as ‘akharas’. Even though the population of these is dwindling, there are some passionate wrestlers who are still striving to popularise the sport. You can see a few small akharas along the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. In fact Varanasi has 41 akharas in the old city.

Public-Kushti-in-India

3. Silambam

The Tamil Nadu bred form of weapon based martial art Silambam is an interesting one. In this, the performers emulate the movements of animals like that of a snake, tiger or eagle, learning from their nimble and athletic movements. Largely fought with staff fences, Silambam is said to be 5000 years old. Though largely this involves the use of weapons, there is another part of it which is based on unarmed fighting form.

Silambam-fighter-practice

One can see and learn Silambam performance in Pondicherry at the Mohanam School.

4. Gatka

The Sikhs of the country are known for their valour. The strapping young men of Punjab took to Gatka from the early 1800s. Gatka literally means stick in Punjabi and the use of swords, sticks, kirpans and kataars are still seen in this fighting style. The martial art form requires high agility and has a high aggressive tone to it. Though Gatka is not practiced regularly, you can see it in fairs and festivals in rural Punjab. The Harvest festival, Baisakhi, in April is a good time to catch a display.

Gatka-by-Sikh-warrior

5. Thang Ta

Developed in the North eastern state of Manipur, Thang Ta is the deadly martial art form which is also known as Huyen Lallong. The weapon based art form was developed by Meitei and dates back to 17th century. It was first used to fight the European colonists in Manipur and bears resemblance to Myanmar’s banshay. To see one of the performances, visit local festivals where the art form is showcased.

Thang-ta-in-Manipur

Traditional Sports of India

The style of Indian wrestling-Kushti

The style of Indian wrestling, also know as Pehlwani and the person referred as  Pehlwan. kushti:Traditional Indian wrestling take place in “Akhada”. “Akhada” is a place for practicing the Indian wrestling, in other words the school of wrestling. Indian wrestler or pehlwan live under some strict set of rules made by the trainer or ustad.There are very few Akhada’s are remaining in India. Some dedicated peoples are still working to keep alive The India Wrestling.This is very popular sport in India as well as in neighbor countries .India has won titles in Commonwealth Games held at jamaica.India has hosted the world wrestling championships. The famous Indian wrestler, Sushil Kumar has won medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Sushil Kumar has made an history by reaching in the final of London 2012 Summer Olympics. The Indian World Champion wrestler Sushil kumar is the winner of the gold medal in the 66 kg freestyle competition at the FILA 2010.

Pachad in Kushti

Sushil Kumar: 

The Famous Indian wrestler from Jat family in a village called Baprola near Delhi. The Indian World Champion wrestler and winner of gold medal and a bronze medal in the 66 kg freestyle competition at the FILA 2010 World Wrestling Championships and  Wrestling event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Indian Grappler is one verge of creating history by reaching in the final of 66 kg freestyle wrestling championship and only hope of India to win a gold in London Olympic 2012 . He is one of India’s best-ever individual Olympian by assuring at least a silver or hope for gold.Yogeshwar Dutt another Indian wrestler has won a bronze in London Olympic Games 2012. Other good Indian male wrestlers as Amit and Narsingh are out from freestyle wrestling game of London Olympics campaign 2012.

Sushil-Kumar-Indian-Wrestler

In Indian wrestling physical training means to build strength and develop muscle.There are some specific exercises that wrestler should do on daily basis, Surya Namaskara, shirshasan,the dand and bethak. The freestyle type of Indian wrestling is one of the most popular and traditional sport from India. Punjab is well known for its wrestlers or Pahalwan and its one of best place to learn Kushti or Indian wrestling.

Dwand-Yuddh Kushti

Diet’s of Indian wrestler are very restricted it contains ghee milk along with almonds,green vegetables,banana,apple and water melon in fruits.Consumption of tobacco and alcohol are strongly prohibited for the Pahalwan of India.

Kushti practice in Akhara

The Great Khali : 

The Giant wrestler from India real name Dalip Singh Rana also know as Giant Singh. Khali the great is a professional wrestler of WWE. Khali is the first Indian professional wrestler to be signed a contract by World Wrestling Entertainment. The great khali was a police officer in the Punjab state police.The Great Khali has face many challenges to its entire journey from Dalip Singh Rana to The Giant wrestler.He has also appeared in three Hollywood film.

Dalip Singh Rana aka Khali

Traditional Sports in India

India has a vast and unique culture, so every state has its own traditional sports to follow. India become the land of traditional sports like Kushti The Indian Wrestling, Vallamkali,  Jallikattu and many more. India is also known for its diversified culture and traditions. One of the traditional sports in India is Mallakhamb also known as the pole dance of India, it is one of the very difficult sports in India. There are few famous villages sports are also very adventures sports in India. I am listing few most popular traditional sports in India.

Kushti: 

The Indian wrestling is the best sports to play and maintain the physic. It needs to be follow some set rules to become a wrestler. A heavy diet and strict discipline is to be maintain by the wrestler. Famous Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar is the Indian world wrestling champion of 66 kg freestyle wrestling games and winner of Bijing and London Olympics. Indian wrestling is one of most popular and difficult type of traditional sport in India,mostly played at North Indian state of Punjab and Haryana along with Maharashtra.

Kushti practice in Akhara - Haryana - India

Mallakhamb: 

Mallakhamb is a traditional Indian sport in which a gymnast performs poses and feats while hanging from a vertical wooden pole or rope. It is also used as a form of exercise to get high level of fitness by the Phalwan or Indian Wrestlers. This is the one of the beautiful Indian sports.

Mallakhamb in Mumbai playground

Kabaddi: 

It is one of the most popular sports in India played by the people in villages as well as in small towns. Kabaddi is an Indian game which requires both power and skill for its play. It is a simple and inexpensive game and doesn’t require any playing equipment. Regular Kabaddi tournaments are held throughout the country.

Kabaddi - Punjab India

Kho-Kho: 

Kho-Kho is one of the most popular traditional sports in India. Kho Kho is a ‘run and touch’ game that is very simple to play and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It does need any good physical fitness just need skills to play.

Girls playing Kho Kho 

Vallamkali: 

The snake boat race, known as Vallamkali in Kerala. It is an interesting traditional game held on the occasion of Onam. It is a famous water sport and one of the main attraction held in Kerala. Boat Race is truly a feast to the eyes of the visitors, who come from far off places to see it.

Vallamkali - Fmous "Kerala Boat Racing" 

Jallikattu: 

Jallikattu is one of the oldest living ancient sports seen in the modern era. The ancient sport of Jallikattu pits crowds of brave young men against angry bulls. It is similar to the Spanish running of the bulls but a traditional part of Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu.

Jallikkattu race1 in TamilNadu

In the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, people don’t need red capes and sharp swords to tame bulls, they do it with their bare hands, in a sport called Jallikkattu.

The ancient sport of Jallikattu pits crowds of brave young men against angry bulls who will tear anyone apart, if they get in the way. The name of the sport comes from the words “salli”, which translates as “coin”, and “kadu”, which means tying the coin to the horns of the raging bull. The goal of Jallikattu players is to tame the bull long enough to claim the prize.

But that’s is a lot harder than it sounds, especially since the bulls used for Jallikattu are extremely aggressive, and the players aren’t allowed to defend themselves with anything else but their bare hands. The bravest of the young men will try to grab the hump of the bull, and hang on, while the beast will most often grab him with its long horns and plunge him into the ground.

Jallikkattu race2 in TamilNadu

In ancient times, Jallikattu was used by kings, to test their potential son-in-laws. Whichever of the players managed to tame the bull, would win the princess’ hand. Nowadays, prizes consist of money, gold chains, watches and motorcycles. if none of the would-be bull tamers manage to ride it into submission, the prize goes to the bull owner.

Tens of thousands of participants and onlookers gather whenever a Jallikattu game is scheduled, and most of the times hundreds of them end up in the hospital, with serious injuries, and some of them lose their lives. A centuries old tradition, in the Tamil Nadu region, Jallikattu was banned in 2008, following accusations that the bulls are fed alcohol and chili is sprayed in their face, to make them more aggressive. The ban was later removed, but the animals are now checked by a team of veterinarians, before Jallikattu.

Camel Race: 

Camel racing in Pushkar is one of the major attractions for tourist in Rajasthan. Camels are very important part of desert life, These camels are decorated beautifully at the time of race. Pushkar is one of the oldest living city in India, and it is gaining popularity for one of the biggest annual fair of camels. It was really a good experience to watch the camel race in Pushkar.

Camel Race in Pushkar - Rajasthan , India

Archery: 

Archery is one of the most ancient sports originated in India. This is the favorite pastime or sports of the people of Manipur, It’s an everyday activity of the state dwellers. During every festival archery matches are held.

Archery practice in Manipur - India

Martial Arts: 

Martial art is a part of India’s ancient culture. Kalarippayattu is the one of the oldest form of Indian martial art. This famous art is from Kerala. Indian martial art is a gift to the modern world and mother of all other Asian martial arts.

Kalarippayattu Practice in Kerala India