Defense - Silambam

Silambam martial art is one of the oldest self-defensive techniques in the World. Initially developed in the Indian subcontinent, Silambam incorporates various types of weapons and methods of movement training.

According to the Sangam literature, Silambam has been around since the 4th century BC. Throughout the years, it became the crucial part of King Puli Thevar soldiers Silambam to successfully put resistance against the British Army from 1760 to 1799.

The first stages of Silambam practice are meant to provide a foundation for fighting, and also preparatory body conditioning. This includes improving flexibility, agility, and hand-eye coordination, kinesthetic awareness, balance, strength, speed, muscular and cardiovascular stamina.

Weapons used in silambam

Silambam's main focus is on the bamboo staff. The length of the staff depends on the height of the practitioner. Ideally, it should just touch the forehead about three fingers from the head, typically measuring around 1.68 meters (five and a half feet). Different lengths may be used depending on the situation. For instance, the sedikuchi or 3-foot stick can be easily concealed. Separate practice is needed for staffs of different lengths. Listed below are some of the weapons used in Silambam.

Silambam: staff, preferably made from bamboo, but sometimes also from teak or Indian rose chestnut wood. The staff is immersed in water and strengthened by beating it on the surface of still or running water. It is often tipped with metal rings to prevent the ends from being damaged.
Maru: a thrusting weapon made from deer (more accurately, Blackbuck) horns.
Aruval: sickle, often paired.
Panthukol: staff with balls of fire, or weighted chains on each end.
Savuku: whip.
Vaal: sword, generally curved.
Kuttu katai: spiked knuckleduster.
Katti: knife.
Kattari: native push-dagger with a H-shaped handle. Some are capable of piercing armor. The blade may be straight or wavy.
Surul kaththi: flexible sword.
Sedikuchi: cudgel or short stick, often wielded as a pair.

Credits: Sabitha

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