Martial Art Forms of India

Context (TH): Post the Galwan violent clash between India and China, the Army has added martial arts to the regular training of troops in addition to the usual physical exercise.
The Punjab regiment incorporated Ghtaka in the training regime.
The Gorkha Regiment has incorporated the Khukri dance.
The Madras regiment has incorporated the Kalari Payattu.
The Udhampur-based has incorporated the Israeli-origin martial art, Krav Maga.

Martial art forms of India

Performed by Gurkhas. Only men perform the Khukuri Dance.
Khukuri is a small knife that symbolises victory.
It is a very important part of Gurkha culture. Gurkhas display their triumph using a khukuri.

Khukuri Dance

It involves physical conditioning, weapon training, strikes, kicks, grappling, and healing techniques.
The primary aim is the ultimate coordination between mind and body.
Another focus of Kalaripayattu is the specialisation in indigenous medicinal practices.
Kalaris are also important centres of religious worship.

Kalarippayattu

References in the Silappadikaram and other works of the Sangam literature show that Silambam has been practiced since at least the 4th century BC.
The term silambambu referred to a particular type of bamboo.
Silambam art also used animal movements of the snake, tiger, eagle forms, etc,.

Silambam

Gatka originated in the Punjab in the 15th century.
It is a style of stick-fighting, with wooden sticks intended to simulate swords.
Gatka’s theory and techniques were taught by the Sikh gurus.

Gatka

Musti Yuddha

It integrates various external weapons – the sword, spear, dagger, etc.
It is an elaborate system of physical culture that involves breathing methods, meditations, and rituals.
One component of this art form involves performing rituals, another involves elements of dance using swords and spears, and a combative form involves the actual act of fighting.

Thang-Ta

Lathi Khela

It is an armed method of martial art created by the Marathas.
Uses a sword mainly & needs rapid movements.
Was popular during the early and later medieval era and during the time of Maratha regime.
It was used effectively by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to defeat the Mughals.

A traditional Indian sport in which a gymnast performs aerial yoga postures.
The name Mallakhambha derives from the terms malla meaning wrestler, and Khamb, which means a pole.
In 2013, the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh declared Mallakhambha as the state sport.

Mallakhamb

It is believed that the Shaivite snake-worshipping Naga people created this martial art prior to the Indo-Aryan invasion.
During the period from 1325 AD to 1819 AD, Sqay Martial art training remained compulsory for Kashmiri soldiers.
Presently, Sqay has become a sporting event in more than 62 countries, including India.
Sqay employs weapons such as single swords, double swords, free hand and shields.

SQAY - The traditional martial art form of Kashmir