7 Indian Martial Art Forms and Where You Can Learn Them

The mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual path of self-discovery that one undertakes is the essential essence of martial arts. It wouldn't be wrong to say that martial arts are more than just a fantastic workout or a means of self-defense. 

Martial arts training is primarily intended for self-defense, but practitioners claim that it also gives you an indestructible warrior spirit that will enable you to overcome any challenge. In reality the origins of several martial arts techniques date back hundreds and even thousands of years.

Here is a simple guide to assist you in choosing which martial art is best for you because choosing the appropriate one to study is essential if you want to enjoy yourself and, ultimately, stick with it.

1. Kalaripayattu

Often known as the ‘Mother Of All Martial Arts’, this 3000-year old art form originating from Kerala, draws inspiration from the raw power, swift movements and sinuous strength of majestic animals – the lion, tiger, elephant, wild boar, snake and crocodile.

• The word "payattu" means to practice, while "kalari" refers to the location where this fighting technique is taught. There are various stages in this fighting technique where one can learn to battle both with and without hand-held weapons. 

• It has recently made a comeback in a new avatar as a source of inspiration for self-expression in modern dance, theater, fitness, and even cinema! 

• There are several places in Kerala where the skill can be learnt. But for those who can’t reach Kerala, there are various academies in the metro cities of India like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai. 

2. Thang-Ta

Thang-Ta, which literally means ‘sword and spear’, is one aspect of Huyen Langlon (art of war or method of safeguarding), a traditional martial art from Manipur. 

• It is practiced in 3 different ways- combat, ritual and demonstration. Sarit Sarak, another component of it, involves unarmed combat. 

  

• This martial art discipline combines the development of internal physical control through subtle movements synchronized with breathing cycles with the use of numerous exterior weapons, including the sword, spear, and dagger. 

• The fundamental strokes and stepping patterns of this martial art can be learned through a variety of hundreds of various sword drills. 

• The practice of thang-ta, which emphasises meditation, physical and mental fitness, respect, discipline, and prayer, is crucial in this time of stress and anxiety.
• These days, unlike in the past, music is played while practising this martial technique. The 'dholak' and cymbals are used by artists to play as the warriors battle. 

• In order to acquire this martial art skill, you will have to travel to Manipur as most of the top academies can be found there. 

3. Mardani Khel

Mardani Khel, a martial art with a focus on weapons, has its roots in Maharashtra. It owes the state's geographic circumstances for its growth (hills, caves and valleys). 

• It is a very old form of martial art that first appeared under the Maratha empire. The Maratha kingdom's former capital was Kolhapur, and the nearby villages had talims (training facilities) where knowledgeable elders trained young people for combat. 

  

• Following the 1857 uprising, the British outlawed the use of firearms, and the talims were compelled to make mardani khel into a traditional game in order to preserve it.

• Presently, there are training centers in Pune, Kolhapur and Mumbai where the art of mardaani khel is taught. So, if you feel this is the right martial art for you, go ahead!

4. Thoda

This martial art of Himachal Pradesh deviates a little from swords and sticks by relying on one's skill with an arrow. 

• The Rajput warriors in the Sirmour, Shimla, and Solan areas performed it; it was seen as more of a dance style than a martial art approach. The ancient Mahabharata epic is where the sport had its start. 

• Thoda is a martial art that is organized during Baisakhi between two teams known as "Paasha" and "Saatha," who are thought to be the offspring of the Pandavas and Kauravas. 

  

• In an effort to maintain historical culture and practices, the state government stated a few years ago that the sport will be included in the rural games at the Rihali fair.

• Thoda is a mixture of martial arts, culture, and sport. This game is popular in Theog Division (Shimla district), Narkanda block, Chopal Division, district Sirmaur and Solan in Himachal Pradesh and the skill can be learnt there as of now. 

5. Gatka 

Gatka is a traditional martial art form associated with the Sikh gurus. It is a combination of gymnastics and sword combat and is traditionally done with wooden sticks called "khutka." 

• Gatka is believed to have originated when the 6th Sikh Guru Hargobind adopted ‘Kirpan’ for self-defense during the Mughal era. 

• Prior to the establishment of the Gatka Federation of India (GFI) in 2008, it was restricted to gurudwaras, nagar kirtans, and akharas. Now, however, it is present in the sports category.

  

• The National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), Gatka Association- Punjab, and World Gatka Federation (WGF) had formulated and standardized in-depth rules and regulations for playing the Gatka game.

• These Gatka organizations provide training to the budding Gatkebaaz by organizing workshops, seminars and coaching camps free of cost under these rules.

• The Gatka Associations also organize weeklong free special Gatka summer camps at the national, state, districts, and sub-division level to train them as officials who conduct tournaments. This is done to improve the Gatkebaaz's martial arts skills and provide suitable coaching.

6. Sqay

The inhabitants of Kashmir have historically practiced an old martial art called Sqay. Unlike unarmed tactics which include kicks, punches, locks, and chops, armed sqay uses a shield and a curved single-edged sword.

• According to the regulations of the International Council of Sqay, weapons including the sword (tora or tura) which is made of synthetic fiber coated in leather. Alongside the sword comes a leather-covered shield (bargula) with a diameter of 9 to 19 inches. 

  

• The formal attire consists of blue trousers and a cross-front jacket with a belt around the waist, occasionally with red or yellow piping. Participants are assessed based on their position, timing, and formal excellence.

• Register yourself in top academies of this martial art in Hyderabad and hone your skills!

7. Silambam 

Silambam is a Tamil Nadu-based martial art that uses weapons. Each state has its unique martial arts style.

• There are several different weapons used in Silambam, some of which are unique to this culture. The "Silambam staff" is one of the most common weapons.

• The footwork patterns and animal movements employed in Silambam art, such as the snake, tiger, and eagle forms, are very important in this context.

  

• Another component of Silambam is Kuttu varisai, an unarmed kind of martial art.

• We have the Silambam India Association, which is a non governmental organization and provides training for silambam. So, now that you think of learning this martial art, do remember to register here!