Jump to content

Indian martial arts: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Freedom skies (talk | contribs)
4,714 edits
No edit summary
Jagged 85 (talk | contribs)
87,237 edits
rearranged images
Line 1: Line 1:
The [[Indian subcontinent|'''Indian''' subcontinent]] is home to a variety of '''[[martial arts]]''', including [[Pehlwani]], [[Kalarippayattu]], [[Vajra Mushti]] and [[Gatka]].
The [[Indian subcontinent|'''Indian''' subcontinent]] is home to a variety of '''[[martial arts]]''', including [[Pehlwani]], [[Kalarippayattu]], [[Vajra Mushti]] and [[Gatka]].
[[Image:Matemple.jpg|right|thumb|130px|Statues in an ancient [[hindu temple]], showing [[warriors]] in combat]]
[[Image:Matemple.jpg|right|thumb|130px|Statues in an ancient [[hindu temple]], showing [[warriors]] in combat]]
⚫
[[Image:Balarama9.jpg|thumb|right|Martial arts have been associated with [[avatars]], such as [[Balarama]], in ancient [[Hindu mythology|Hindu mythological]] texts]]
⚫
[[Image:Rajputs.jpg|thumb|right|265px|Organised martial traditions were studied as part of the ''[[dharma]]'' by the warrior [[Kshatriya]] in [[Hinduism]]]]
⚫
[[Image:Ricksongraciechoke.jpg|thumb|right|[[Rickson Gracie]] during a [[Yoga]] session]]
⚫
[[Image:Staff_clip.gif|thumb|Stick fencing in [[Silambam Nillaikalakki]]]]

==Introduction==
==Introduction==
⚫
[[Image:Balarama9.jpg|thumb|left|Martial arts have been associated with [[avatars]], such as [[Balarama]], in ancient [[Hindu mythology|Hindu mythological]] texts]]
[[Ancient India]] was one of the centres of several martial traditions and practices. Most of the centers were in the Southern region, including present-day [[Kerala]] and the ancient Kingdom of [[Tamilakam]]. Some of the older traditions include organised martial systems as practiced by the [[Kshatriya]] caste of [[Hinduism]], these systems include armed and unarmed combat and aspects such as meditation, conditioning etc. Many ancient [[hindu temple]]s have statues of [[deities]] and warriors in various postures related to combat.
[[Ancient India]] was one of the centres of several martial traditions and practices. Most of the centers were in the Southern region, including present-day [[Kerala]] and the ancient Kingdom of [[Tamilakam]]. Some of the older traditions include organised martial systems as practiced by the [[Kshatriya]] caste of [[Hinduism]], these systems include armed and unarmed combat and aspects such as meditation, conditioning etc. Many ancient [[hindu temple]]s have statues of [[deities]] and warriors in various postures related to combat.


Organised martial arts in India include the ancient martial art of [[Malla-yuddha]] (more commonly known as ''Mallayuddha''), a form of combat wrestling codified into four forms, <ref>[http://www.kathinayoga.com/KalariWorld/Articles/other_article3.html] Mallayuddha </ref> which is described in the Indian epics as the fighting style of warriors such as [[Bhima]]. The art is supposed to have gained maximum prominence in [[ancient India]] at the time when the oral tradition of the [[Mahabharata]] epic was conceived, the [[Mahabharata]] was compiled in textual form during the 5th century BC, the epic's setting has a historical precedent in [[Vedic India]], where the [[Kuru (kingdom)|Kuru]] kingdom was the center of political power in the late [[2nd millennium BC|2nd]] and early [[1st millennium BC|1st]] millennia BCE. It is believed that mallayuddha was regarded as a prominent martial art in that era.
Organised martial arts in India include the ancient martial art of [[Malla-yuddha]] (more commonly known as ''Mallayuddha''), a form of combat wrestling codified into four forms, <ref>[http://www.kathinayoga.com/KalariWorld/Articles/other_article3.html] Mallayuddha </ref> which is described in the Indian epics as the fighting style of warriors such as [[Bhima]]. The art is supposed to have gained maximum prominence in [[ancient India]] at the time when the oral tradition of the [[Mahabharata]] epic was conceived, the [[Mahabharata]] was compiled in textual form during the 5th century BC, the epic's setting has a historical precedent in [[Vedic India]], where the [[Kuru (kingdom)|Kuru]] kingdom was the center of political power in the late [[2nd millennium BC|2nd]] and early [[1st millennium BC|1st]] millennia BCE. It is believed that mallayuddha was regarded as a prominent martial art in that era.

⚫
[[Image:Rajputs.jpg|thumb|right|265px|Organised martial traditions were studied as part of the ''[[dharma]]'' by the warrior [[Kshatriya]] in [[Hinduism]]]]


Martial arts of the [[Indian subcontinent]] are diverse in nature and have origins of different times from various different ethnic groups. A number of ancient and sophisticated [[Dravidian martial arts]] were developed in [[South India]], including [[Kuttu Varisai]] (empty hand combat), [[Varma Kalai]] (the art of vital points) in [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Kalarippayattu|Kalari Payattu]] (way of the arena) and [[Adithada]] (Hit And Block), in [[Kerala]].
Martial arts of the [[Indian subcontinent]] are diverse in nature and have origins of different times from various different ethnic groups. A number of ancient and sophisticated [[Dravidian martial arts]] were developed in [[South India]], including [[Kuttu Varisai]] (empty hand combat), [[Varma Kalai]] (the art of vital points) in [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Kalarippayattu|Kalari Payattu]] (way of the arena) and [[Adithada]] (Hit And Block), in [[Kerala]].
Line 17: Line 19:
The martial arts of India have influenced the martial arts of other countries, particularly within the [[Indosphere]], those regions outside India influenced by Indian culture. Examples of such arts include [[Bando]], <ref>[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN1556431368&id=9opbFIS9MHsC&pg=PA18&lpg=PA18&dq=Bando+martial+art+India&sig=YpkaLSx0CKCuws9PIIoPQab3pzE] Women in martial arts</ref> [[Silat]], <ref> [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN1556435622&id=wYjxwl4bjr4C&pg=PA7&lpg=PA7&dq=Silat+India&sig=Hteha9ujRyF3YXTQpoZGh7Ctdcs] The Malay Art Of Self-defense: Silat Seni Gayong</ref><ref>[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0804817162&id=g3FLFtThkU0C&pg=PA23&lpg=PA23&dq=Silat+India&sig=X19T4LkOT4ZTDunsTTFZjDITLz4] Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia</ref> [[Escrima]] <ref> [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0804819130&id=98aE5KdW8WAC&pg=PA21&lpg=PA21&dq=Escrima+India&sig=9bBYnrh3zAWI3rK4Z0UpfCQDzQQ] Filipino Martial Arts: Cabales Serrada Escrima</ref> and [[Muay Thai]]. <ref>[http://www.equip.org/free/DM066.pdf] Enter the Dragon ? Wrestling with martial arts phenomenon</ref> <ref>[http://www.sangam.org/taraki/articles/2006/02-10_Thamizhar_Martial_Arts.php?uid=1510&print=sangam] Thamizhar Martial Arts </ref>
The martial arts of India have influenced the martial arts of other countries, particularly within the [[Indosphere]], those regions outside India influenced by Indian culture. Examples of such arts include [[Bando]], <ref>[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN1556431368&id=9opbFIS9MHsC&pg=PA18&lpg=PA18&dq=Bando+martial+art+India&sig=YpkaLSx0CKCuws9PIIoPQab3pzE] Women in martial arts</ref> [[Silat]], <ref> [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN1556435622&id=wYjxwl4bjr4C&pg=PA7&lpg=PA7&dq=Silat+India&sig=Hteha9ujRyF3YXTQpoZGh7Ctdcs] The Malay Art Of Self-defense: Silat Seni Gayong</ref><ref>[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0804817162&id=g3FLFtThkU0C&pg=PA23&lpg=PA23&dq=Silat+India&sig=X19T4LkOT4ZTDunsTTFZjDITLz4] Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia</ref> [[Escrima]] <ref> [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0804819130&id=98aE5KdW8WAC&pg=PA21&lpg=PA21&dq=Escrima+India&sig=9bBYnrh3zAWI3rK4Z0UpfCQDzQQ] Filipino Martial Arts: Cabales Serrada Escrima</ref> and [[Muay Thai]]. <ref>[http://www.equip.org/free/DM066.pdf] Enter the Dragon ? Wrestling with martial arts phenomenon</ref> <ref>[http://www.sangam.org/taraki/articles/2006/02-10_Thamizhar_Martial_Arts.php?uid=1510&print=sangam] Thamizhar Martial Arts </ref>


⚫
[[Image:Ricksongraciechoke.jpg|thumb|left|[[Rickson Gracie]] during a [[Yoga]] session]]
The Indian wrestling form of [[Pehlwani]] has influenced both [[catch wrestling]] and it's derivative system of [[shoot wrestling]]. [[Karl Istaz]] travelled to India to train with Indian wrestlers and incorporated their training methods in shoot wrestling, wrestlers like [[Yoshiaki Fujiwara]] have applied these methods to train shoot wrestlers around the world. <ref>[http://www.scientificwrestling.com/public/91.cfm?sd=2] My Christmas with Karl Gotch by ''Jake Shannon''</ref> <ref>[http://www.scientificwrestling.com/public/180.cfm?sd=2] Victory Goes over a bridge</ref>
The Indian wrestling form of [[Pehlwani]] has influenced both [[catch wrestling]] and it's derivative system of [[shoot wrestling]]. [[Karl Istaz]] travelled to India to train with Indian wrestlers and incorporated their training methods in shoot wrestling, wrestlers like [[Yoshiaki Fujiwara]] have applied these methods to train shoot wrestlers around the world. <ref>[http://www.scientificwrestling.com/public/91.cfm?sd=2] My Christmas with Karl Gotch by ''Jake Shannon''</ref> <ref>[http://www.scientificwrestling.com/public/180.cfm?sd=2] Victory Goes over a bridge</ref>


Line 51: Line 52:
* [[Kabaddi]]
* [[Kabaddi]]
* [[Kalarippayattu]] (Way of the Arena)
* [[Kalarippayattu]] (Way of the Arena)
⚫
[[Image:Staff_clip.gif|thumb|Stick fencing in [[Silambam Nillaikalakki]]]]
* [[Kuttu Varisai]] (Empty Hand Combat)
* [[Kuttu Varisai]] (Empty Hand Combat)
* [[Lathi]]
* [[Lathi]]

Revision as of 01:45, 18 November 2006

The Indian subcontinent is home to a variety of martial arts, including Pehlwani, Kalarippayattu, Vajra Mushti and Gatka.

File:Matemple.jpg
Statues in an ancient hindu temple, showing warriors in combat
File:Balarama9.jpg
Martial arts have been associated with avatars, such as Balarama, in ancient Hindu mythological texts
Organised martial traditions were studied as part of the dharma by the warrior Kshatriya in Hinduism
File:Ricksongraciechoke.jpg
Rickson Gracie during a Yoga session
File:Staff clip.gif
Stick fencing in Silambam Nillaikalakki

Introduction

Ancient India was one of the centres of several martial traditions and practices. Most of the centers were in the Southern region, including present-day Kerala and the ancient Kingdom of Tamilakam. Some of the older traditions include organised martial systems as practiced by the Kshatriya caste of Hinduism, these systems include armed and unarmed combat and aspects such as meditation, conditioning etc. Many ancient hindu temples have statues of deities and warriors in various postures related to combat.

Organised martial arts in India include the ancient martial art of Malla-yuddha (more commonly known as Mallayuddha), a form of combat wrestling codified into four forms, [1] which is described in the Indian epics as the fighting style of warriors such as Bhima. The art is supposed to have gained maximum prominence in ancient India at the time when the oral tradition of the Mahabharata epic was conceived, the Mahabharata was compiled in textual form during the 5th century BC, the epic's setting has a historical precedent in Vedic India, where the Kuru kingdom was the center of political power in the late 2nd and early 1st millennia BCE. It is believed that mallayuddha was regarded as a prominent martial art in that era.

Martial arts of the Indian subcontinent are diverse in nature and have origins of different times from various different ethnic groups. A number of ancient and sophisticated Dravidian martial arts were developed in South India, including Kuttu Varisai (empty hand combat), Varma Kalai (the art of vital points) in Tamil Nadu, Kalari Payattu (way of the arena) and Adithada (Hit And Block), in Kerala.

Influence of Indian martial arts

Main article: Indian influence on Chinese martial arts
Further information: Disputed Indian origins of East Asian martial arts

The martial arts of India have influenced the martial arts of other countries, particularly within the Indosphere, those regions outside India influenced by Indian culture. Examples of such arts include Bando, [2] Silat, [3][4] Escrima [5] and Muay Thai. [6] [7]

The Indian wrestling form of Pehlwani has influenced both catch wrestling and it's derivative system of shoot wrestling. Karl Istaz travelled to India to train with Indian wrestlers and incorporated their training methods in shoot wrestling, wrestlers like Yoshiaki Fujiwara have applied these methods to train shoot wrestlers around the world. [8] [9]

The conditioning methods of Indian martial arts have also been applied to contemporary mixed martial arts. [10] [11] [12]

India has also influenced the Portuguese martial art of Jogo do Pau. Tamil immigrants to Malaysia brought with them the staff fighting art Silambam. [13] [14]

K. Voroshilov travelled to India, under the employ of NKVD physical training center, "Dinamo", to observe its native matial arts. The collection of techniques from martial arts of various countries — including India — formed the basis of the Russian martial art Sambo. [15] [16]

In addition, modern martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu credit India to be the origin of their fighting principles. [17]

Indian martial arts under colonialism

Indian martial arts declined as Western colonialism disrupted the livelihoods of India's martial castes.

Rajputs who sought service with rulers as their ancestors had done found their sources of patronage limited by British restrictions; unable to find employment in their traditional line of work, some joined the Pindari.[18]

Kalarippayattu underwent a period of decline after the introduction of firearms and especially after the full establishment of British colonial rule in the 19th century.[19]

More European modes of organizing police, armies and governmental institutions, and the increasing use of firearms, gradually eroded the need for traditional martial training associated with caste-specific duties.[20]

The British Raj banned kalarippayattu in 1804 in response to a series of revolts.[21]

The resurgence of public interest in kalarippayattu began in the 1920s in Tellicherry as part of a wave of rediscovery of the traditional arts throughout South India which characterized the growing reaction against British colonial rule.[22]

Various Indian martial arts

  • In the television series, Xena: Warrior Princess, Xena is shown carrying the "chakram of darkness". Xena also gets a new chakram in the second episode of the 5th seson called Chakram
Xena, holding her Chakram
File:Sadhu03 cvr(c).jpg
James Jenson, from The Sadhu comic book, in front of the hindu goddess Kali

See Also

References

  1. ^ [1] Mallayuddha
  2. ^ [2] Women in martial arts
  3. ^ [3] The Malay Art Of Self-defense: Silat Seni Gayong
  4. ^ [4] Weapons and Fighting Arts of Indonesia
  5. ^ [5] Filipino Martial Arts: Cabales Serrada Escrima
  6. ^ [6] Enter the Dragon ? Wrestling with martial arts phenomenon
  7. ^ [7] Thamizhar Martial Arts
  8. ^ [8] My Christmas with Karl Gotch by Jake Shannon
  9. ^ [9] Victory Goes over a bridge
  10. ^ [10] Hindu training methods
  11. ^ [11] Frank Shamrock's warrior Yoga
  12. ^ [12] Club Swinging:An Ancient Restorative Art for the Modern Martial Artist
  13. ^ [13] Jogo do Pau: Origins and Evolution
  14. ^ [14] Jogo Do Pau
  15. ^ [15] Sambo:Soviet System of Sport and Combat
  16. ^ [16] The History of Sombo
  17. ^ [17] History of Jiu-Jitsu
  18. ^ Bayly, C.A. (2002) [1988]. Indian Society and the making of the British Empire (Sixth printing ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 103. ISBN 0521386500.
  19. ^ Zarrilli, P. (1992). "To heal and/or harm: The vital spots (marmmam/varmam) in two south Indian martial traditions--Part I: Focus on Kerala's kalarippayattu". Journal of Asian Martial Arts. 1 (1).
  20. ^ Zarrilli, Phillip B. (1998). When the Body Becomes All Eyes: Paradigms, Discourses and Practices of Power in Kalarippayattu, a South Indian Martial Art. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  21. ^ Luijendijk, D.H. (2005). Kalarippayat: India's Ancient Martial Art. Boulder: Paladin Press. ISBN 1581604807.
  22. ^ Zarrilli 1998
  23. ^ [18]
  24. ^ [19]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Indian_martial_arts&oldid=88541665"