Silambam

Silambam is an Indian ancient martial art which has been originated from Tamil Nadu, Silambam has been established over 5000 years ago. This Silambam art was taught to sage Agastrya Munivar first by our Lord Murugan. The Art of executing Silambam techniques were written by Agasthiyar Munivar on palm leaf manuscriptures under the topic of ‘Kambusoothram’. The meaning of Silambam ‘Silam’derives from the sound of Kurunji hills, ‘Bam’ is bamboo and the leader of the hill Lord Murugan is known as Silambam. To add on this, bamboo stick is the first weapon used by indigenous people to survive to hunt for food and to protect themselves from wild animals. In addition, Silambam is initially known for own self defensive art and it continuedly practiced for defensive war. Silambam was practiced actively during the period of Chola,Chera and Panyas and through Bodhi Dharma the Art of Silambam has reached and known by many people from different countries.

In Silamban, it’s all about knowing how to master the technique of spinning the bamboo stick. Firstly, we should ensure the bamboo stick length to be in the height of the practitioners. Ideally, it should just touch the forehead about three fingers from the head, the measurement is around 1.68 meters (five and a half feet), but at the same time the practitioners also should have experience of practicing with different length of bamboo stick, this is to ensure the practitioners are well prepared for all sort of challenges comes in any circumstances. Aside from that, there are few other types of weapons are used as well, which are Maru- thrusting, Aruva- sickle Savuku, Kuttu Katai, but all this are mainly used for wars. The main weapon which was used from the beginning was the bamboo stick that is known as Nillaikalakki Silambam style.

The most precious aspects of Silambam are it gives the extreme focus and balance in terms of concentrating and controlling the physical body and mental strength. Thus, Silambam can also be related to the 8 limps of yoga terms which are Yama, Nyama, Asana, Pranayama , Prathyara, Dharana, Dyana and Samadhi. All movements and techniques show that the details of the body posture, breathing, and concentration during the practice. Firstly, in Silambam the footwork positions are very important and that is the major power of Silambam because it is the major techniques which is used to confuse the opponent. It also involves to standby the full body posture in the balancing mood. Secondly, the initial stage of progressing the Silambam art is the main techniques where they should master in spinning the stick continuously without stopping the motion of the stick. This involves Dharana whereby full concentration is needed into process of holding the stick and spinning attention of sharp mind onto the action. Moreover, Silambam is more towards engaging with the breath connecting the moments of each action with breath during the Silambam fight and practice. The main thing to ensure it’s in the good flow is the breath because that ensures the connection between mind and the spirit of fighting. It generally creates awareness towards the intentional movements. To practice Silambam full disciplines is the key of grace moments.

Silambam practice is one of the most defined Art which gives various benefits to internal and external body. In terms of internally, a good memory power is developed, and it trains a person to be emotional stable. This enables the practitioner to focus more detailed towards the purpose of the Art. Externally it gives good body flexibility and releases the stiffness of body joints and muscles. Generally, Silambam practitioners will always be in clarity state of mind.