Silambam

Member Organization(s)

(on Hold)

Introduction

Silambam is a weapon-based Indian traditional martial art originated from Tamil Nadu in south India but also practiced by the traditional community of Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. The word 'silambam' refers to the "bamboo staff" which is the main weapon used in this style.

History

Silambam, the Indian traditional arts traces back more than 300 BCE. Some work literature, ancient artifacts, carvings, drawings, with oral folklore traces it back even further, claiming a history of more than 3,500 years tracing back to the Indus Valley Civilization until to pre-historic era. It is believed that Hindu God Shiva taught the ancient arts to His son Lord Murugan. The son then came to earth in disguise as an old-man to meet Sage Agastya in Vellimalai of Tamil Nadu, India.

Lord Murugan in disguised then taught Sage Agastya about the Hindu philosophy, kundalini yoga, several types of meditation and focus prana through the body's Nadi (channels). Sage Agastya compiled three texts on palm leaves based on God's teachings. One of these texts was the Kampu Sutra (Staff Classic), which record advanced fighting theories in poem verse. Thereafter, the art was passed to Other Siddhar (sages) practicing in Agastmuni Akhara (Agastya fighting school) and it took form as "Silambam" arts.

Silambam made its first historical appearance in the eyes of the world through the auspices of the committee of the United Nations Assembly, which recommended the continent body of World Silambam Association (WSA) - "Silambam Asia" for status with United Nations. The inauguration was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the United States on 21 January 2019. On 30 January 2019, substantive work was completed and concluded for Silambam Asia with Special Status in the United Nations (United Nations ECOSOC, 2019). 

References

Tomislav Zivanovic (17 January 2020). “Silambam is Taking Over the World! Here is Everything You Need to Know!”. Martial Arts Unleashed.