Embrace Martial Arts For Self-Defense, Fitness And Mental Health

Martial art and self-defense have been a part of Indian culture for ages. To preserve our cultural heritage these combat activities are even practised today majorly in the form of art performances.

Martial arts and self-defense techniques should be the most important sports activity to be practised by every student. These physical activities not only make them confident to protect them from unforeseen events but also instil a sense of discipline in them.

Ancient Practice Of Martial Art And Self- Defense

Martial arts is a combat sport that finds its first written evidence in Sangam literature from the second century BC to the second century AD. Akananuru and Purananuru which are parts of Sangam Literature mention the use of spears, and bows during that period.

Martial arts covers a wide range of combat practices with cultural and personal growth aspects. Self-defense is a subset of martial art focused solely on protecting oneself from harm or danger. Practices of self-defense develop basic principles like humility, commitment, and patience in the practitioner. The consistent practice to learn this art cultivates discipline which is an important part of the growth of students.

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Why Practise Martial Arts?

Martial arts can further be classified into traditional and modern martial arts. Traditional martial arts have ancient roots passed on from generation to generation. It focuses on cultural heritage, discipline, and self-defence. This form of combat also promotes character development and invokes spirituality in practitioners.

Modern martial arts on the other hand prioritise practicality and effectiveness. They involve an amalgamation of fighting techniques from various styles. The focus is on functional skills, physical fitness, and real-world applicability.

Careers360 has listed out a few forms of martial arts which have originated from various states of India.

Silambam or Stick Fencing

This is a traditional form of martial art from Tamil Nadu that is practised using bamboo. In this form of combat, the fighter stands with the stick held confidently in front of their body, arms stretched three-quarters full. It includes single and separate stances, weapon sequences, locks, throws, and bamboo techniques.

Benefit: Practising Silambam improves motor abilities. It serves as a cardio workout, which improves blood circulation, and heart function. It further helps to relieve both mental stress and joint pain relief. Regular practice in this sport increases muscle flexibility, coordination, endurance, speed.

Thang-Ta or Art of the Sword and Spear

A form of martial art from the Northeastern state of Manipur. It uses weapons like swords, spears, and daggers with soft, rhythmic movements and controlled breathing. Thang emphasises coiling the body for spring-like attacks, while "Ta" involves body opening for powerful strikes. This physical art form is a perfect combination of grace and precision. Thang-ta showcases martial skills deeply embedded in Meitei's (community of Manipur)cultural heritage.

Benefit: Thang-ta is a union of practising devotion, combat skills and bodily balance. Regular practice of this physical activity boosts optimism and reduces the feeling of anxiety and stress in the practitioner.

Gatka

This one is a traditional martial art of Punjab. The word ‘gatka’ literally means sticks. It involves using swords in place of swords during practice. The practice of this combat usually begins with Panthara or a four-step movement. The steps involve smooth usage of both hands simultaneously making the practitioner ambidextrous.

Benefit: The practice of gatka involves a perfect balance between attack and defense techniques. Gatka exhibitions raise awareness of human rights issues while demonstrating self-defense art. This Punjabi practice preserves culture and promotes physical fitness, mental acuity, and social responsibility.

Pari Khanda

This is a martial art that originated in the state of Bihar. The word “Pari” refers to a shield and “Khanda” refers to a sword. This physical art form involves “chaalis" or steps, inspired by the movements of birds and animals. The movements also incorporate daily-life movements like "gutti-koora" (lifting a pebble with toes) and "bota-cheera" (splitting bamboo). Pari-khanda's unique blend of nature-inspired steps and practical exercises offers practitioners a holistic and enriching experience.

Benefit: Pari-khada, like other martial arts, enhances the practitioner's physical fitness. It improves cardiorespiratory fitness, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance.

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Mardani Khel

Originating in Maharashtra, this physical sport focuses on weapon skills, fast movements and low stances. It is different from performance art and deeply rooted in movements involving war techniques.

Benefit: The formation of this war technique teaches combat with the contender from all directions. This teaches the practitioner to be conscious and aware of the environment around him/her. The fast movements of hands and legs also increase muscular strength.

Government Aid To Promote Ancient Martial Arts

The government has taken major initiatives for the promotion of martial arts. In 2019, The Sports Authority of India (SAI) introduced Indigenous Games and Martial Arts (IGMA) scheme to promote native sports in schools and colleges.

Later in 2021, The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports added martial art forms like Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta, and Mallakhamba to Khelo India Youth Games 2021. For the empowerment of girls, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), runs this initiative under the “Samagra Shiksha scheme”. This scheme focuses on providing self-defense training to girls of classes VI to XII.

Scope Of Martial Arts

The scope of martial arts in India is expanding with increasing recognition and support. Actors like MetroShirish supported Silambam champions in Tamil Nadu, promoting the ancient physical combat art. Thang-ta enthusiasts have a government-recognised organisation “ Thang-ta Federation of India” to pursue professional courses in the combat art for promoting their Manipuri martial arts across the country. Thang-ta has also earned a significant achievement by being included in the Khelo India Games. Another Punjabi martial sport Gatka gained prominence as a demonstration sport in the 2023 National Games in Goa. We can thus find India's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage through indigenous sports is evident.

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Impact On School Curriculum

Martial arts can be a good addition to the school curriculum. As per a research paper in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, incorporating karate (a form of martial art) during physical education classes improved academic achievement. The incorporation also showed positive effects on cardiorespiratory fitness, balance, and flexibility. These findings show that implementing karate in primary school physical education classes not only enhances physical fitness but also supports academic performance and behavioural development.