Silambam

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"Silambattam" redirects here. For the 2008 Indian film, see Silambattam (film).
Silambam
Silambam vector.svg
Also known as Silambattam, Chilambam, Chilambattam
Focus Weapons
Hardness Semi-contact
Country of origin India
Creator Traditionally Agastya
Olympic sport No
vide a foundation for fighting, and also preparatory body conditioning. This
includes improving flexibility, agility, and hand-eye coordination, kinesthetic
awareness, balance, strength, speed, muscular and cardiovascular stamina.[8][9]

Weapons

Weapons used in Silambam

Maru, Weapon used in Silambam

Silambam's main focus is on the bamboo staff. The length of the staff depends on
the height of the practitioner. Ideally, it should just touch the forehead about
three fingers from the head, typically measuring around 1.68 meters (five and a
half feet). Different lengths may be used depending on the situation. For instance,
the sedikuchi or 3-foot stick can be easily concealed. Separate practice is needed
for staffs of different lengths. Listed below are some of the weapons used in
Silambam.

Silambam: staff, preferably made from bamboo, but sometimes also from teak or
Indian rose chestnut wood. The staff is immersed in water and strengthened by
beating it on the surface of still or running water. It is often tipped with metal
rings to prevent the ends from being damaged.
Maru: a thrusting weapon made from deer (more accurately, Blackbuck) horns.
Aruval: sickle, often paired.
Panthukol: staff with balls of fire, or weighted chains on each end.
Savuku: whip.
Vaal: sword, generally curved.
Kuttu katai: spiked knuckleduster.
Katti: knife.
Kattari: native push-dagger with a H-shaped handle. Some are capable of piercing
armor. The blade may be straight or wavy.
Surul kaththi: flexible sword.
Sedikuchi: cudgel or short stick, often wielded as a pair.
Kuttu Varisai