Martial Arts Origins
Video : Acing Silambam in a Saree
Most urban, young women today see the saree as a dress for special occasions. Compared to modern attire, the saree is rather restricting and limits one’s movements. Not to mention how difficult it is to get a perfect drape if...
Defying age with a sword: Meenakshi Gurrukkal, Kerala’s grand old Kalaripayattu Dame
Meenakshi Gurukkal crouched low, sword poised; her eyes unblinking as she faced her opponent in the mud-paved ‘kalari’ or arena. From the tree tops, a mynah’s call resonated in the silence. In a flash she move...
This Is Spardha: Ancient Monastic Wrestling and the Rise of Indian MMA
When an Indian Kushti wrestler rolls in the earth, his hair and body become covered in the burnt-umber hue of soft clay. It’s said that he becomes “of one color.” This is meant literally of course — his black hair i...
Vajra Mushti : Style of the Thunderbolt Fist
Prior to his training in Brazil in the late 80’s, author and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, John Will, travelled to and trained in some of the most exotic places in Asia and the sub-continent.It was during those trave...
