The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Swishing your way to health

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Wednesday, Jul 04, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Swishing your way to health

M.J. Prabu

There has been a growing interest particularly among schoolchildren to learn the art

CHENNAI: The scene resembles one of those old Chinese films where a group of children stand, eyes focused in fierce concentration on the end of a long bamboo pole in their hands. A sharp shout from the master and they start swishing their long poles, and you scramble for safety.

The 30 or more school students between 10 and 15 years are training in the art of silambam under the watchful eye of their trainer V.K. Raja. At present, there are nearly more than 100 students between 6 and 40 years being trained by him in this art.

But why this fancy for silambam when there are a host of other art options available today?

While it is true that there are ample avenues available these days, only a few have benefit for the body and mind, according to Raja.

There has been a growing interest particularly among schoolchildren to learn the art. Even some karate and kung fu schools have started training students in this, he says. Silambam has a rich cultural heritage. It dates back to the Sangam age when kings of yore had specialised silambam warriors in their army.

Apart from learning this art as a form of self defence (silambam used for self defence is called pore silambam (warfare) it can also be used to entertain people (called kaatchi silambam). Now, many people learn this art as a form of relaxation and hobby. Silambam is a complete exercise for the entire body. For many, it is a form of yoga, said Raja.

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