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METRO WORKOUT

Swing into action

Photo:R.Ashok

Attentive Smooth movements

Silambam caught my fancy while I was casually reading an article on the history of this traditional Tamil martial art form. And what luck, when a colleague directed me to an academy in the city that teaches it too. The same instructor is also availab le at Anna stadium and I head there with no second thought.

Straightaway I meet Madan, the Chief Instructor of Victory Martial Arts Academy. He is also the District Secretary of Tiruchirapalli District Amateur Silambattam Association. To get me initiated he first briefs me about the traditional Dravidian martial art based on stick fighting. The style supposedly originated from the Kurinji Hills around 5,000 years ago and is used for self-defense apart from having a treasure trove of health benefits as it improves agility, body co-ordination, blood circulation, hands and eye co-ordination, general reflex action, concentration levels, self-confidence and much more.

I was instructed before hand to present the ‘aasaan’ or the master with a tray of fruits and ‘pori’ (Puffed Rice) as a token of respect before getting inducted into this art form. I do so with due respect and greet him with ‘vanakam,’ folding my hands in the Silambam stance or Natural stance. My instructor explains that beginners are initially taught to master ‘Kaal Adi’ or footwork patterns before being handed over the stick. After which spinning techniques and patterns and methods to change the spins without stopping the motion of the stick are taught.

The instructor devotedly demonstrates the first level of ‘Kaal Adi’ – ‘Mudal Adi.’ It is now my turn to do the ‘Mudal Adi’ (‘Aetram’ and ‘Erakam’) and I keep my left leg in the front, right leg in the back and clutch my palms and position them behind. Then, I first lift the right leg and touch my folded palms at the backside. Next I keep my right leg a little forward and lift the left leg and touching my folded palms at the back, take another step forward. I do these steps both ways – ‘Mudal Adi Aetram’ and ‘Mudal Adi Erakam’ for some time and cover quite a distance.

Next follows ‘Erandam Adi’ which I successfully accomplish with great precision so much so that Mr.Madan dubs me a “fast learner” and hands over the stick – which is to the height of my forehead – and imparts the spinning techniques.

He teaches me ‘Ul Sutru’ which is like rowing a boat and ‘Veli Sutru’ is like hitting a ball with a cricket bat.

As, I complete the steps, my master applauds my performance and I return overwhelmed. Ever since a sense of mission has engulfed me. Though I am not sure of pursuing this art form but I have vowed to spread the message of the invaluable benefits of this ancient Tamil martial art form.

For further information, contact: Mr.Madan, Chief Instructor, Victory Martial Arts Academy: 97895-69259

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