Silambam

Origin and Historic development of Silambam – Stick Fencing

Silambam an ancient home-grown martial sport – originated and rooted from soils of southern part of India.  The Ancient rulers of South India namely CHERA’s, CHOLA‘s & PANDYA‘s – kings of Sangam Era patronized SILAMBAM as self-defense activity to their advantage during their warfare with each other.

Silambam, one of the 64 arts of ancient India is the First art, Foremost art and Mother of all ancient arts of Greater India.

Origin of Silambam has roots beyond Sangam Era of Chera , Chola & Pandya Kings of India, enables the practical usages and the rich cultural heritage associated with  SILAMBAM especially  at the dawn of civilization in the sea engulfed LE-MURIA-CONTINENT, trodden mainly by the Dravidian race.

Evolving from the crude wielding of the mankind by the primitives in self-defense against wild-animals and human foes, Silambam has developed in to a martial sport with numerous skill components both in the domains of Attack and Defense and thus Silambam has found aesthetic expression in art forms for recreation, competition and championship in global arena.

Silambam from Tamilnadu called in many forms across India as Lathi in Maharashtra , Dhal Lakadi in Gujarat , Karra saamu in AndraPradhesh , Lati Lakadi in Bengal ,Dhanta Varisai in karnataka , Neduvadi in Kerala and khathga in Jharkand & Bihar.

Tamilnadu State Silambam Association was launched in 1980 and first State Silambam tournament was held in Thanjavur, Tamilnadu-India in 1982.

As first step in Internationalizing Silambam through International Silambam Federation (ISF) Kalugumanai C Chandrasekaran founder of CHOLA MARTIAL ARTS being part of ISF as Technical Director and Member of Supreme Council Organized 1^st International Silambam Competition in 1993 at Madras(CHENNAI-INDIA) along with Mr. M.Devarajoo  – President (ISF) , Mr.R.Masilamani – Secretary General (ISF) and Mr.M.Sivam – Treasurer(ISF).

CHOLA MARTIAL ARTS core function and responsibility is to promote and continuously develop SILAMBAM as an International Sport.