MARTIAL ARTS

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Context

During his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Leader of Oposition practiced Jiu-Jitsu daily, emphasizing its non-violent aspects and introducing young participants to the values of martial arts as tools for building a compassionate and safer society.

Details

Jiu-Jitsu

• Jiu-Jitsu, also known as Jujutsu, is a Japanese martial art that dates back to the late 16th century.
• It was developed by the samurai, Japan’s warrior class, to defend themselves in situations where they lost their weapons during battle.
• It focuses on grappling, using an opponent's energy against them rather than relying on brute strength.
• Techniques include pins, joint locks, and throws designed to neutralize an opponent without striking.
• Modern Forms:
  • • Judo
    • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
    • Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Aikido

• Aikido was developed in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba.
• It is one of the youngest martial arts from Japan and is an offshoot of Jiu-Jitsu.
• Unlike most martial arts, Aikido focuses on deflecting an attacker’s force and controlling the situation without causing harm.
• It involves joint locks, throws, and redirection of an opponent's energy to neutralize an attack.
• Aikido is known for its emphasis on non-violence and self-discipline.

Martial Arts in India

Kalaripayattu (Kerala)

• Considered by many as the oldest martial art across the globe, dates back to the 3rd century BC.
• Kalaripayattu is also known as an integrated system that consists of strikes, kicks, grappling as well as the usage of weapons, including sticks and swords along with shields.
• Not only that, but it also includes the elements of yoga and Ayurveda healing.

Silambam (Tamil Nadu):

Silambam essentially involves stick fighting where the performers use bamboo staves as their primary weapons.

Thang-Ta and Sarit Sarak (NE):

Thang-Ta (sword and spear) and Sarit Sarak (unarmed combat) are martial arts from Manipur that emphasize agility and fluid movements.  These arts are performed both for combat and as part of cultural rituals and dances.

Gatka (Punjab):

It is a dynamic, energetic martial art form using sticks and swords by the Sikhs.

Musti Yuddha (Varanasi):

The focus is on fighting techniques—punches, and kicks.  It also has spiritual connotations and is usually named after Hindu gods.

Pari-Khanda (Bihar):

Pari-Khanda is a weapon-based conventional technique of martial arts with swords and shields. Pari-Khanda techniques are often introduced in the folk dance form Chhau.

Kuttu Varisai:

Kuttu Varisai is a Dravidian-based martial art that places great emphasis on empty-hand techniques.
It includes numerous different strikes, grapples, and locks. It is based on the principles of yoga and gymnastics.

Prominent martial arts from around the world

Sources:

IndianExpress