India’s martial arts are some of the oldest in the world – blending fighting, healing, movement, and even dance. From Kerala’s graceful Kalaripayattu to Punjab’s spirited Gatka, these arts aren’t just about combat. They reflect philosophy, discipline, and deep cultural roots.
Whether you’re into martial arts, culture, or movement, Indian fighting styles offer something truly unique.
What Makes Indian Martial Arts Special?
While “martial arts” often brings to mind karate or kung fu, India has its own deep traditions some dating back over 2,000 years. Many of these are tied to temples, warrior communities, and ancient texts like the Dhanurveda (the “science of warfare”).
These aren’t just sports. They’re often spiritual, symbolic, and tied to regional identity.
Key Terms to Know
- Kalaripayattu: Martial art of Kerala, with weapons, acrobatics, and healing.
- Silambam: Staff-based style from Tamil Nadu.
- Gatka: Sword-based Sikh martial art from Punjab.
- Dhanurveda: Ancient Indian scripture on archery & martial knowledge.
- Akhara: Traditional training arena or school.
Top Indian Martial Arts Styles (and Where They’re From)
Each of these styles has its own rhythm, purpose, and place. Here’s what makes them special.
5 Indian Martial arts in 5 minutes:
Silambam, Thang Ta, Gatka, Mardani Khel and Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu – Kerala
One of the oldest martial arts in the world, Kalaripayattu includes weapon training, hand-to-hand combat, acrobatics, and marma therapy (healing through pressure points).
- Origin: 3rd century BCE, Kerala
- Weapons: Spears, swords, flexible swords (urumi)
- Features: Graceful stances, circular movements, jumps
- Cultural Tie: Dancers and actors often train in Kalari for posture and flow
Today, Kalari schools exist in India and abroad. Performances are also common at cultural events and festivals.
Silambam – Tamil Nadu
Silambam is all about the staff, but also includes swords, shields, and animal-style footwork. It’s fast, fluid, and rhythmic.
- Origin: Ancient Tamilakam (Tamil Nadu)
- Weapons: Long bamboo staff (silambam), deer horns, spears
- Features: Spinning strikes, low stances, rhythmic timing
- Cultural Tie: Connected to temple festivals and folk dance
Silambam is taught in many South Indian schools and is gaining recognition as a sport.
Gatka – Punjab
Gatka was developed by Sikh warriors and is practiced in religious ceremonies and modern demonstrations.
- Origin: Punjab (16th–17th century)
- Weapons: Wooden sticks (simulating swords), shields, spears
- Features: Two-person sparring, choreographed sets, spiritual chants
- Cultural Tie: Part of Gurmat martial tradition; performed at Gurdwaras
It’s more than a martial art — it’s a form of devotion, often accompanied by drums and music.
Mardani Khel – Maharashtra
Practiced by Maratha warriors, Mardani Khel includes swordplay, footwork, and defensive tactics.
- Origin: Maharashtra
- Weapons: Swords, shields, spears, sticks
- Features: Swift footwork, horseback training (historically), paired drills
- Cultural Tie: Linked to Shivaji Maharaj’s army and forts
Thang-Ta – Manipur
From Northeast India, Thang-Ta mixes sword and spear fighting with performance and spirituality.
- Origin: Manipur
- Weapons: Swords (thang), spears (ta)
- Features: Circular movements, leaps, symbolic choreography
- Cultural Tie: Performed at festivals, merges with Huyen Langlon (a spiritual path)
Malla Yuddha – Ancient Indian Wrestling
▶️ More on Malla Yuddha (Wikipedia)
Malla Yuddha (also spelled Mallayuddha) is India’s ancient form of wrestling. Practiced since at least the 5th century BCE, it blends physical strength, grappling technique, and spiritual discipline.
- Origin: Pan-Indian (not limited to one region); especially popular in North India
- Place of Practice: Akhara — traditional wrestling schools, often with earthen floors
- Training Focus: Bodyweight exercises, oil massages, diet control, and ethical conduct (brahmacharya)
- Techniques: Holds, throws, locks, pins, and submissions — performed in a clay or mud pit
- Gear: Wrestlers usually wear a simple loincloth (langot)
Cultural Connection:
Wrestling was seen not just as a sport but as a path of discipline and devotion — often associated with Hindu deities like Hanuman and Krishna.
Today, kushti — a modern form of Malla Yuddha — is still practiced in parts of India and Pakistan, keeping the tradition alive.
Adimurai – Tamil Nadu
An unarmed style, Adimurai focuses on strikes, blocks, and pressure points, which is over 2000 years old.
- Origin: Tamil Nadu
- Weapons: Mostly unarmed, but can include short sticks
- Features: Open-hand strikes, close-range defense
- Cultural Tie: Used for self-defense in rural communities
Paika Akhada – Odisha
This style comes from the warrior-dancer tradition of Odisha, once used by village militias.
- Origin: Odisha
- Weapons: Swords, sticks, shields
- Features: Dance-like steps, jumps, group drills
- Cultural Tie: Performed during state functions and historical commemorations
How Indian Martial Arts Are Unique
Unlike many modern martial arts that focus only on fighting or fitness, Indian styles often include:
- Healing systems (like marma therapy)
- Spiritual practice and mantras
- Dance or dramatic storytelling
- Connection to temple rituals or caste traditions
Why These Arts Matter Globally
For readers worldwide, Indian martial arts offer:
- A window into India’s cultural and spiritual diversity
- Movement arts that blend body and mind
- Stories of resistance, survival, and community
They’re not just about technique, they’re about ancient tradition.
Want to Learn Indian Martial Arts?
You don’t have to be from India to begin. Here’s how to explore:
- Look for Kalari or Silambam schools near you
- Check for Gatka demos at Gurdwaras or Sikh festivals
- Try online videos or intro courses (YouTube has Kalari lessons)
- Attend a cultural event or watch a stage performance
- Read more at Wikipedia, Black Belt Magazine, or local school websites
FAQs
Q: Are Indian martial arts still practiced today?
Yes, many have seen a revival through schools, festivals, and even cinema.
Q: Are they similar to kung fu or karate?
They share roots in movement and discipline, but Indian styles often include weapons, dance, and healing.
Q: Can anyone learn them?
Yes! Students from all backgrounds are welcome in most schools, especially for Kalari and Silambam.
Q: What age should one start?
Kids often start around 7-8, but adults can begin too, depending on the style and school.
Q: Are the above the only ones?
India is home to several other martial arts, many of which are lesser-known or have faded over time.
- Huyen Langlon: A traditional martial art from Assam, combining unarmed combat with weapons like swords, spears, and sticks. It shares similarities with Thang Ta.
- Mukna: A 500-year-old form of wrestling from Assam that blends grappling and striking techniques, traditionally practiced by the Meitei community.
- Buroi Chikhong: A stick-fighting style from Assam using bamboo sticks, practiced by the Karbi and Dimasa communities during festivals.
- Lathi Khela: Practiced across India, this martial art uses long bamboo sticks for self-defense.
- Ghatta Kala: A Jat martial art from Uttar Pradesh using short sticks and shields, focusing on strikes, blocks, and joint locks.
- Marma Adi: From Tamil Nadu, this art blends Kalaripayattu and Varma Kalai, emphasizing pressure points and internal energy.
- Vajra Mushti: from India’s northwest uses a unique weapon, a knuckle-duster-like device that can deliver powerful blows. Practitioners combine hand-to-hand combat with this lethal weapon, making it a feared art in ancient times.
- Cheruvadi: A weapon-based art from Kerala, similar to Kalaripayattu but focused more on combat.
- Nati: A martial art from Himachal Pradesh, focused on unarmed combat and self-defense, influenced by Kalaripayattu.
- Pari Khanda focuses on sword and shield combat. It was once used by Bihari soldiers in ancient warfare and continues to be practiced alongside traditional folk dance forms in the region.
- Kusti: Traditional Indian wrestling, popular in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, featuring grappling and submission techniques.
Final Thoughts
India’s martial arts are more than fighting forms. They are stories told through movement of warriors, teachers, healers, and communities. Whether you’re looking to learn or just appreciate from afar, there’s something timeless in these traditions.
Curious? Try a class. Watch a demo. Read more. Respect the roots and let the learning begin.