Angampora
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
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Angampora is the native martial art of Sri Lanka that exhibits smooth, flowing but deceptive movements. Its techniques include basic garappling and submission maneuvers; however, one notable feature of this art is its fast footwork and flowing jumps that are likened to a butterfly. A beginner is first taught basic warm-up exercises. Later, a student is taught more specialized exercises which are connected to the art. Once a student is found competent in performing these specialized exercises he or she progresses to the actual art of combat. Weapon exercises are also included in their training curriculum.
History
Sri Lanka, a country with a rich history that goes back for over 3000 years tells us of great sports that were enjoyed by the kings who ruled this wonderful land. Unarmed combat among champions had been the pinnacle of all events. In the past ages, where the law of “survival of the fittest” prevailed, this tiny nation had to hold its own, mostly against the mighty India. The kings of India many a time thought to have this “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” to decorate their crowns and invaded the island. But invariably, each time, they were driven back. This was largely due to the martial arts practiced by the people of Sri Lanka and they called it the ANGAM SATAN KALAWA (fighting art named ANGAM ). History reveals that under the directive of the king, there were two main martial arts clans that had schools to provide the fighters the king and the country required. These clans were called “SUDALIYA” and “MARUWALLIYA” and heads of the schools held distinguished office in the king’s council.
However this great island fell under the British rule in 1815. It is important to mention here that was not after defeat by war, but due to falling pray to conspiracies planned by the British. Immediately thereafter the martial art schools appear to have been neutralized. Practice of martial art was prohibited and any who defied were persecuted. Thus began the era in which, an art that protected the people of the island for over 2500 years, was being forced into oblivion. However, our ancestors who knew the value of this great martial art, in a last bid to save the knowledge, have then turned into secretly preserving it within the families. Although part of the knowledge was still lost, this fortunately had saved Angam Kalawa totally being lost to the future generations. There are still teachers that still teach this art in Sri Lanka.
Training
The basis of selecting a student by a master to pass the knowledge is the good conduct of the student. It is said that you should not teach even your child if the required discipline is not within him/her. The student if selected would have to promise / declare by a statement after lighting lamps for Lord Buddha and the protecting Gods that the art learnt will only be used in his/her defense or in defense of the family and in the service of the country.
Techniques
History mentions thirty two weapons that have been used by the warriors of the king. Out of these the sword, bow & arrow, dagger, spear & the stick were the main five weapons. Since the techniques pertaining to all these were numerous, one single person to master all weapons required a life time of dedicated training. Sadly the prohibition that was in force for nearly two centuries appear to have been successful in suppressing any such effort and had made much of the knowledge oblivion. However we still have the opportunity to learn the following areas of the art from the Masters who are willing to teach the knowledge that has been preserved down their generations. Ath Haramba - Hand techniques Polu Haramba - Stick techniques Kadu Haramba - Sword techniques Geta Puttu - Holds and Grips Pihi Haramba - Knife techniques Velauda Haramba - Belt sword techniques Nila shastraya - Nerve point techniques
As in any sport one needs strength and the will to excel in the techniques one learns. However Angam Kalawa does not advocate exercises or practicing in any way that will harm one physically in the long run. Students learn of herbs and plants and other natural food that will improve their strength. They learn of medicinal herbs and methods of indigenous Sri Lankan medicine.
Students are required to learn to defend themselves against harm others inflict on you. They do not learn Angam kalawa with the intention of inflicting harm to others. Their daily practicing commences and ends with meditating. In meditation students are required to focus on learning the art without injuring themselves or any others. The most important point in learning the art is how you place your feet. From the beginning to the end, it is said, whatever students learn will not be of value if their feet are not in the proper place. In practicing Haramba or various combinations of techniques students are taught to watch all four sides that they are exposed to.
As students progress in learning the art they will commence to respect the vulnerability of others who are less knowledgeable on the weaknesses of one’s physical body. They will not be angered by ego driven petty situations. They will learn to tolerate others but will also manage to hold your place in society.
| Other Asian Martial Arts | |
|---|---|
| Angampora | Bando | Boabom | Bokator | Buhe Barildaan | Cheena Di | Cuong Nhu | Hara Moriton | Khmer Wrestling | Kuntao | Lethwei | Ling Lom | Mau Rakau | Mongolian Wrestling | Naban | Pradal Serey | Qwan Ki Do | Silat | Sindo | Tu Than | Vovinam | Zen Do Kai | |
