Malla-yuddha
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
Malla-yuddha or Mallak-ridha is the ancient martial art of wrestling in India. It is said to be one of the ancestors of the modern Pehlwani, and was practiced as early as the time when the Mahabharata (one of the two national epics of India) was first being written. According to ancient Indian texts, the art was popular among both royalty and commoners, and kings sometimes regarded themselves as ahavamalla ("warrior-wrestler") or tribhuvanamalla ("wrestler of three worlds").
The word malla literally means "wrestling" or "strenght" and yuddha means "combat." Thus, malla-yuddha means "wrestling combat." Today, the traditional form of Malla-yuddha is still practiced in a malla community in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Generally, Indian wrestling can be divided into two categories: the Malla-krida and the Malla-yuddha. Malla-krida is the sport version while Malla-yuddha is the combat wrestling version.
According to the techniques and methodology used, the wrestling is divided into four types: Hanumanti, Jambuvanti, Jarasandhi, and Bhimaseni.
- Hanumanti - Hanumanti concentrates on the technical superiority of the wrestler, using superior skill to defeat an opponent of greater strength.
- Jambuvanti - Jambuvanti uses locks and holds to force the opponent into submission.
- Jarasandhi - Jarasandhi is the most lethal form of the four as it concentrates on breaking the limbs and joints of an opponent.
- Bhimaseni - Bhimaseni stresses the use of physical strength. It is most suitable for persons of enormous build and strength.
| Indian Martial Arts | |
|---|---|
| But Marma Atti | Gatka | Inbuan Wrestling | Kalarippayattu | Kuttu Varisai | Lathi | Malla-yuddha | Mukna | Pehlwani | Silambam | Vajra Mushti | Varma Kalai | |
