KUTHU VARISAI AND SILAMBAM: THE OLDEST AND THE DEADLIEST MARTIAL ARTS

KUTHU VARISAI AND SILAMBAM - THE OLDEST AND THE DEADLIEST MARTIAL ARTS

Kuthu Varisai - The Martial Art of Tamil Nadu

Sage Agathiyar of Podhigai Malai, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu

KUTHU VARISAI AND SILAMBAM OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF SHAOLIN KUNG FU (GONG FU)

KUTHU VARISAI AND SILAMBAM OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF JAPANESE KARATE JUTSU AND KOBU JUTSU

KUTHU VARISAI & SILAMBAM OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF OKINAWAN KOBUDO AND KARATE

KUTHU VARISAI - THE MOTHER OF CAMBODIAN BOKATOR

SILAMBAM OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF KALI, ARNIS AND ESCRIMA

SILAMBAM OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF KRABI KRABONG

SILAMBAM OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF PENCAK SILAT AND BER SILAT

SILAMBAM OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF BO JUTSU, KEN JUTSU AND KENDO OF JAPAN

SILAMBAM OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF BO STAFF OF CHINESE KUNG FU

KUTHU VARISAI (PIDI MURAI) OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF GREECE PANKRATION WRESTLING, BJJ AND JAPANESE JIU JITSU

KUTHU VARISAI (ERI MURAI OR THROWS) OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF JUDO

KUTHU VARISAI (ADITHADI) OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF BRAZILLIAN VALE TUDO

KUTHU VARISAI (ADITHADI) OF TAMIL NADU- THE MOTHER OF AFRICAN DAMBE

KUTHU VARISAI (ADITHADI) OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF MUAY BORAN, LERDRIT AND MUAY THAI

KUTHU VARISAI OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF KRAV MAGA AND KAPAP

KUTHU VARISAI AND SILAMBAM OF TAMIL NADU - THE SECRET MARTIAL ART OF BODHIDHARMA, GUNA VARAMAR AND SIDDHAR BOGAR

KUTHU VARISAI AND SILAMBAM OF TAMIL NADU - THE MOTHER OF CHINESE KUNG FU; BODHIDHARMA AND THE SHAOLIN TEMPLE.

KUTHU VARISAI AND SILAMBAM: THE MOTHER OF ALL MARTIAL ARTS ON THIS PLANET EARTH

Kuttu Varisai, also popularly known as Empty – Hand Silambam is the Unarmed aspect of the Battlefield Art of Tamil Nadu, known as Silambam.

Kuttu Varisai is also the very first lesson of the Combat Science of Tamil Nadu, known as Adi Murai.

Kuttu Varisai covers all aspects of Striking, Blocking, Attacking, Grappling, Throws, Locks and fighting against multiple opponents.

Kuttu Varisai, first attested to in the Sangam Literature between 500 BC – 300 BC, was practiced prior to 12,000 BC.

KUTTU VARISAI AND SILAMBAM ARE NOT SPORTS  

THEY ARE LETHAL FIGHTING METHOD, WHICH IS 12,000 YEAR OLD TAUGHT IN TAMIL NADU BY THE 18 GREATEST SIDDHARS; OF WHOM SIDDHAR AGATHIYAR WAS CHIEF.

The term ‘KUTTU’ means ‘PUNCH’ and ‘VARISAI’ means ‘SEQUENCE’.

ALL THESE PUNCHES ARE AIMED ONLY AT THE VARMA POINTS IN COMBAT.

Before I go into detail about this subject, I would like to show you some MUST WATCH VIDEOS of Kuttu Varisai or Kuthu Varisai.

Kuttu Varisai uses stances, postures and fighting styles of Animals, Birds etc.

The basic Animal Styles include :

1. Tiger 
2. Snake 
3. Elephant 
4. Monkey and 
5. Eagle

BODHIDHARMA - KUTHU VARISAI, SILAMBAM & VARMA KALAI

Bodhidharma who is considered to be the “Father of Eastern Martial Arts”, and in particular, “The Father of Shaolin Kung – Fu”, was a great exponent in Kuttu Varisai, Adi Murai, Silambam and Varma Kalai.

There are 5 main stages of training in Eastern Martial Arts, that are considered as “BODHIDHARMA’S TREASURE”. They are :

1. The Horse Stance
2. The 18 Louhan Hands 
3. Breathing Exercises 
4. Animal Postures 
5. Fighting Techniques

THE BEAR STANCE:

Though there are many Animal Stances used, the most important of the Animal Stance is "THE BEAR STANCE" of Kuttu Varisai, which is said to have influenced all other Asian Martial Arts.

Bear Stance of Kuthu Varisai

The Horse Stance of Eastern Martial Arts, is none other than the “Bear Stance” of Kuttu Varisai. 

Horse Stance in Chinese Kung Fu

In Chinese Martial Arts, it is known as “MABU”

Horse Stance (Mabu Stance) in Chinese Kung Fu

In Japanese Martial Arts, it is known as “KIBA – DACHI” 

Kiba Dachi of Japanese and Okinawan Karate Jutsu

In Korean Martial Arts, it is known as “JUCHUM SEOGI” OR “ANNUN SEOGI”

Annun Seogi of Korean Martial Arts

In Malay, it is known as “KUDA – KUDA” 

Kuda Kuda Stance in Bersilat of Malaysia

In Indonesian, it is known as “KEKUDA” 

Kekuda Stance of Indonesian Martial Arts

Some of the Advantages of practicing the Horse Stance are : 

1. Improves Speed, Power and Concentration 
2. Improves Posture 
3. Better Balance 
4. Tone Pelvic Floor 
5. Strengthens the Transverses Abdominal Muscle 
6. Stronger and More Relaxed Back 
7. Strengthens Kidney Energy 
8. Improved Hormonal Function 
9. Develops the Yang Energy 
10. It is a good exercise for giving lower body strength for flexibility.  It works the hip flexors which are used for kicks 
11. It strengthens the quadriceps which help with movements involving moving the knee. 
12. It produces the habit of squatting without bending your upper torso forward. 
13. Good thigh and calf exercise - Isometric Exercise. 
14. It gives you an exercise to practice breath control while your body is experience physical stress - in a safe environment. 
15. It does make you harder to move because you are lowing your center of gravity while extending your base however stability has an inverse relationship to mobility and from a tactical standpoint you have to decide what the right balance of the stability/ mobility mix is and if a horse stance makes (or any stance) makes sense given your current situation.

THUS, THE HORSE STANCE IS CONSIDERED AS BODHIDHARMA’S TREASURE IN SHAOLIN AND EASTERN MARTIAL ARTS.

THE 18 LOUHAN HANDS:

The 18 Hands of Louhan, are the basic exercises of Shaolin Kung – Fu.

But, very surprisingly, all these 18 exercises are basically from Kuttu Varisai of Tamil Nadu.

In Tamil, they call it “Padhinettu Kai Payarchi”.

THIS 18 KAI PAYIRCHI OF KUTHU VARISAI, WHICH IS KNOWN AS 18 HANDS OF LOUHAN IN CHINESE KUNG FU IS CONSIDERED AS ONE OF THE GOLDEN TREASURES OF BODHIDHARMA 

THE BREATHING EXERCISES OF KUTHU VARISAI IN CHINESE KUNG FU: 

The breathing Exercises taught by Bodhidharma are said to be basically from Vaasi Yoga of Tamil Siddhars, practiced along with Kuthu Varisai and Silambam Martial Arts

The Shaolin Meditation, basically is used for clearing minds, to make them ready for the Combat.

Similarly, Vaasi Yoga is practiced along with Kuttu Varisai and Adi Murai.

Quite similar to Vaasi Yoga, Shaolin Meditation, is about the inner breathing, by controlling the breath outside. This opens the 3^rd eye of a person, as a result of which the person understands the Science of Combat, and would be aware of the opponents immediate next attack.

THE BREATHING EXERCISES TAUGHT BY BODHIDHARMA ARE QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE THAT WERE PRACTICED BY THOSE SHAOLIN MONKS. THUS, THIS ALSO IS CONSIDERED AS ONE OF BODHIDHARMA’S TREASURE IN SHAOLIN MARTIAL ARTS.

THE ANIMAL POSTURES OF KUTHU VARISAI IN CHINESE KUNG FU: 

The Animal Postures taught to the Shaolin Monks by Bodhidharma, were quite different from those Animal Postures that were in practice by those Shaolin Monks before the arrival of Bodhidharma. 

Monkey Stance in Kuthu Varisai

Bodhidharma learnt the Animal postures of Kuttu Varisai, and while on his way to China via. Tibet and Nepal, he noticed other animals fight with each other; and observed those fight of the animals, and incorporated them into Kuttu Varisai and taught a new Martial Art to them, which is known as “Shaolin Kung – Fu” 

THE ANIMAL POSTURES TAUGHT TO THE SHAOLIN MONKS BY BODHIDHARMA IS ALSO CONSIDERED AS BODHIDHARMA’S TREASURE.

FIGHTING TECHNIQUES OF KUTHU VARISAI IN CHINESE KUNG FU: 

Though China has got the largest extent of Martial Arts practice in History, with a continuous and non – breakable period, from 2500 BC to present (as per the written records), this Tamil guy, called Bodhidharma felt the need to teach them some new style of Martial Arts, when he saw them asleep, while he was teaching them Zen Buddhism.

The Fighting Techniques, that were taught by Bodhidharma to the Shaolin Monks were totally different from the forms that were practiced in China, before the arrival of Bodhidharma there.

So, the techniques taught by Bodhidharma to the Shaolin Monks, are deciphered in the Fresco of the Shaolin Temple shown below. 

Kuthu Varisai taught by Tamils to the Chinese deciphered in Shaolin Temple, China

Kuthu Varisai (Blue) and Silambam (Red) deciphered in Shaolin Temple, China

ALL THESE TEACHINGS OF BODHIDHARMA CONTRIBUTED TO THE FORMATION OF A NEW MARTIAL ART SYSTEM IN CHINA KNOWN AS THE "SHAOLIN KUNG - FU".

SILAMBAM: THE WEAPON BASED BATTLEFIELD MARTIAL ART OF TAMIL NADU: 

Silambam is an Armed Component of Kuthu Varisai or vice - versa. 

In Silambam, though the main weapon of choice is a Long Staff (6 feet staff), there are many other unusual weapons are used, which are not found in ANY other Martial Art.

Some of the Weapons used in Silambam are:

1. Long Stick 
2. Medium Stick 
3. Short Stick 
4. Spears, Javelin and Lances 
5. Trident
6. Axes
7. Knife and Dagger 
8. Piccuva
9. Archery
10. Swords of Different Sizes and Shapes 
11. Gauntlet Sword 
12. Saber Sword 
13. Spikes Swords
14. VaLari 
15. ThiGhiRi
16. Deer Horn 
17. Mace (pondhan thadi)
18. Whips  
19. Stone Cloth (Kal Thuni) 
20. Chain Weapons
21. Curious Iron Weapon 
22. Knuckle Duster 
23. Towel and 
24. The Most Lethal Flexible Sword

Saber Sword used in Silambam, Martial Art of Tamils

Piccuva (Curved Knife) used in Silambam, Martial Art of Tamils

VaLari weapon used in Silambam, Martial Art of Tamils

ThiGhiRi Weapon used in Silambam, Martial Art of Tamils

Spiked Sword used in Silambam, Martial Art of Tamils

Gauntlet Sword used in Silambam, Martial Art of Tamils (Thanjavur Museum)

Deer Horns of different sizes and models used in Silambam, Martial Art of Tamils

Towel Technique used in Silambam, Martial Art of Tamils

Lock using Towel in Silambam, Martial Art of Tamils

Till date, I have NOT seen a Martial Art that is so effective that teaches a person to use the Towel as a weapon to defend themselves.

This is ONLY in the Tradition of Tamils Kuthu Varisai Martial Art.

There are other rare weapons used in Silambam Martial Art. Here they are

Deer Horn in Silambam, Martial Art of Tamils

Sword and Shield used in Silambam, Martial Art of Tamils (Image Courtesy: Silamboli Silambam, Salem)

FINALLY, LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST -- THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS AND OLDEST WEAPON USED ONLY IN SILAMBAM MARTIAL ART TILL THE LAST CENTURY

After 1966, the martial art of a neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, called Kerala, incorporated this lethal weapon into it's Traditional martial art called Kalaripayattu in the name of Urumi.

The wielding techniques of Surul Vaal in Silambam and Kalaripayattu are actually totally different only,

BUT - THIS WEAPON WAS BORROWED FROM SILAMBAM, THE MARTIAL ART OF TAMILS INTO KALARIPAYATTU 

Surul VaaL with 1 blade

Surul VaaL with 2 and 3 blades

A Silambam practitioner wielding a 3 leaf Surul VaaL

VARMA KALAI

Varma Kalai is an art of Healing and Killing, developed by Tamil Sages called Siddhars.

Varma Kalai plays an important role in the Martial Arts practiced in Tamil Nadu. 

Knowledge of Varma Kalai has been recorded by Tamil Siddhars in palm leaf manuscripts in Tamil Language 

Varma Kalai of Tamil Nadu, Siddhar Tradition

There is another system of Vital Points or Pressure Points (Marmas) practiced in India, which is based on Ayurvedic Medicine, which is totally different from Siddhars System of Varma Kalai. 

To know the difference, kindly punch into Google Search;
"SIDDHA VARMA KALAI VS AYURVEDIC MARMA"

VARMA ATI:

The Martial art concept called "Varma Ati" is practiced along with Kuthu Varisai and Silambam

In Kuthu Varisai, you use different finger positions to strike on the Varmam point.

In Silambam, you use a long staff or a short staff to strike on the Varmam point, which causes devastating effects on the opponent.

It is also evident that Bodhidharma taught the Chinese monks this art of "VARMA ATI", which is being practiced in China in the name of "DIM MAK". 

In Japan, VARMA ATI is practiced in the name of "KYUSHO JUTSU" 

In Korea, VARMA ATI is known as "KYUSHO"

In Russia, VARMA ATI is known as "SYSTEMA"

In Filipino Martial Arts, VARMA ATI is known as "FILIPINO KYUSHO"

To hit the Vital spots, there are few Mudras (Finger positions) that are used, as the vital points cannot be stricken with bare hands. 

VARMA ATI IS NOT A FIGHTING STYLE ON ITS OWN.

Varma Ati  is simply the knowledge of the locations and angles of attack to use on the 108 pressure points in the human body.

It is taught to practitioners after they finish training  in Kuthu Varisai and Silambam to let them know how to kill and/or disable an opponent quickly and with minimal effort.

Varma Ati is the last and most advanced component of Adi Murai.

AMIRTHA NILAI ADI MURAI:

Amirtha Nilai Varma Ati

Vaarma Ati developed a concept of Nectar Placement, called Amritha nilai.

This concept explains the effectiveness of attack on Varmam depends on the lunar movement.

The most effective point changes with the movement of moon starting from toe to head and vice-versa once in fifteen days.

Such effective points of each day are known as the Amritha nilai. 

AFTER COMPLETING THIS STAGE, THE STUDENT ATTAINS THE TITLE ADI MURAI AHSAN

As per the Siddha Medical Systems Varma Kalai, Varmam points in the body as classified in 16 different types. They are

1. Thodu Varmam 
2. Padu Varmam 
3. Thattu Varmam 
4. Urinjal Varmam 
5. Thadaval Varmam 
6. Nakku Varmam 
7. Thuppu Varmam 
8. Parechal Varmam 
9. Koochal Varmam 
10. Sumbana Varmam 
11. Sunonitha Varmam 
12. Sukkila Varmam 
13. Sundu Varmam 
14. Oothu Varmam 
15. Nokku Varmam and 
16. Meitheenda Kalai (Advanced Nokku Varmam)

There are 12 basic mudras used. (Though other mudras are used, they are a variation of these 12 mudras only).

So, these are the 12 basic mudras. They are:

1. Elephant Face Mudra 
2. Horse Face Mudra 
3. Serpent Mudra 
4. Sakthi Mudra 
5. Vishnu Mudhra 
6. Chakra Mudra 
7. Chanku Mudra 
8. Trident Mudra 
9. Spear Mudra 
10. Five Fingers Mudra 
11. Outer Hand Mudra 
12. Outer Leg Mudra

These pictures for these mudras are here in order;

Elephant Fave Mudra

Horse Face Mudra

Serpent Mudra

Sakthi Mudra

Vishnu Mudra

Chakra Mudra

Chanku Mudra

Trident Mudra

Spear Mudra

Five Fingers Mudra

Outer Hand Mudra

Outer Leg raised Mudra

These are some of the most basic mudras used to hit the Pressure Points, as described by Tamil Siddhars in their palm leaf manuscripts. 

KUTHU KATTAI MURAI:

Kuthu Kattai used in Varma Ati

Kuthu Kattai is a small stick, slightly greater than the palm of the Human hands width.

When used with the knowledge of Varma Ati, it causes devastating effects on the opponent, and sometimes even death.

IT IS ALSO INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT A SIMILAR WEAPON IS USED IN JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS. IT IS CALLED KUBOTAN OR YAWARA.

KUBOTAN AND YAWARA ARE ALSO USED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF KYUSHO IN JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS.

VARMA VAITHIYAM:

Varma Vaithiyam is the art of curing ailments and diseases using the Varmam points in the Human body.

VARMA VAITHIYAM IS THE BEST OF ANY MEDICAL SYSTEM AND ALSO THE BEST OF SPORTS MEDICINE AVAILABLE TODAY.

VARMA VAITHIYAM IS ALSO VERY COST EFFECTIVE SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

These are the following 7 methods used in Varma Vaithiyam to cure Diseases and Ailments.

1. Adangal Murai (Varmam First Aid)
2. Thadaval Murai (Rubbing)
3. Thokkanam (Massage)
4. Othanam (Fomentation) 
5. Thiravukol Murai 
6. Varma Oosi and Ponoosi Method 
7. Agni Karma Treatment
8. Kuthu Kattai Method 

ADNAGAL MURAI:

Varma Kalai - Adangal Murai

There are a total of 51 Adangals in the Human Body. These Adangals are used to rectify any injury caused to the Varma points or caused by the Varma points

THADAVAL MURAI;

Varma kalai - Thadaval Murai

In this method the body is rubbed using bare hands. This method is used for Gastriotic problems and indigestion.

This method is also used for relieving pain from the body.

THOKKANAM (MASSAGE):

Varma Kalai - Thokkanam Murai

In Varma Kalai, Thokkanam Murai is a very important and very special way of Massage.

The Thokkanam is done without or sometimes with special medicated oils of Siddha Medicine.

There are 9 different types of Thokkanam, they are:

1. Thattal or Patting Techniques
2. Irukkal or Tightening Techniques 
3. Pidithal or Holding Techniques 
4. Murukkal or Twisting Techniques 
5. Kattal or Tying Techniques 
6. Azhutthal or Pressing Techniques 
7. Izhutthal or Pulling Techniques 
8. Mallathuthal or Supinating Techniques and  
9. Asaithal or Shaking Techniques 

Some of the advantages of this Thokkanam Murai are:

1. Helps to cure Vatha diseases even without internal medicines
2. Chronic diseases like Spondylosis, Lumbago, Disc prolapse, Hemiplegia, Neurological conditions etc are managed well through Thokkanam 
3. Improves circulation 
4. Treats Obesity 
5. Helps in pain relief 
6. Removes Indigestion, Constipation and Flatulence 
7. Induces sleep 
8. Helps maintain normal blood pressure 
9. Restores Vatham, Pitham and Kapham in normal ratio 
10. Regulates Vatha humour 

VARMA OTHANAM (FOEMENTATION):

Siddha Varma Kalai - Foementation (Othadam)

Foementation or Othadam in Siddha Medical Systems Varma Kalai is used by tying heated medical herbs in a cloth and applied to the patients affected body parts

The substances like lime powder, bran, brick powder, egg- shell, leaves of medicinal plants like 

1. Nochi (Vitex negundo), 
2. Erukku (Calotropis gigantea), 
3. Amanakku (Ricinus communis), 
4. Thuthi (Abutilon indicum) etc 

are tied in a cloth as a bundle. This medicated bundle is heated and applied over the affected area.

This type of treatment is very effective for Vatham ailments (Arthritis) and painful conditions like muscle cramps, bone disorders etc.

THIRAVUKOL MURAI:

In Varma Kalai, Thiravukol Murai is used in Curing Major disease of the Body. 

The Thiravukol Varmam cures ALL diseases of the Internal Organs.

Thiravukol Murai is divided into two types. They are:

1. Theechuruttu Thiravukol and 
2. Kukkudathi Thiravukol

VARMA OOSI AND PONOOSI MURAI:

Varma Oosi and Varma Ponoosi Murai methods deal with using special needles or sometimes golden needles on pressure points to clear any obstacles to the free flow of energy through these vital points.

Varma Kalai - Ponoosi

This method is taken from two Tamil Palm Leaf Manuscripts.

1. Agathiyar Oosi Thiravukol and 
2. Agathiyar Ponoosi Murai

Varma Oosi and Ponoosi Murai are the MOTHER OF CHINESE ACUPUNCTURE

For more information, Punch into Google search:

"VARMA KALAI PONOOSI METHOD: THE MOTHER OF CHINESE ACUPUNCTURE" 

This method of Varma Kalai Ponoosi method was taken to China by Tamil Siddhar Bogar, which later came to be known as Chinese Acupuncture. 

AGNI KARMA TREATMENT;

Agni karma is an ancient Varma Kalai Treatment Method where heat and cold can be used as a healing tool.

Mostly all circulation disorders can be successfully treated by this method.

Using Agni Karma Treatment Method, we can successfully Treat the following disorders:

1.  All Vatha type Problems 
2. Nerves Disorders
3. Neuro Problems
4. All types of Pains 
5. Circulation Problems

KUTHU KATTAI MURAI:

Kuthu Kattai used in Varma Kalai

The Kuthu Kattai is a small stick, slightly greater than the palm of the Human hands width.

Certain Varmam points are really difficult to touch with your bare fingers.

In such cases, the Kuthu Kattai does the work. It is used for massaging the Varma points, which gives free flow of energy through the pranas, thus eradication the disease from your body.

In this way, Kuthu kattai is useful for Healing purpose also in Varma Kalai, as it is used as a devastating Killing Weapon in its Martial Arts component 

Also check out 
BODHIDHARMA - THE TAMIL GUY, WHO SPOKE TAMIL LANGUAGE: AN IMPORTANT PERSON IN THE HISTORY OF ALL MARTIAL ARTS

IS KALARIPAYATTU THE MOTHER OF ALL MARTIAL ARTS...???? THINK AGAIN...????



Thank You,


BENJAMIN FURROWS.