ADI MURAI: THE COMBAT SCIENCE OF TAMILS, DEVELOPED BY TAMIL SIDDHARS

NOTE: This article was written by Master Ajit Sigamani, a practitioner of Silambam, Malyutham                     and Adi Murai.
             
             This is a re-post of his blog. You can read the original blog here, here and here

INTRODUCTION:

Adi Murai is a lethal and practical Martial Art from Tamil Nadu, India.

Adi Murai covers all aspects of Unarmed Combat (like Striking, Grappling, Take down and Counters), Weapons and Pressure Point Attacks.

Adi Murai is one of the three components [Adi Murai (Combat), Vaasi Yoga (Art of Well Being) and Varma Vaithiyam (Healing)] that combine to form the Siddhars art of Harming and Healing "VARMAKKALAI"

Kamal Hassan with Asan Rajendran who trained him for the Tamil Movie titled "INDIAN"

THIS ART OF VARMAKKALAI WAS POPULARIZED BY KAMAL HASSAN IN THE FILM TITLED "INDIAN" IN TAMIL AND "HINDUSTANI" IN HINDI 

ADI MURAI: A BASIC OUTLINE:

We would like to steer clear of all myths, controversies and arguments regarding the origin of Martial Arts and segregation of Various styles for now.

We would stick to the facts and break Adi Murai down broadly into its various components and translate the meaning of the Tamil Words used in it.

Adithadi (Unarmed Combat), Ayudha Murai (Weaponry Science) and Varma Ati (Pressure Point Attack) combine together to form one of the most lethal martial arts in the world ADI MURAI 

ADITHADI: (ADI, THAdu, piDI):

ADITHADI, Sports Component of Adi Murai

With an emphasis on lethal and practical Unarmed Combat, Adithadi practitioners first learn all aspects of Striking, Grappling and Counters. 

Adithadi also has got a very strong Combat Sports component to it, and practitioners would often test their skills in Prize Fight during Festivals. 

These were similar to Early Pankration and Vajra Musthi and was an even more brutal equivalent of today's Vale Tudo.

Lessons Include:

KUTHU VARISAI (Striking Sequence): Kai Kuthu Varisai (Hands), Kaaladi Kuthu Varisai (Legs) and Nethi Ati (Headbutts) 

THADU VARISAI (Blocking Sequences): Thalai Thduppukal (Head), Kai Thaduppukal (Hands), Kaal Thaduppukal (Legs) 

PIDI VARISAI (Grappling Sequences): Pootukal (Lockings), Theruppikal (Counters), Eri (Throws)

ADI VARISAI (Hitting or Attacking Sequences): 

Adi Varisai is the final stage of Adithadi. It teaches Striking, Counters and Grappling as combination. Almost every part of the body is used and every move makes use of the whole body (Kinetic Linking) to achieve maximum power from the practitioners strike, lock and counters.

Adi Varisai has 3 Variations for every strike, grip and counter in their arsenal and 12 angles. 

Once these techniques are learnt, the practitioner only has to use them in different combinations to come up with an unlimited number of offenses and defenses. 

AYUDHA MURAI: (WEAPONRY SCIENCE) 

Ayudha Murai is a weapon based component and has got many Unique Weapons and Attacks.

Ayudha Murai - Weapon based Combat System in Adi Murai

Ayudha Varisai is primarily lethal in nature and does NOT have a Sports component to it.

The main weapons covered in Ayudha Varisai are:

1. Neel Kampu (Long Stick) 
2. Sedi Kutchi (Short Stick) 
3. VaaL (Sword) 
4. Surul VaaL (Flexible Sword) 
5. Kathi (Knife) 
6. Vettu Kathi (A kind of Machette) 

Lessons include

1. Ayudha Varisai (Weaponry Sequence) 
2. Kaaladi Varisai (Footwork Sequence) 
3. Sandai Paadamurai (Fighting against a single skilled opponent, with weapons) 
4. Padai Veechu (Fighting Multiple Attackers) 

VARMA ATI: (PRESSURE POINT ATTACK) 

VARMA ATI IS NOT A FIGHTING STYLE ON IT'S OWN

Pressure Point Attack / Vital Spot Hit

It is simply the knowledge of the locations and angles of attack to use on the 108 Varmam pressure points on the Human Body. 

It is taught to the student after they finish training in ADITHADI and AYUDHA VARISAI 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. 

After completing this stage, the practitioner attains the title Ahsan (Master of Masters) or Varma Yogi. 

Lessons include 

Mudhrangal (Finger Positions) 

Miyangal (Centres) 

Adigal (Attacks): Padu Varmam (Lethal Points), Podhu Varmam (Common Points) 

Adangal (Revival): Miyam Adangal (Revival at Centres), Podhu Adangal (Common revivals).

Kuthu Kattai

Kuthu Kattai (Striking Stick): This is a small stick little greater than the width of the practitioners palm (similar to Yawara stick or Kubotan stick) 

It can be devastating when used with the knowledge of Varma Ati.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ADI MURAI & KALARIPAYATTU: 

This is a quick clarification on some of the many inaccuracies and controversies going around on the internet regarding this art.

I will keep it short and simple in a question and answer format.

Some of the topics will need to have a post on their own, which will happen later.

As always, I will stick to the facts, and stay away from UNVERIFIABLE ARGUMENTS.

The subject of this post is to address the INTERNET FALLACY claiming that Adi Murai is just one variation of Kalaripayattu and clear some of the confusions surrounding these claims.

How did this rumor start?

This rumor is simply a byproduct of the actions of the Kerala Kalaripayattu Association and their move of trying to categorize the Various and Unique Martial Arts from the Tamils Land (Malyutham [Knockdown Wrestling], Silambam [Highly complex and evolved ancient Weapon based Martial Art] and Adi Murai [Combat Science]) under one single title "SOUTHERN STYLE KALARI" OR "THEKKAN KALARI".

All one has to do is, observe these arts being practiced or even do some basic secondary research to see why this is a COMPLETELY INACCURATE CATEGORIZATION. 

Is Adi Murai the same as Kalaripayattu? 

NO. Adi Murai is a completely different style with completely different origins, exercises and methods.

What are some of the glaring differences between Adi Murai and Kalari? 

ADI MURAI:

Adi Murai - Pootum Pirivum

1. Adi Murai is the Martial Art component of Varmakkalai with Origins dating back to 2nd Century BC 
2. Adi Murai is a practical Martial Art, short, straight and powerful lines of attack with a solid stance. Not overtly graceful, but highly effective.
3. Adi Murai practice has got a very pronounced sparring component 
4. Adi Murai places more emphasis on Unarmed Combat. Weapons come in only after one has mastered the Unarmed Combat 
5. Adi Murai has it's origin in Tamil Nadu and is still widely practiced there. 
6. Adi Murai is practiced in open at different locations and terrain to mimic multiple combat scenarios 
7. Adi Murai is combined with Varma Elakkyu and Vaasi Yoga to complete Varmakkalai, which has it's base in the Science of Siddha Medical System 
8. Adi Murai and Varmakkalai masters are called Ahsans 
9. Adi Murai ahsans teach their students combat techniques, quickly the students then develop their own individual styles of executing these techniques and perfect them according to their own strengths and weaknesses 
10. Adi Murai does not have elaborate rituals 
11. Adi Murai is a Combat Science.

KALARIPAYATTU: 

Kalaripayattu - The Battlefield Exercise of Kerala

1. Kalaripayattu is widely considered to be a Battlefield Exercise that was practiced around the 13th Century AD 
2. Kalaripayattu is more graceful and aesthetically pleasing with a lot of circular movements, extremely low deep stances and high leaping attacks
3. Kalaripayattu practice is limited to Heavily Choreographed Sequences till years into training 
4. Kalaripayattu teaches Unarmed Combat only after Weapons training is completed. 
5. Kalaripayattu is a Martial Art from Malabar and is still widely practiced there. 
6. Kalaripayattu is practiced in a roofed Kalari which has an alter and fixed dimensions.
7. Kalaripayattu which has an healing bent to it is based on the Science of Ayurveda. 
8. Kalaripayattu masters are called Gurukkals. 
9. Kalaripayattu students have to follow the exact syllabus, sequence and techniques step by step and without variation for years until they are told they are masters themselves. Only then can they develop their own style. 
10. Kalaripayattu is Heavily Ritualistic. 
11. Kalaripayattu is a Battlefield Exercise.  

ADI MURAI	KALARIPAYATTU
Adi Murai is a practical Martial Art, short, straight and powerful lines of attacks with a solid stance	Kalaripayattu is more graceful and aesthetically pleasing, with a lot of circular movements with extremely low deep stances and high leaping attacks
Adi Murai practice has got a very pronounced Sparring Component	Kalaripayattu practice is limited to heavily choreographed sequences till years into training.
Adi Murai places more emphasis on Unarmed Combat. Weapons come in only after one has mastered the Unarmed aspect	Kalaripayattu teaches Unarmed Combat only after Weapons training is completed.
Adi Murai is widely practiced in Tamil Nadu and Travancore regions	Kalaripayattu is mainly practiced in North Kerala (Malabar) regions
Adi Murai is practiced in Open in Different Locations and Terrain to mimic Multiple Combat Scenarios	Kalaripayattu is practiced in a roofed Kalari, which has an altar and fixed dimensions.
Adi Murai is combined with Varma Vaithiyam and Vaasi Yoga to complete the greater art of “VARMA KALAI” which has its base in the Science of Siddha Medical System	Kalaripayattu which has a healing bent to it is based on the Science of Ayurveda
Adi Murai masters are commonly called Ahsans	Kalaripayattu masters are commonly called Gurukkals
Adi Murai Ahsans teach their students Combat Techniques, quickly the students, then develop their own individual styles of executing these techniques and perfect them according to their own strengths and weaknesses	Kalaripayattu students have to follow the exact syllabus, sequences and techniques, step by step without variation for years, until they are told they are masters themselves. Only then can the student develop his own style.
Adi Murai, does not have elaborate rituals	Kalaripayattu is heavily ritualistic
Adi Murai is the Science of Combat (Combat Science)	Kalaripayattu is a Battlefield Exercise.

Why is there so little documentation? Where have these arts all but disappeared? 

When British Rule was established in India, ALL Martial Arts were banned. For the next 200 Years, Indian saw an Unprecedented Period of  Destruction and Plunder of their Arts, Culture and Wealth. 

Any form of Martial Arts or Combat Sports were BANNED! This saw a great decline in these arts. 

Even after the British left, the Cultural Stigma they left behind had the majority of Educated Indians trying to mimic the Anglicized Culture and Shying Away from their own traditions.

IT IS ONLY IN RECENT TIMES THAT INTEREST IN THESE ARTS HAVE FLOURISHED.

EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VARMA KALAI, ADI MURAI, ADITHADI AND VARMA ATI:

Here we are going to establish and see the Difference between Varma Kalai, Adi Murai, Adithadi and Varma Ati.

There seems to be a lot of confusion as to whether they are different names of the same art, completely different arts or components of each other  

Again, I will keep it simple and short in Question and Answer format.

Are Varma Kalai, Adi Murai, Adithadi and Varma Ati different names for the same Martial Art? 

NO. Adi Murai is the Martial Art component of Varma Kalai. It is one of the 3 components that combine to form Varma Kalai.

Adithadi is the Unarmed Component of Varma Kalai. It is broken down as ADI THAdu piDI (Strike, Block and Grapple) 

Varma Ati (Vital Point Strike / Pressure Point Attack) is NOT a Martial Art on its own. It is a concept similar to the Japanese concept of "Atemi Waza" and teaches locations, angles of attack, modified striking techniques and some revivals. 

THIS IS DONE, ONLY AFTER THE STUDENT IS PHYSICALLY CONDITIONED AND HAS PRACTICAL COMBAT SKILLS THAT HE CAN APPLY IN COMBINATION WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF "VARMA ATI".

What are the components of Varma Kalai?

Varma Kalaihas got three major components. They are:

1. ADI MURAI (Martial Art)
2. VAASI YOGA (The way of Meditation and Well - being) and
3. VARMA VAITHIYAM (Healing Injuries and Curing Ailments)

What are the components of Adi Murai? 

Adi Murai also can be broken down into 3 major components. They are:

1. ADITHADI - ADI THAdu piDI
2. AYUDHA MURAI (Weapons based Combat) and 
3. VARMA ATI (Pressure Point Strike / Vital Point Hit) 

What are the components of Varma Ati? 

Varma Ati can also be broken down broadly into 3 components. They are: 

1. MIYANGAL (Centres) 
2. MUDHRAGAL (Finger Positions) and
3. ADIGAL AND ADANGAL (Attacks and Revivals) 

THE HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT OF SILAMBAM AND ADI MURAI: 

Here, we are going to see the difference between the closely related Tamizhar Martial Arts of Silambam and Adi Murai. Again, I will try to keep it as simple as possible.

Silambam and Adi Murai are closely related Tamil Arts and have origins that can be traced to even before the 2nd Century BC, from present day Tamil Nadu.

Silambam - The Battlefield Art of Tamil Nadu

SILAMBAM is a Martial Art that was developed by the Hill Folk of Tamil Nadu to defend against Wild Animals

The primary weapon that was used was a Bamboo Stave that had multiple uses.

This was later refined and developed into a Lethal Battlefield Art during the Sangam Era, using many pointed and bladed weapons made out of Steel, Horns and Variations of the Bamboo Staff.  

THE BASIC TECHNIQUES AND PRINCIPLES USED WERE THE SAME THROUGHOUT, WITH SLIGHT VARIATIONS, ACCORDING TO THE WEAPON OF CHOICE. 

Varmakalai Adi Murai - The Martial Art of the Pandiyan and Chola Dynasties

ADI MURAI is a devastatingly effective UNARMED COMBAT SCIENCE, developed by Yogic Sages called Siddhars to defend themselves against Dacoits and Armed Theives as they were predominantly solitary and nomadic in nature in their quest for perfection and knowledge. 

This art has a Lethal Pressure Point Attack System (called Varma Ati) which was and still is kept very secretive by its practitioners and taught ONLY to a select few. 

A non-lethal version of Adi Murai with rules, called "ADITHADI" later became a Combat Sport in the Chola and Pandiyan Kingdoms. 

Silambam and Adithadi (Combat Sport) reached their peak during the Chola and Pandiya Kingdoms.

SILAMBAM as an Armed Combat used on the Battlefields, and

Malyutham - The Traditional Wrestling Sport of Tamil Nadu

ADITHADI and MALYUTHAM as Combat Sports. it was during this time that these arts started borrowing from Each Other.

Silambam incorporated Kuthu Varisai (A component of Adi Murai) after modifying it to suppliment their Armed component with and Unarmed Element.

Silambam also started to incorporate "Varma Ati" into its weapons strikes to make it more effective.

Adi Murai expanded its syllabus to incorporate some of Silambam's Weapons and superior weapon techniques to make the art more versatile. 

DIFFERENT SCHOOLS OF ADI MURAI:

Here is an outline of the Original Different Schools of Adi Murai / Varma Kalai and their offshots as well as some of the more modern styles.

AGATHIYAR SCHOOL OF ADI MURAI / VARMA KALAI:

Sage Agathiyar, Podhigai Hills, Tamil Nadu

With a focus on Pressure Point Manipulation and the incorporation of Animal Styles into it, the Agathiyar way is the most widespread and commonly taught version of Adi Murai / Varma Kalai. 

It is also the ONLY School practiced outside it's Place of Origin (Tamil Nadu) and has spread to it's neighboring states of Kerala and Karnataka. 

Adi Murai / Varma Kalai of Agathiyar School is practiced in Tamil Nadu and in contiguous parts of Kerala (Trivandrum, Kollam, Idukki, Kottayam and Kochi) and Karnataka. 

This style is practiced primarily by the Nadars of Tamil Nadu and by some Ezhavas and Nairs of South Kerala. 

A modified version of Agathiyar murai is incorporated into a lot of the Kalaripayattu schools in Kerala and taught as Thekkan Kalari.

BOGAR SCHOOL OF ADI MURAI / VARMA KALAI:

Sage Bogar of Palani Hills, Tamil Nadu

Bogar Murai is considered as the most scientific and versatile version of Varma Kalai.

Asan Kannan, Maha Yoga Varma Kalai Chief Aaasaan (Bogar Murai) demonstrating Joint Lock in Adi Murai

In it's Adi Murai component equal importance is given to Strikes, Blocks and Grapple. Everything is broken up into Numbers and Variations. 

THERE IS ALSO A VERY PRONOUNCED YOGA COMPONENT INVOLVED.

THE HEALING PART OF IT IS VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD AND SIMPLIFIED.

Bogar Murai gives the practitioner a solid base which he can work with and expand into a syllabus that suits him / her and encourages the practitioner to improve and modify the techniques as they see fit. 

THIS STYLE IS PRACTICED BY THE NADARS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN TAMIL NADU.

RAMADEVAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI:

Sage Ramadevar, Alagar malai, Tamil Nadu

Palm Leaf manuscripts and their contents are jealously guarded and none of them have been published till date.

The Varmakalai Project is still collating information on this style of Adi Murai / Varma Kalai.

PROMINENT TRADITIONAL OFFSHOTS OF VARMA KALAI: 

Some of the Prominent Traditional Offshots of Varma Kalai are:

1. Maha Yoga Varma Kalai (Bogar Murai) 
2. Manja Varmakkalai (Agathiyar Murai) 
3. Master Rajendra Krishnaraj Varma Kalai (Agathiyar Murai) 
4. JAI Varma Kalai (Agathiyar Murai) 
5. Master Zacria Rahama Varma Kalai

HYBRID AND SPECIALIZED PROMINENT OFFSHOTS: 

Some of the Hybrid / Specialized Prominent Offshots of Varma Kalai are:  

1. Lock Fist Martial Art 
2. Mudhalvan Adi Murai (Agathiyar Murai) 
3. Combat Varma Kalai (Bogar Murai)

WHERE CAN I LEARN AUTHENTIC ADI MURAI / VARMA KALAI:

Here are some of the Authentic Varma Kalai Trainign Academies and Institutes.

1. MANJA VARMAKKALAI, CHENNAI AND MADURAI 
2. VARMAKALAI TRAINING ACADEMY, CHENNAI 
3. MAAYA VARMA CURE, NEW DELHI AND CHENNAI 
4. ARUL HEALTH CARE, CHENNAI
5. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ISHENOLOGY, CHENNAI
6. ASAN MURUGESAN, CHENNAI - 9655965016 
7. MASTER KATHIRVEL VARMA KALAI, CHENNAI 
8. MASTER SIVA KUMAR, CHENNAI 
9. MASTER RAMESH, CHENNAI - 9710255664 
10. BALA SATHISH YUDDHA VARMALAYAM 
11. UVM COLLEGE OF VARMAM, CHENNAI - 9282226094 
12. SIDDHAR VARMA ACADEMY, CHENNAI - 9380907591
13. S.A.K. KALARI TRAINING CENTER, CHENNAI - 9566191901
14. AADHISAKTHI VARMA KALAI, COIMBATORE 
15. MASTER RAJENDRA KRISHNARAJ, COIMBATORE - 9500746379 
16. DRAGON T. JAYARAJ, JAI VARMA KALAI, COIMBATORE 
17. LOCK FIST MARTIAL ART, COIMBATORE 
18. THIRUMOOLAR VARMOLOGY INSTITUTE, COIMBATORE
19. PANCHABOOTHA MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY, PUDUKOTTAI 
20. TAMILNADU VARMA ADIMURAI FEDERATION, RAJAPALAYAM
21. SILAMBAM TRAINING, TIRUNELVELI 
22. ASAN MURUGESAN, PULIYARAI, TIRUNELVELI - 9715665016 
23. MASTER RAJAVEL VARMA KALAI, THOOTHUKUDI - 9443264545 
24. MASTER JEYASEKARAN VARMA KALAI, NAGERCOIL - 9486271134 
25. MASTER CLITTUS ADI MURAI, NAGERCOIL - 9843471126 
26. ASAN APPADURAI ADI MURAI ACADEMY, CHENNAI, VILLUPURAM AND NAGERCOIL 
27. MASTER JOHN CHRISTOPHER, NAGERCOIL - 9847647676 / 9944228698
28. NADAR THEKKAN KALARI, KANYAKUMARI  

In Kerala also there are some Authentic Adi Murai Training Academies. In Kerala, Adi Murai is known as Thekkan Kalari or Southern Kalari, based on Siddha Medical System.

Some of the Authentic Adi Murai Training Centres in Kerala are:

1. KALARIYIL DHARMIKAM ASHRAM, TRIVANDRUM
2. BUDDHA KALARI, TRIVANDRUM 
3. MARUTHI KALARI, TRIVANDRUM 
4. ANJANEYA KALARI SANGHAM, TRIVANDRUM 
5. ASWA KERALA KALARI SANGHAM, TRIVANDRUM 
6. ULAKUDAPERUMAL MARMA THIRUMU KALARI SNAGHAM, TRIVANDRUM 
7. D.J. KALARI, TRIVANDRUM 
8. J.B.R. KALARI SANGHAM, TRIVANDRUM 
9. PANCHAGNI INSTITUTE OF MARMA KALARI, TRIVANDRUM 
10. K.K.M. KALARI, MUTHU AHSAN, TRIVANDRUM 
11. BABU ASAN, TRIVANDRUM 
12. VIJAYAN ASAN, TRIVANDRUM 
13. MARMASRAMAM, ATMA REKSHA TANTRA, KOLLAM 
14. BALI KALARI, KOLLAM 
15. JAI HIND KALARI, KOTTAYAM 
16. SHIVA SAKTHI KALARI, IDUKKI 
17. ARACKAL MARTIAL ARTS, ALAPPEY 
18. NAVA BHARATHA KALARI SANGHAM, KOCHI 
19. AGASTHYA KALARI, KOCHI 
20. E.N.S. KALARI (SOUTHERN STYLE), KOCHI 
21. CHOORAKKODY KALARI SANGHAM, CALICUT 
22. KERALA KALARIPAYATTU ACADEMY (SOUTHERN STYLE), KANNUR 

THANK YOU,

BENJAMIN FURROWS.