MUAY THAI
Muay Thai is known as the “art of eight limbs”. It is one of the most popular sports which gained worldwide recognition in the world. Muay Thai is the martial art which makes Thailand withstand against all the crisis which they faced in their livelihood which becomes a part of their culture and life. Muay Thais origin was one hundred years ago which later become one the deadliest martial ever where the practitioners use their body as the weapon. Muay Thai is practiced from the age of 6-8 by the practitioners for developing their courageous ability which will help them to make their body and mind into an iron. Muay Thai is not only a combat sport for self-defense it is a way for their livelihood also they fight for their family to feed them this passes from age to age from father to sons it will not stop it continues till the end it is not included in the Olympics because of its deadly nature. Muay Thai was not so famous at the time of world war 2 it was a hidden treasure, but lately, foreign soldiers come to know the styles of Thai soldiers during the time of hand to hand combat which was impressing, and they requested them to teach the basics and techniques of Muay Thai. This was starting where an art become the main technique in hand to hand combat.
Figure2: the image of Muay Thai fighters
Muay Thai match will not have more than 5 rounds each round has 3 minutes and another important thing is that they have weight class and many rules to follow.
PANKRATION
Pankration is one of the deadliest martial art ever made. It was practiced in Greek as one of the combat sports, it is older form of today’s MMA (mixed martial art) which gains much popularity in UFC. Pankration combines two types of martial arts boxing and wrestling which includes kicking the opponent. The word pankration means, the winner of the sport will gain full control over his failed opponent. People who practices pankration is known as Pankratiasts.
Figure 1: Above image is an example of pankration
Pankration has weight divisions and doesn’t have any rules or limitations during the fight. The only way to stop the fight was to get the opponent surrendered. Hercules was the famous practitioner of pankration. With the knowledge of this skill he managed to gain victories over his opponents. Pankration managed to impress the crowd and gain popularity than any other sport due to its violence and combat techniques. It even resulted in death, to one of the opponents.
Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art originated in Kerala. Kalaripayattu is known as the mother of martial arts. Because its origin is still untraceable and legend says that, it is originated 3000 years ago in Kerala by Parasuraman who a disciple of Lord Shiva.
Image of Kalari
Kalarippayattu is taught by a master who is called as ‘Gurukkal’. And the place where it is practiced called Kalari. Kalaripayattu has got different styles focusing on both hands to hand combat and weapons. One of the interesting facts about kalarippayattu is that its attacking and defense style is inspired by animals. Such as Lion, Elephant, Tiger, Crocodile, Wild boar, cat, peacock and Snake. More than a martial art kalaripayattu is a tradition with dance forms and healing techniques.
Kalaripayattu has 4 semesters, In the first semester, students will have to practice controlling their body both physically and mentally. With various exercises and animal stances, various animal stances include Elephant stance (Gaja vadivu), Wild boar stance (Varaha vadivu), Lion stance (Simha vadivu), Horse stance (Ashwa vadivu), Cat stance (marjara vadivu) and Snake stance (Sarppa vadivu). In the second semester students will practice with wooden weapons. in the third semester, they will study to use weapons such as spear, sword, shield, and mace. And in the final semester, they will master in healing techniques.
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