The use of Quarter-Staff (Stick) in fighting and recreation seems to have been in existence in some form or the other in almost all countries of the world in all times. However, the mode and style of play vary from state to state.

            In India, stick handling techniques are called Silambam. Silambam is an old Martial and Folk art practice. It has been very popular for centuries. Since this art originated in Tamilnadu (One of the states in India), we can find so much of evidence in Tamil literatures like Purananooru, Agasthiar Kambu Suthiram and some other minor literary pieces. Silambam is considered as one of the 64 arts of ancient period, thereby we say it is the mother of all martial arts with unique techniques and practices. In Sangam era, the kings who ruled Dravidanadu greatly patronized this combative art. It was used during warfare.

In modern times, Silambam has three types. They are as follows:-

1. Silambam for SELF DEFENCE from enemies and wild animals.
2. Silambam for DEMONSTRATION or RECREATION during Festivals, important occasions etc.,
3. Silambam in SPORT. Unlike other sports activities, Silambam is performed with certain rules and regulations.

ADVANTAGES OF SILAMBAM TRAINING           

           The wielding of Silambam has developed into a highly sophisticated art with numerous skills. Therapeutic effects, developing strength, health and promoting alertness are attained in the practice of Silambam.

SILAMBAM PROJECT

           We all know that India is rich for its traditional and cultural heritage. Like other foreign countries, we people of India also giving more importance to propagate our traditional arts. In that perception, we, Simashan Institute of Martial Arts, Madurai (established in 2001) have decided to propagate our cultural and martial art ‘Silambam’ all over the world through demonstration in DVD and VCD form. Silambam art is one of the 64 arts of ancient and mother of all martial arts found in tamil history and literature. But this art is slowly vanishing its reputation now a days.

            Meanwhile, foreign countries are very much interested in doing research work on our Indian cultural art ‘Silambam’. For instance, Mr. Edward L. Powe from Wisconsin (U.S.A) prepared a research book with full details of Silambam and other relevance martial arts through our Simashan Institute of Martial Arts frequently.

            However, if Silambam art comes in VCD or DVD demonstration form, it would be helpful for foreign tourist to realize our beauty of art and we can focus this art to our younger generation mind. Thereby, Silambam will retain its reputation through demonstration programme.

          Moreover, People’s President of India Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam released the completed version of this Silambam project all over the world, dated on 19th January 2008 at Madurai (TN). Hence, this is part of your interest and help for preserving and regenerating our cultural art – Silambam and other kind of Dravidian martial arts.

Title of our First Silambam Project: Indian Martial Art Silambam
Production : Simashan Institute of Martial Arts
Photography & Edited by : B.Uma Chandramohan
Music : R.Prabakar
Training and Direction : Dr.Shahul Hameed
Length of the Project (Dvd) : 1hour 45minutes
Language : English / Tamil
Subtitle : English
Cost of the Dvd : India : Rs.175, Abroad : $14
Project Year : 2006-2007
Project Released : January 2008 by Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam

To View our Silambam Project Clippings, Kindly Follow the Link

Video Clippings

For the Completed Version of Silambam Project, Plese Email us simashansha@gmail.comOr simashan_sha@yahoo.com