Angampora: The Glorious, Traditional Sri Lankan Martial Art.

It's been more than a million years since the first human was born, and since then they've had to face a gazillion challenges in this rapidly changing world.
While learning the methods of survival, they discovered that adapting to a social group is the most basic one. Why?
 
We figured that staying in packs allows us better chances of survival. But it wasn't the socialising that assisted in survival, it was something else.
Image Source : fubini.swarthmore.edu
As time passed, more social groups were formed. Each group appointed a leader to look up to. Due to various political, cultural, social and economical reasons the leaders craved for more power, and it resulted in fights between these communities. The people needed unique techniques to defeat their enemies and hence Martial Arts came into being.  
 
There are hundreads of martial arts in the known world and Angampora, the traditional martial art devised by ancient Sri Lankans is known to possess some of the most lethal, highly disciplined techniques in the world.
 
What is Angampora, and how did it come to being? Here's a brief annotation for you.

The Origins of Angampora

Photo Credits : Dhammika Heenpella

The origins of Angampora are scattered throughout history. It's believed to be older than 33,000 years along with the story of Kataragama Mahasen, the brave Angampora warrior of Yakkha tribe. Later at the time of Maha Ravana who was born to the same tribe, Angampora was vastly expanded. It became more popular as it was introduced to Buddhist civilization.

Throughout the time of King Dutugemunu, the ten giant warriors of his army (Dasa Maha Yodhayo) used Angampora techniques in the battles against the Warlord Elara.

Gotaimbara was one of the ten giants, and he had a separate conflict with Ritigala Jayasena, a powerful member of Yakkha tribe. Gotaimbara tried to flirt with Jayasena's beautiful wife which led to a huge fight. According to Mahãvamsa, Gotaimbara had decaptiated Jayasena by a single Angampora kick to the neck. 

The Gurukula

Image Source : srilankafoundation.org

The parties who taught Angampora for latter generations were called Gurukula. They arose during the Kandyan period as the need and the importance of Angampora was increased due to British imperialism in Sri Lanka. There were two main Gurukula in the country; Sudaliya and Maruwalliya.

A new administrative system was developed and the senior members of Gurukula were given titles. Mohottala, Sudaliya Muhandiram, Maruwalliya Muhandiram are a few of them. 

The Kings also supported the improvement of Angampora by offering Nindagam (villages granted for officers in King's service to carry out work in the name of the king). While some of the Sudaliya Nindagam were located at Matale, Harispaththuwa, Siduruwana, Udunuwara and Yatinuwara, the Nindagam belonged to Maruwalliya were established at Hewaheta, Udapalatha, Delthota and Rathmale. 

The Art of Fighting

Image Source : angampora.info

According to the contemporary experts in Angampora history, there have been six subject areas related to Angampora Education. 

They are:
 Angampora (Unarmed combat), Ilangampora (Armed combat), Maya Angam (Black and white magic), the Art of Dancing and Drumming, Herbal Medicine and Astrology. 

Over the span of time, some of these areas have been lost but the most parts of it have been preserved well by the passionate masters.

The term Angampora refers to physical combat, and is essentially the martial use of limbs, but no weapons. It's categorized into three types; Pora Haramba (offensive and defensive techniques), Gataputtu (grips and locks) and Maru Kala (Vital point attacks). 

Pora Haramba

Image Source : exploresrilanka.lk

Pora Haramba has eighteen offensive strikes that can do serious damages to the opponent, and seven defensive techniques to avoid punches from the opponent. Dik gutiya, Athul pahara, Piti pahara are some of the popular offensive techniques in Angampora.

Gataputtu

Image Source : angampora.com

In order to disarm the enemy, make him weak or to kill, the Gataputtu strategy is used. This includes putting grips, locks on opponent’s body parts like hands, legs, and head etc. Diyaballu GatayaKathira Gataya, Pimburu Gataya, and Wanda Gataya are few of the many Gataputtu methods. A proper Angampora warrior should know all these, as well as the techniques to redeem from them.

Maru Kala 

Image Source : angampora.com

Maru Kala is the most important technique in Angampora. It is advanced and not everyone gets the opportunity to learn it, as this subject includes the study of crucial nerve point strikes. Such strikes require a certain amount of power and speed, and a fighter who is excelled at Maru Kala can cause great pain to the opponent, make him paralysed, incompetent, swoon or give a quick death. 

Therefore, a few selected people who are trustworthy can study this, and they should swear a special oath by the name of Lord Buddha and Maha Ravana to not to use these techniques against anyone, unless it’s absolutely necessary. They also can’t teach Maru Kala to anyone with low qualities. 

Ilangampora

Image Source : nation.lk

Ilangampora, the art of armed combat is consisting thirty two weapons (Dethis Ayudha) and divided into four main categories; Curved weapons, Circular weapons, Long weapons, and Blunt weapons.
An Angampora student should at least practice for two years before they learn Ilangampora, as it requires a great dedication and discipline.

During that training period trainees got to practice with wooden swords at baby coconut trees, or banana trees. The archery training is done using targets drawn on trees, and swinging coconuts.

The Legacy of Angampora

Image Source : wikipedia.org
In 1815, an agreement (The Kandyan Convention – Udarata Giwisuma) was signed by the British and Chiefs of the Kandyan Kingdom to forfeit all claims made by the King Sri Wickrema Rajasinha to the throne of Kandy. The dominion was vested in the sovereign of the British Empire, and thus began the Legacy of Angampora.
 

 The British already feared the power of Angampora, and once they received authority over the Kandyan Kingdom they started massacring the fierce Angampora fighters of that time.

Few members of main two Gurukula were able to survive this bloodbath, and continued practicing Angampora while teaching the later generations. The descendants of such families still live in Karathota, Ritigala and Awissawella areas.

Angampora isn't just an ancient martial art that originated in Sri Lanka, but a symbol that portrays our cultural value as a country and serves as a reminder of our fearless nation. It should be given a platform of professional status in the country, so this thousand year tradition can be preserved for future generations.
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Kamikura: A Journey into Authentic Japanese Cuisine

dBy Sharon Nonis Welcome to Kamikura, where the essence of Japanese cuisine meets the heart

Kamu

Full’R Burgers is Flipping into Maharagama

by Vimasha Vishvadari If you're on the lookout for the ideal burger spot in the

Kamu

Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Top Chinese Dining at ITC Ratnadipa Blends Tradition with Modern Flair

By Poornima Bandara Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Premier Chinese Dining Experience at ITC Ratnadipa

Highlights Kamu

Seafood Watti Rice: A Flavorful Feast from Fathi’s Spice Attic

Watti Rice is a delightful Sri Lankan dish that combines various meats, such as seafood

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa Announces Road to Give 2024: A Global Movement for Local Impact

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa is proud to announce its participation in Road to

Trending

9 Unisex Gift Ideas for Your Friends

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Finding the perfect gift for your friends can be a delightful

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

 Dilmah Unveils their Very Special Rare Tea Collection at the t-Lounge, Horton Place

https://www.tiktok.com/@yamusrilanka/video/7415920549815160072 Dilmah, renowned globally for its dedication to tea excellence, unveiled its latest hand-picked collection

Highlights Trending

MSI Launches Next-Gen AI+ Gaming and Business & Productivity Laptops with Latest Processors at IFA 2024

IFA 2024 හිදී MSI නවතම ප්‍රොසෙසර සහිත Next-Gen AI+ ගේමිං, ව්‍යාපාර සහ ඵලදායිතා ලැප්ටොප් පරිගණක

Trending

The Best Tool for the AI Era of Computing: How to Choose Your AI Laptop

This year, the focus on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost productivity is gaining significant

Trending

MSI Launches Next-Gen AI+ Gaming and Business & Productivity Laptops with Latest Processors at IFA 2024

Featuring Iatest AI-supported processors and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ graphics MSI, a leading brand in gaming,

Trending

Yamu Guide.

9 Unisex Gift Ideas for Your Friends

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Finding the perfect gift for your friends can be a delightful

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

9 Must-Read Self-Help Books for Personal Growth

By Jordain De Mel In recent years, people have turned to self-help books to serve

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top Restaurants with the best Cashback offers from Mintpay

With Mintpay, have a gastronomic journey and earn cashback rewards as you go! Every taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

10 Places To Celebrate Father’s Day 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya, Father’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top 10 Places to Work or Study in Colombo in 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Hey there! Feeling the walls closing in at home while you work

Highlights Yamu Guide