Fusing elements belonging to \u201cself-defense techniques, sports exercise, and meditation\u201d is a South Asian martial art form known as Angampora. This \u201cgrappling and striking\u201d form of combat is said to have originated from Sri Lanka. Furthermore, a major component in this martial art form comprises of the \u201cangam\u201d which involves the use of hand fighting, and \u201cillangam\u201d which includes the use of weapons such as ethunu kaduwa, knives, and swords. In addition, brutal tactics such as \u201cpressure point attacks\u201d are also used in this combat form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the cultural history of Sri Lanka, the Angampora is said to have developed about 30,000 years ago. Apparently, it was said to have been developed within a tribal community known as the Yaksha. Furthermore, there is a couple of ancient literature titled \u201cVarga Purnikawa\u201d and \u201cPancha Rakkhawaliya\u201d that suggests that there were in total nine hermits who actually established this martial art form. In addition, it was during the medieval period in Sri Lanka\u2019s rich history that this unique combat form fast gained popularity in society. In fact, it was when Bhuvanekabahu VI of Kotte successfully captured the kingdom of Jaffna that he used fighters who were experts in the Angampora combat form. In addition, warriors who understood this martial art form were also used by the army of Mayadunne of Sitawaka during the Battle of Mulleriyawa in the year 1562.\u00a0 It was eventually in the year 1817 under the colonial rule of the British that Angampora was banned. It was eventually after Sri Lanka attained its independence in the year 1948 that this martial art form began to be practiced in public in an area known as Belligal Korale. In 2001, an organization is known as \u201cJathika Hela Angam Shilpa Kala Sangamaya\u201d was established in the country to maintain the legacy of this martial art form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In terms of unarmed combat the weapon mainly used are the \u201chands and feet\u201d of the wrestler. While in case of armed combat the weapon mainly used will include sword, knives, and staves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In terms of technique, \u201cstriking and grappling\u201d are mainly used by a fighter to overcome an opponent. And so moves such as locks, grips, strikes, blocks, and nerve point attacks are frequently used in this combat form. Furthermore, weapons such sword, shields, knives etc may also be used in the Angampora. As for training centers\/schools, there are none available around the world for those interested in learning this \u201cgrappling and striking\u201d combat form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n