Kalaripayattu, Kerala
It is one of the oldest martial arts form of India, believed to have introduced by a sage identified as Parasurama, who built temples. Its important key is the footwork along with the use of kickes, strikes and weapon such as swords and shields
Silambam, Tamil Nadu
This modern and scientific martial art from Tamil Nadu involves swift movements of the foot, use of thrust, cut, chop, sweep utilising snake hits, monkey hits, hawk hits and others during body movement
Thang-ta and Sarit Sarak, Manipur
This martial art form was created by the Meitei people of Manipur. Thang means sword and Ta refered to spear. It is an armed martial art form while the Sarit Sarak is an unarmed art form that uses hand to hand combat
Thoda, Himachal Pradesh
It is a mixture of martial art, sport and culture with its name derived from the round wooden piece attached to the head of an arrow to minimise its lethal potential. This art form dates back at the time of Mahabharata where bows and arrows were used in Kullu and Manali
Gatka, Punjab
It is weapon based martial art performed by the Sikhs of Punjab. This art uses weapons like Kirpan, Talwar and Kataar and is displayed in various occasions, celebrations in the state
Lathi (performed in multiple states)
One of the oldest weapon based martial art form, the 'lathi' which usually means stick is a common sport in various villages of the country. The sticks are either cane based or sometimes metal tipped, generally 6 to 8 feet in length
Inbuan wrestling, Mizoram
This strict martial art form of Mizoram is believed to have originated in 1750 AD in Duntland village. It involves catching the belt worn around their waist by the wrestlers and pushing the opponents out of the circle by kicking and knee bending
Kuttu Varisai, (practised in Southern states of India)
This martial art form finds mention in Sangam literature in the first or second century BC. It is an empty hand combat used to advance athleticism and footwork througjh yoga, gymnastics etc
Musti Yuddha, Varanasi
This martial art form involves techniques of kicks, punches, knee and elbow strikes and has been popular since 1960. This art form is divided into four categories - Jambuvanti, Hanumanti, Bhimaseni and Jarasandhi
Pari Khanda, Bihar
'Pari' means shield while 'Khanda' refers to sword. Therefore, both shielf and sword are used in this art. This martial art form is is used in Chhau dance of Bihar