Thang Ta: Manipur's Little Known Martial Art

Thang Ta- "The Art of the Sword and Spear"- is the  traditional martial art of Manipur in Northeast India. It integrates various external weapons - the sword, spear, dagger, etc - with the internal practice of physical control through soft movements coordinated with the rhythms of breathing. It is part of the great heroic tradition of Manipur.

What is Thang Ta?

Proper name for Thang-Ta is HUYEN LALLONG (method of safe-guarding). It is more than just the training of fighting skills. It is an elaborate system of physical culture that involves breathing methods, meditations, and rituals. Some of the sword and spear forms are entirely ritualistic, although they are composed of material techniques.

Huyen Lallong

The heart of Thang-Ta is the "sword". There are literally hundreds of different sword drills for training the basic strokes and stepping patterns.  Many are two person sets, but others may be practiced solo, at least initially.  

Swordplay

Three warriors- Paona Naol Singh, Ningthoukhongja Poila, Loukrakpam Sana Mityeng each founded a distinct style within the art of THANG-TA. Paona died fighting the British and is still regarded as a hero in Manipur.

Styles

Some of the sword and spear forms are entirely ritualistic, although they are composed of material techniques.  They are to be performed only at special occasions or under special circumstances.

Ritualistic Dances

There is a spear dance form that is performed at funerals. Perhaps the most famous form is the ritual spear dance done by King Bhagyachandra on a mountain top during his exile due to the Burmese invasion in 1762.

Spear Dance Form

TThe unarmed aspect of Thang-Ta is named SARIT-SARAT. Traditionally, it is taught after competence in weapons was gained.  It uses footwork and handwork form the weapons forms, with a liberal dose of the native wrestling style (MUKNA) thrown in.

Unarmed Style

It has been promoted as a sport all over India and as a self-defence tactical subject. Competitions are held yearly at school, district, state and national level. The promotion as a sport helped in the cause of its spread from Manipur to the whole of India, particularly J&K. 

Promotion