Thread by @almightykarthik

In the quoted thread, I (re)introduced Varma Kalai few days back. Today, let us look at one of its components – AdiMurai!

#Thread

AdiMurai is the combat branch of Varma Kalai, which literally translates to ‘Methods of Attack’.

@LostTemple7 @Lost_History1 @HelloNNewman

https://twitter.com/almightykarthik/status/1326485660321148928

AdiMurai is believed to be developed and introduced in Tamil Nadu by Siddhars (my main reason for interest in this topic). As mentioned in my previous thread, AdiMurai was patronized by the ‘Moovendhars’ (three great Kings) or in this case dynasties: Pandyas, Chozhas, and Cheras.

AdiMurai can be broken into three different components as below:

1)Adithadi (Unarmed Combat)
2)Aayuthamurai (Armed Combat)
3)Varma Adi (Pressure points attack – this is the principal reason, Adi Murai was hailed as Combat Science)

@RajiIndustani @Kishoreciyer1 @mayfair1958

Let us look at each of these components now:

1)Adithadi – This branch is a culmination of three forms – Adi (attack/strike), Thadu (block/counter) and Pidi (hold/grapple). Sounds familiar? It is widely believed that this form of AdiMurai is the progenitor of Muay Thai style.

Adithadi also was used by its practitioners as a sport in festivals to test their skill against one another.

Lessons in this form are as below:

a)Kuthu Varisai (Striking Sequence): Kai Kuthu Varisai(Hands), Kaaladi Kuthu Varisai(Legs), Nethi Adi (headbutts)

@Bhaktirassagar

b)Thadu Varisai (Blocking Sequences): Thalai Thaduppugal (Head Blocks), Kai Thaduppugal(Hand Blocks), Kaal Thaduppugal(Leg Blocks)
c)Pidi Varisai (Grappling sequences): Pootukal (locks), Therrupikal (Counters), Eri (Throw)

@DharmaSthapana_ @VedicWisdom1 @RapperPandit

d)Adi varisai (Hitting or Attack Sequences): Adi Varisai is the final stage of the Adithadi; it teaches Striking, Counters and Grappling as combinations. Almost every part of the body is used, and every move uses the whole body (kinetic linking) to achieve maximum power +

+ from the practitioners strikes, locks and counters. Adi Varisai has 3 variations for every strike, grip and counter in their arsenal and 12 angles. Once these techniques are learnt the practitioner only need use them in different combinations to come up +
@Mahadevangini

+ with an unlimited number of attacks and defences

2)Aayuthamurai – As the name suggests, it’s a weapon-based component of Adi Murai and was predominantly developed to make use of weapons available to peasants – Long Sticks, Short Sticks, Knife.

@VedicCulture__

Later when the three great dynasties of Southern Kingdom practised this fighting style, they assimilated the use of war weapons like Vaal (Sword), Surul (flexible long blade weapon) and Vettu Kathi (a kind of Machete).

@harshasherni @Itishree001 @sambhashan_in

Lessons in this form are as below:

a)Ayudha Varisai (weapon sequences)
b)Kaaladi (footwork)
c)Sandai Padamurai (Fighting against a single, skilled opponent with weapons)
d)Padai Veechi (Fighting multiple attackers)

@chittukuruvi4 @ChitraSundaram7

3)Varma Adi – This is not a fighting style, rather it’s the knowledge of the locations and angles of attack on the 108 pressure points in human body. This is the last form of AdiMurai and is taught to a practitioner after they attain mastery over Adithadi and Aayuthamurai.

This seems to be form used in guerrilla attack by army when they do not want cause any commotion.

Lessons in this form are:

a)Mudhrangal (Finger Positions)
b)Miyangal (Centres)
c)Adigal (Attacks): Padu varumam(Lethal points), Podhu Varumam(common-points)

d)Adangal (Revival): Miyam Adangal (Revival at centers), Podhu adangal (Common Revivals)
e)Kutthu Katai (Striking stick): This is a small stick a little greater than the width of the practitioners palm (similar to the yawara stick or kubotan), it can be devastating +

when used in combination with the knowledge of Varma Adi.

Once a practitioner masters all three components of AdiMurai, they’re known as ‘Ahsaan’ (Master of Masters) – the title seems to be similar to one given when mastered all three components of Varma Kalai.

@hathyogi31

Why am I sharing information on an ancient fighting style now? Good question, my reasons are as below:

1)We have right to know about our history & culture
2)To highlight that we not only gave knowledge to world but also devastating fighting style

@Elf_of_Shiva_ @DivineElement

3)Siddhars – as an enlightened being, not only devised ways to keep ourselves healthy, but also gave us means to protect & defend ourselves as well as our cultures

Hope you enjoyed reading and knowing about our ancient culture and fighting style.

@rightwingchora @InfoVedic

Have a great rest of the day and week ahead! 🙂🙏

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@BesuraTaansane @desi_thug1