By, Bhevithrah Bala
Pandas are the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the bamboo stick. Yet there is a hidden agenda in a bamboo stick that is not visible to most of us. A bamboo stick is a weapon used to learn a martial art. Yes! That is what Indian history says. It is used to learn Silambam, which is widely known as an Indian martial art.
Silambam was and is practised by Indians around the globe. However, it originated in Tamil Nadu. It derives from the Tamil world, where "silam" means "hill" and the Kannada word "bambu" means "bamboo" in English. The name Silambam was named after the primary weapon, bamboo. In ancient times, a certain type of bamboo stick that could only be found on the Kurinjimala hill was used to practise silambam. According to popular belief, the martial art was founded by Sage Agasthya.
Nowadays, different weapons are used to practise silambam. Other than bamboo, weapons used other than bamboo are the Maru, a weapon made of deer antlers; sickles; whips; knives; blades; and swords. Also, the panthukol, which is a ball with a weighted chain at each end. Furthermore, the master who teaches Silambam is called Asaan, while the great master is called Periyasaan.
Furthermore, there are eighteen styles of Silambam practised in modern times. The different styles of Silambam are Nillai Kalakki, Karnatakan, Kuravanji, Kuthu Kuravanji, Komberi Mookan, Paniyeri Mallan, Minnal Veeran, Minnal Vettu, Nagam, Naga Pasanam, Kalla-Pathu, Thuluk Kanam, Markanam, Kida Muttu, Kalayana Varisai, Tomman Kuthu, Paarvai Vilayaatu, and Kallagam. Nillai Kalakki is a form of Silambam which is popular outside India. It is especially practised in Malaysia. The Kuruvanji style of Silambam is famous in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) is a university famous for its landscape and natural beauty. However, it is also known as the best management university out there. There are approximately 148 clubs operating, and one of them is the Silambam Society.
Silambam society has been in operation for 18 years. The current president of the UUM Silambam Society is Thiben Raj Nagarajan, who is also a current undergraduate student at UUM. He is pursuing his degree as a Bachelor of Communication with Honors.
As Thiben said, "Silambam is not only seen as self-defense but it also does help the learners in other ways too." Indeed, most of the readers would have assumed that Silambam is a martial art and it only helps people to save themselves from danger. Self-defense is the act of protecting oneself from danger. However, there is also an inner meaning that teaches us how to love ourselves.
On the contrary, some of them would assume that this is just a traditional element that has been practiced by Indians. Moreover, they conclude that they are trying to preserve it since nowadays people are not interested in learning it. Yet there are some other elements that have been deeply buried under the bamboo stick.
According to Francis Bacon, "Who questions much, shall learn much, and retain much". As per usual, one must ask more questions to gain more knowledge. That is how we got to know more about the hidden agenda of the bamboo stick. The interview with the President of the Silambam Society gave us more information.
Firstly, yes, self-defense. By learning how to swirl the bamboo stick, when one is in danger, they can use their hand movements to protect themselves. It does not require a bamboo stick once you learn how to smoothly move your hands according to the skills, because we could not possibly carry a 6-inch bamboo stick wherever we go. It is actually a useful skill for women, since they can attack the stalkers when they are being attacked.
Secondly, it helps to improve blood circulation. Rotating the bamboo stick correctly helps to flex the nerves inside the body and eventually smooth the blood circulation. When you rotate, it sends blood to your organs and decreases the chances of creating blocks in the vessels.
Thirdly, it increases the body’s flexibility. When rotating the bamboo stick, not only the hands are in use, but the whole body is in it. When the upper body and the lower body move strategically, it helps to improve the joint and muscular coordination of the body.
Next, bamboo sticks help to improve the level of patience. Being patient in the digital era is something unpopular. On the contrary, learning Silambam requires patience. According to Thiben, it is a slow process where learners need a lot of patience to learn Silambam step-by-step in order to fully reach the excellence level.
We could not possibly learn the skills by attending a month of class. It takes time, based on the learner’s ability. because there are slow learners as well as fast learners. By turning the bamboo stick, the students can also learn how to keep their cool.
Plus, one of the main benefits is the focus. Practicing the wholesome activity could sharpen the alert level of the mind. Rotating a bamboo stick is not an easy peasy lemon squeezy act. It requires ultimate focus because one wrong move has the possibility of damaging organs and life.
Focusing on the movements of their own hands and feet and the opponent can lead them to win the fight. In addition, if the student is a student, then it is useful for them to focus on their lessons as the lecture progresses. Most students who have been practicing Silambam have admitted that they have been achieving good academic results.
Silambam is slowly becoming famous after Karate and Kung Fu, after being popular for its benefits. Trying to learn Silambam is not harmful, but adventurous. By educating yourself consistently and trying new things, you will learn that you are capable of change and growth, which allows you to stay open to new opportunities in life.
Moreover, trying something new boosts our confidence. Going out to climb a mountain or do something that requires confidence will force us to increase our confidence on our own. We will feel self-improvement and be surprised at the potential we have in ourselves. No wonder bamboo sticks have their own legend.
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