Ancient Tamil weapon-based martial art using the bamboo staff
Join This Class All ClassesSilambam is one of the oldest martial arts of India, originating in Tamil Nadu with roots that historians trace back over a thousand years to the Sangam era. It centres on staff-fighting (silambam kaal) using a long bamboo staff, alongside footwork, deer-horn weapons, and unarmed combat techniques, and historically influenced other regional martial arts through trade and migration across South and Southeast Asia.
Silambam is represented in competitive form through state-level associations in Tamil Nadu and national bodies working to standardise rules for tournaments, alongside international bodies such as the World Silambam Association that promote the art outside India.
Students who reach state, national or international medal standard in recognised martial arts tournaments may become eligible for benefits under Government of India and Tamil Nadu sports schemes — including Khelo India scholarships, Sports Authority of India (SAI) support, and sports-quota consideration in select educational institutions and government recruitment. Eligibility criteria, documentation and scheme availability change from time to time and are decided by the respective government departments — please confirm current rules directly with SAI / the relevant department, or ask us and we'll point you in the right direction.
