v

Kuluppotti Marks Forms

54

22.

Thanithiramai Final Entry Form & Kuluppotti Final Entry Form

55-56

23.

Complaint Form

57

24.

Judge Report Form &

Grading and belts

58-60

5.

SILAMBAM MARTIAL ART SPORT HISTORY

How did silambam, the art of self defense, come into being?

In ancient days, pre historic man used a bamboo stick to protect himself from approachinganimals and
inimical humans. Because of its usefulness, they always had the stick with them. Whenthey went in search
of food, they had to walk long distances. Playfully they swirled the sticks that theycarried with them. As
and when some inimical humans attacked them with sticks, they had to defendthemselves with sticks.
Thus a kind of fighting with sticks began to develop. It the first defense machanion in human history.

Development of this art at the time of sieges and kings.

About 5000 years age. Sieges age shier, a great devotee of lord Muruga, the Tamil god,lived in the hills of
Pothigai in Thirunelveli District, that is situated in Tamilnadu in south India. It issaid that it was Agasthiar
who invented he is art of Silambam.Later on the chera, Chozha and Pandiya kings introduced this art in
their warfare and made itcompulsory for all the soldiers in the five wings of their military.In the recent
past, at the time of Pulidevan and Veera Pandiya Kattabomman (1760–1799) thisart was resurrected and
was used in the fights against the British. So the British passed orders not to practice Silambam.As for the
Tamils, Silambam is not only a weapon but also a traditional Martial art. So they practiced it for the sake of
physical fitness.

Techniques and WeaponsSilambam

is a weapon-based Dravidian martial art from Tamil Nadu in south India but also practiced by the Tamil
community of Malaysia ,Singapore, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Theword silambam refers to the bamboo staff
which is the main weapon used in this style. Other weaponsare also used such as the Maduvu (Deer
horn),

Kathi

(Knife) and

Vaal

(Sword). Unarmed Silambam,called Kuttu Varisai, utilizes stances and routines based on animal
movements such as the Snake,Tiger and Eagle forms.

The length of the staff depends on the height of the practitioner. It should just touch the forehead
aboutthree fingers from the head, although different lengths are used in different situations. It
usuallymeasures roughly 1.68 meters (five and a half feet). The 3 feet stick called

sedikutchi

can be easilyconcealed. Separate practice is needed for staves of different lengths. The usual stance
includesholding the staff at one end, right hand close to the back, left hand about 40 centimeters (16
inches)away. This position allows a wide array of stick and body movements, including complex attacks
and blocks.There are numerous sub sects in silambam like

nagam-16

(cobra-16),

Kallapathu

(Thieves ten),K

idamuttu

(goat head butting), K

uravanchi

kalyanavarisai

(similar to quarterstaff),

Thulukkanam
,and so on. Each is unique and may differ from one another in grip, posture, foot work, method ofattack,
length of the stick, movement of the stick etc.The bamboo staff, one of the first weapons used in Indian
martial arts, was in great demandwith the visitors

How did silambam come to be known a sport?

Rules and regulations were framed for silambam and so it developed into a sport. There arestate, national,
continental and international federations for silambam. Annual competitions are beingheld as per
norms.The All India Silambam Federation was duly registered in Government of Tamilnadu in 2006and is
functioning successfully. National competitions are held annually.The executive committee, meeting in
Kolalampur and 20

th

march 2009, decided to form theAsian Silambam Federation, bavings its head quarters in India. This
Federation has been dulyregistered in India.For the first time Asian silambam Federation conducted
competitions for men and women inall the three categories of sub-junior, junior and senior. It was held
from 3

rd

to 6

th

November, 2009 atCSI Hall Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District,Tamilnadu, India. 300 competitors from nine
nations ofIndia, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Indonesia, Thailand and Iran
Participated.

6. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

I. The Aims and Objects of the World Silambam Federation shall be:-

1.1). To organise, encourage, promote and control the Sport of Silambam1.2.) To provide facilities for
training and physical exercise in the Sport of Silambamand to render financial assistance to both
individuals and organisation for the promotionof such training.1.3.) To diffuse useful knowledge and
modern techniques in sports and physicalexercise by publishing literature in any form the participating in
such meetings inShuttlecock and abroad ; and1.4.) Generally to do anything with the promotion of Sport
of Silambam in particularand sports in general in the World.

II.

WSF members consist of :Level of WSF membership consist of :

2.1.)

THE FOUNDING MEMBER

National Association / Federation agency or Silambam recognized to represent certain National founding
WSF, in this case consisting of ALL INDIA SILAMBAMFEDERATION (AISF), PERSATUAN SILAMBAM MALAYSIA
(PSM) SRILANKA SILAMBAM FEDERATION (SlSF), SINGAPORE SILAMBAMFEDERATION (SSF),2.2.)

THE AFFILIATED MEMBER

A National Association / Federation of Silambam of certain country that has beenadmitted member of
WSF and recognized by the National - level agency authorized tomanage/be responsible for Silambam
affairs in the pertinent Country.2.3.) Regional Federation and National Association / Federation of
Silambam

from any

Nation. Each country shall be represented only by one national Association /Federation.2.4) In case any
certain Regional and country has no Regional / National levelSilambam Federation., membership shall only
be granted to one certain Silambamorganization which in the opinion of WSF may be accepted as a
member.2.5.) To promote and propagate the Art of Silambam as a means of sports,health improvements
and self defense.2.6.)To accept affiliations from countries those who are interested in the art
ofSilambam.2.6.) To Provide exhibitions in the art of Silambam.2.7.) To provide qualified examiners for
grading amongst members and to awardcertificates to members participating in such grading test.2.8.) To
organize and to hold tournaments for its members.2.9.) To promote understanding among members of all
races and to provide asource of exercise for physical, moral and mental development.2.10.) To encourage,
organize, control and sponsor Silambam as a sport in thewhole world.2.11.) To collect and receive
subscriptions and contributions and to administer its fundfor the furtherance of Silambam displays,
competitions and to raise or borrow moneythat may be required for the purpose of the federation in such
terms and on suchsecurity as may as required.2.12.) To print, publish or purchase the copyright or
otherwise acquire any books, journals, newspapers, periodicals or leaflets or any interest therein, and to
undertake any propaganda and to advertise in any manner which the federation may think desirable
forthe promotion of its objectives and to hold lectures and courses of instructions to promote this sport
Silambam.

2.13.) To act and do any lawful things conducive to the attainment of the Aims andObjects of the
federation.2.14.) With the prior approval of the competent authority to publishnewsletter and/or to
disseminate information on the activities anddevelopment of the Federation.

7. SILAMBAM AND OTHER ARTS

03.01. Guru Vanakkam

There are various ways of Silambam Guru Vanakkam which are practiced by the participants to honor
their gurus and at the same time respecting the audience.

03.02. Long Stick

The exponents are using eyebrow level in length and one inch width sticks. They swingthe stick in various
methods to defend and to counter attack the opponent. Even a manwith knife may easly be managed with
this long stick. This is the main instrument in thesilambam competition.

03.03. Double Short Stick

 Two short sticks, each about 3 feet in length may be used. A skilled exponent can guardhimself against
several hits, where he uses one hand to block and the other to counter-strike or thrust. Usually two short
sticks are better than one. The exponents with highskills can attack or strike and at the same time giving
no time for the opponent todefend. Please note that swaying the stick and turning the body left and right
will makethe opponent sometimes defenseless.

03.04. Chopper Knife

A men of highly skilled in martial art only can defend himself from various weaponslike a chopper, sword,
knife or an axe. He should move or dodge immediately when theexponent attacks. He can either give
blows, kicks, thrusts, or apply locks. Whenapplying locks like in wrestling, one can make the attacker with
weapon motionless. Ahigher form of techniques should be learnt before using it because it needs quick
anddecisive movement to apply locks against the opponent.

03.05. Locks

A person with inferior strength can lodge a wrestling lock against the man of greaterstrength. A weaker
person defends himself by performing a simple lock. This methodcan be used even if he/she is attacked by
weapons.

03.06. Sword & Shield

With a sword and shield one can give strike, hits, thrusts, swings to the various parts ofthe body of the
opponent. The defender must be skillful in order to defend from variousstrikes. This is usually a fight
against warriors; where they attack with a long sword gnddefend with a shield. In ancient war, the sword
and shield are commonly used by mostof the countries like Rome, India, China, etc.

03.07. Barehanded Techniques

This is an advanced form of sparring in which neither the technique of attack nor the roleof the attacker is
pre-arranged. The exponents are completely free to attack, defend andcounter attack with all the
techniques they have mastered .Exponents are dressed intraditional clothes however this does not affect
the techniques of silambam. It

is a

seriesof hand and leg play, where the defender defends and at the same time gives

kicks and

blows. It is a mixed combination of punches, strikes, chops, kicks and thrusts. So thedefender defends all
these movements and counter attacks immediately.

03.08. Spear fighting

Spear fighting techniques is rather similar to long pole fighting but the techniques usedhere are mostly
thrusts.

3.09. Maduvu (Maan kombu)

It is a short defending weapon usually made of deer horns. Since the horns are very rareto get, the
players usually use the weapon made of hard wood or soft iron bar. Theexponents with a single Maduvu
or double can defend himself against all chops ,strikesand hits. A very skilled person will be able to defend
and counter. Usually in India,maduvu will be played with long stick called "Puli Attam" where a man wears
acostume like a tiger and defends against a single or double attacker.

03.10. Short and long stick

There are more than 100 types of techniques in short/long stick sparring. Mostlythe techniques are of
strikes, thrusts and locks.

03.11. The steel-whip

The steel-whip is a weapon consisting of two to five stainless -steel blades riveted to ahandle grip. The
width of each blade is 1. 1\4 inches and each blade is 4 to 5 feet inlength. This weapon is used to combat
against a mob or to disburse an unruly crowd.Usually the steel-whip display are shown during festival
season and celebration nights.

Article-1

UNIFORM

01 PARTICIRANT'S UNIFORM

01.01 SHIRT

The front part of the Silambam participant shirt(refer picture 1)

1. White shirt2.

Shirt with 'Jippa' model with thick coat material and has two buttons3.

With Silambam logo on the right side4.

Elbow length sleeve with rubber edge in the end5.

The shirt's length should be half of the thigh with split lengthwise about 10 cm

Back part of the upper uniform(refer figure 2)

1.

At the back of the uniform written "Silambam India" / "Silambam Malaysia" etc.2.

The size of letters should be 2 inch high and 1/2 inch thick3.

The fonts must be in black.

01.02 PANTS (Figure 3 to 4

1.

The pant colour should be in black

2.

The pants hip should contain sap.

3.

The angle also should contain sap

4.

No extra fitting except with a small pocket

01.03 SHOE

(Figure

5)

1.
The participant shall wear white stockings.2.

The shoe shall also be in white colour.3.

The bottom of the shoe should be flat to avoid slipp during competition.

01.04

PATICIPANT'S UNIFORM FOR INIVIDUAL ANDSPARING EVENT Figure 6-7)

1.

The uniform of Silmbam participant for individual and sparing event (refer picture 6 & 7 )2.

A participant should wear approved Silambam uniform by the organization withWhite shoe.3.

The uniform should be tucked in properly.

01.05

PARTCIPANT'S UNIFORM FOR CULTURE

COMPETITION

Silambam participant's uniform for group event (refer figure 8

)
1.

A participant should wear approved silambam uniform.2.

The shirt need not be tucked.

3.

Must wear belt according to their to their status

01.06

SILAMBAM

JUDGE’S UNIFORMThe front part of judges uniform (refer figure 10)1.

White coloured long sleeve shirt2.

Black tie3.

The shirt tucked in properly4.

Must wear black belt5.

Black pant6.

Black stockings and block shoes.

01.07

COURTSILAMBAM COURT PREPARATION

1.

The court for all competitions are round in shape (see figure 13 )2.
There are 2 circles where the outer diameter is 22 feet while the inner diameter is22 feet.3.

The middle of the both circle is known as 'WARNING'.During the competition only one leg can past the
outer circle. If both of legs pastthe outer circle, 2 marks will be cut down. If the mistake is repeated, the
participant will be disqualified.

01.08

COURT FOR SELF SKILL

1.

Round shaped court (refer figure 11)2.

There are 5 seats for juries in front of the court.3.

2 Seats Athletes will be reserved at the left and Right corner.5 Seats at the leftcorner for

i)

Incharge of thecircle competitionii)

Asst. Time Keeperiii)

Announceriv)

Time keeperv)

Asst. Time Keeper

4.

There will be seats for the participant at the right and left side of the court.5.

Judge will be placed at the back of the court.i) First 3 seats are for marks writer (Scorer),ii) Last 3 seats are
marks counter.(Assistant)6.
Secretariat seat will be placed at the behind.

01.09

COMBAT COMPETITION'S COURT

1.

Round shaped court (refer picture 12 ).2.

There are round circle 5 seats for juries.3.

5 Seats at the left corner fori)

Incharge of thecircle competition

ii)

Asst. Time Keeper

iii)

Announcer

iv)

Time keeper

v)

Asst. Time Keeper

4.

At the upper right corner 2 seats for reader and mark counter for green player.5.

At the lower left corner 2 seats for reader and mark counter for red layer.6.
Court's right side is for participants of green protected wired couch to seat.7.

Court's left side is for participants of red protected wired couch to seat.8.

The score board is placed in right side of the court.9.

At the back 3 seat would be provided for :i) Right side seat is for mark counter for green player.ii) Middle is
for chief judge.iii) Left side seat for mark counter for red player.10. At the back there is a seat for
secretariat.11 .At the middle of the court there is 3 silambam stick.i) Left and right side of the silambam
stick for the participant shall be of3\4 inch width and length shall be of forehead level,ii) The silambam
stick in the middle is for chief judge shall be of3\4 width and the length shall be of forehead level.

SILAMBAMCOMBATCOURT(Measurement)

2 2 f t 20ft
rticle-2

Competition

Divisions:

TAMIL - ENGLISH

1.

Kuthuvarisai - Bare Hands Forms2.

Otrai Kambu Veechu - Stick Swing3.

Erattai Kambu Veechu - Double Stick Swing4.

Kambu Sandai - Stick Fighting5.

Kulupotti - Group CompetitionThese divisions have separate competitions

TANITHIRAMAI COMPETITION

1.

In this event, the participant must show their own talent with one stick .2.

In this event if the stick falls, it can be picked up for only one time for eachright and left hand. If the stick
falls, but it can be catched up before the stick reaches thefloor, it will not be considered as a fall.

Silambam competitions are conducted on the basis of Mini Sub-Junior, Sub-Junior, Junior, Senior(Male,
Female) based on their age.

Article-3

Kuthu Varisai

1.

(Kuthu Varisai) - Bare Hands Forms:

Fighting with Hands and legs are called Individual talent Kuthu Varisai
1.

This competition is done with free hand technique2.

There are 4 types of Toothu.i) Indian Style

ii) Malaysian Styleiii) Sri lagans Styleiv) Singaporeans Style

25

3. Special form is to be used. The information in the form will be as below.

i) Participants and group's name.

ii) Participator's and group's name,

iii) style -25%

iv) Speed -25%

v) Skill -25%

vi) Variety - 25%

vii) Total 100 %viii) Judge's name

Article-4

Otrai Kambu Veechu

2.
Otrai Kambu Veechu - Single Stick Swing :

Single Hands Long Stick Swing

Single Hands Middle Stick SwingThese four competitions are based on their individual Traditional Different
performance.

COMPETITION RULES1.

Wearing complete uniform with the shirt tucked in and wearing white shoeswith stockings.2.

Personal accessories are not allowed.3.

Participants with long hair should tie them up properly.4.

Participants will have to use their own silambam stick which is

inch bywidth and forehead level length by long.07.02 ENTERING INTO THE COURTRefer to figure to see the
correct way of showing respect before the Self SkillCompetition starts. Participants are supposed to be
ready when their names arecalled and make sure that their names are called correctly

07.03. SELF SKILL PERFORMANCE

1.

The event is assigned 2 minutes.2.

When the participants are ready, the time keeping judge will blow the whistle.3.
The participants will show skills according to their techniques learned.4.

Each participant should collect at least 9 point in order to go to the next stage. Ifany participant gets less
than the required points. The participant will beautomatically disqualified for the combat event.5.

Participants are required to follow the rules as stated in the form.i) Padai veechu (Nedungkambu) all
which consist of 10 unique rounds.

Each round carries 0.5 points the overall marks will be 5 points,Alangara veechu (nadungkambu ) all which
consist of 10 unique rounds. FaceRound carries 0.5 point which the overall marks will be point,ii) Kaaladi
varisai (Leg Steps) is divided into 2 parts.

FIRST:

a.. Sendippu e. Kirukki i. Kintal

b. Udaan f. Pirallai j. Thirumandy

c. Baski g.. Pammal

d. Takki h.. PatunggalSECOND :

a. Vaaral d.Aruppu

b. Vettu e.Kuthu

c. Veechu

Each style carries 0.3 point.iii)

vi) Karanam is another part where participant will get 0.5 point overall,iv) Each of the following items carry
maximum of one mark.
a. Style

b. Speed

c. Skill

d. Variety

e. Power/Discipline

6. The total of score will be prepared at the special column.

i. The juries' and judges' names will be written for reference in the

form,ii.

If the participant came out of the court, two marks will be deducted,iii.

If the participant drop the silambam stick, 2 marks will be deducted. If herepeats the same mistake, he will
be disqualified,iv. After the competition for this category ends, chief official will paste themarks list at the
score board for reference of the management and coach,v) Chief official will receive all the category's form
after the competition end.vi) Chief official will fill up the special form and paste it at the score board.

Article-5

Erattai KambuErattai Kambu Veechu - Double Swing

Double Hands Long Stick Swing


Double Hands Middle Stick SwingThese four competitions are based on their individual Traditional
Different performance.

Each of the following items carry maximum of one mark.

a. Style

b. Speed

c. Skill

d. Variety

e. Power/Discipline

1.1. MARKS CALCULATION

i) Style-20% iv) Power -20%

ii) Speed

-20% v) Variety-20%

iii)

Skill

-20% vi) Total-100%

The total of score will be prepared at the special column.

Article-6

1.

Kulupotti - Group Competition:

Kulupotti - Group Competition Rules (Cultural Competition)

1.

Culture event participants must be of 10 members from every group.2.

Must wear full silambam uniform.3.

Do not wear shoes because this is culture event.4.

10 events must be performed within 10 minutes.5.

Participants can take part in any of the 2 events only.6.

The beginning and the end of the group event is Guruvanakam.

7.

Culture event form is to be used.8.

The marks are also as same as in the group event,9.

This is to inspire them and to implore their quality.10.

Total time 10 Minutes.11.

All the participants must do any one the events Compulsory.

2 . TYPES OF EVENTS

There are 11 types of events as shown below:

i)

Guruvanakam

- group of 1 10 participants and 15 Techniques (compulsory)

ii)

Freehand
- 2 participants.

iii)

Pidivarisai

- 2 participants.

iv)

Netri Matta Silambam

- 2 participants - use 1 or

inch thickness stick.

v)

Sedi kuchi vilayaddu murai

- 2 participants - % inch thickness

36 inch long

vi)

Maan kombu murai

- 2 participants – stick or deer's horn (2 feet)

vii)

Kathi pidi vilayattu

- 2 participants -10 inch plastic knife or stick,

viii)

Eetti

- 2 participants

ix)

Kedayam - vaal
- 2 participants -36 inch knife

x)

Sword

- 2 participants -36 inch (fencing)

xi)

Surul

- only 1 participants - 5 feet steel blades (2 or 3).

3. MARKS CALCULATION

i) Style-20% iv) Power -20%

ii) Speed

-20% v) Variety-20%

iii)

Skill

-20% vi) Total-100%

Article-7

1. Kambu Sandai - Stick fighting:

This style totally differs from all previous demonstrative styles. Based on the age group and body
weightgroup the competition will be divided.One will wear identity of blue and the other with red identity
in the field. They have to obey the rules ofWorld Silambam Foundation and will fight in the Light Contact
way. Specific time will be allotted for them andafter the allotted time the Judges will announce their
results.

2. KAMBU SANDAI COMPETITION RULES AND REGULATIONS1.

Wear full silambam uniform with the shirt is tucking in, wear socks andwhite shoes.2.

Not allowed to wear Jewells.3.

Female participant must tie their long hair.4.

Must wear self protections as (fig. 21-26)

i) Head gearii) Body cover / shield padiii) Abdomen guardiv) Arm guard

v) Knee cap

5. Wear specified colors either, red or green

PAGE 30 COMPLETE

3. THE METHOD OF ENTERING BY JUDGE.1.

Every judge should take their seat as stated.2.

Green dressed participant should be with their coach in the right side of

the court.3.

Red dressed participant should be with their coach in the left side of thecourt.4.

Chief Judge will enter the court and gives respect to the juries, (fig. 19 )

i) Stand straight after giving respect (Vanakam)

ii) ' The ways of calling participants to the court and signal.vi)

The ways of showing the winners and signal.vii)

The ways of the judge giving respects to the chief judge, (by hand)The judge should stand straight before
and after giving respects.