Kids take to Tamil martial art formKids take to Tamil martial art form

Chennai: Silambattam, the ancient martial art of the Tamils, is gaining popularity in the Chennai suburbs.

Thirty seven year old silambam teacher Haridoss who takes classes in several posh schools in the city, teaches the art free of cost to poor children.

Many of his students have won several awards in state and national level competitions.

Passing silambam to the young people is the only way to protect the ancient art, says Haridoss who learnt it as a child.

Haridoss describes silambam as an ancient art which traces to the Stone Age when man used long sticks to defend himself from wild animals that attacked from all directions.

As civilization developed, it became a form of art and discipline.

Tamils have a great attachment to this art; even now, it is part of tradition to have silambattam as a sport event in temples and in the festival season.

Observing a constant reduction in the number of silambam spinners in Tamil Nadu, he says that he fears extinction of this art, and this urged him to initiate free coaching to schools around Ponneri.

Haridoss said, “Making it free can lead to many underestimating this art, but none should miss this art due to non-affordability. I earn from privileged people and share it with the poor.”

Unlike other sports, silambam does not have nation-wide recognition and so students are not encouraged to learn.

“The SDAT (sports development authority of Tamil Nadu) should allot funds and campaign for silambam. If there is an association of silambam experts, proper grading techniques and a belt system can be incorporated like any other martial art. This will prevent unauthenticated training that might degrade the value of this art,” said Haridoss.

Haridoss can be contacted at : 9789282312