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Wednesday, 9 May 2018 About Me

Benjamin Furrows
ADI MURAI: THE COMBAT SCIENCE OF TAMILS,
View my complete profile
DEVELOPED BY TAMIL SIDDHARS
NOTE: This article was written by Master Ajit Sigamani, a practitioner of Silambam, Malyutham Blog Archive

and Adi Murai. ►

► 2020 (16)
▼
▼ 2018 (30)
This is a re-post of his blog. You can read the original blog here, here and here
▼
▼ May (1)
ADI MURAI: THE COMBAT SCIENCE
OF TAMILS, DEVELOPED...
INTRODUCTION:
Adi Murai is a lethal and practical Martial Art from Tamil Nadu, India. ►
► April (6)
►
► March (11)
Adi Murai covers all aspects of Unarmed Combat (like Striking, Grappling, Take down and
►
► February (9)
Counters), Weapons and Pressure Point Attacks.
►
► January (3)
Adi Murai is one of the three components [Adi Murai (Combat), Vaasi Yoga (Art of Well Being)
and Varma Vaithiyam (Healing)] that combine to form the Siddhars art of Harming and Healing
"VARMAKKALAI"

Kamal Hassan with Asan Rajendran who trained him for the Tamil Movie titled "INDIAN"

THIS ART OF VARMAKKALAI WAS POPULARIZED BY KAMAL HASSAN IN THE FILM TITLED
"INDIAN" IN TAMIL AND "HINDUSTANI" IN HINDI

ADI MURAI: A BASIC OUTLINE:

We would like to steer clear of all myths, controversies and arguments regarding the origin of
Martial Arts and segregation of Various styles for now.
We would stick to the facts and break Adi Murai down broadly into its various components and
translate the meaning of the Tamil Words used in it.

Adithadi (Unarmed Combat), Ayudha Murai (Weaponry Science) and Varma Ati (Pressure
Point Attack) combine together to form one of the most lethal martial arts in the world ADI
MURAI

ADITHADI: (ADI, THAdu, piDI):

ADITHADI, Sports Component of Adi Murai

With an emphasis on lethal and practical Unarmed Combat, Adithadi practitioners first learn all
aspects of Striking, Grappling and Counters.

Adithadi also has got a very strong Combat Sports component to it, and practitioners would often
test their skills in Prize Fight during Festivals.

These were similar to Early Pankration and Vajra Musthi and was an even more brutal equivalent
of today's Vale Tudo.

Lessons Include:
KUTHU VARISAI (Striking Sequence): Kai Kuthu Varisai (Hands), Kaaladi Kuthu Varisai (Legs)
and Nethi Ati (Headbutts)

THADU VARISAI (Blocking Sequences): Thalai Thduppukal (Head), Kai Thaduppukal (Hands),
Kaal Thaduppukal (Legs)

PIDI VARISAI (Grappling Sequences): Pootukal (Lockings), Theruppikal (Counters), Eri

(Throws)

ADI VARISAI (Hitting or Attacking Sequences):

Adi Varisai is the final stage of Adithadi. It teaches Striking, Counters and Grappling as
combination. Almost every part of the body is used and every move makes use of the whole body
(Kinetic Linking) to achieve maximum power from the practitioners strike, lock 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 has to use them in different combinations
to come up with an unlimited number of offenses and defenses.
AYUDHA MURAI: (WEAPONRY SCIENCE)
Ayudha Murai is a weapon based component and has got many Unique Weapons and Attacks.

Ayudha Murai - Weapon based Combat System in Adi Murai

Ayudha Varisai is primarily lethal in nature and does NOT have a Sports component to it.

The main weapons covered in Ayudha Varisai are:

1. Neel Kampu (Long Stick)

2. Sedi Kutchi (Short Stick)
3. VaaL (Sword)
4. Surul VaaL (Flexible Sword)
5. Kathi (Knife)
6. Vettu Kathi (A kind of Machette)

Lessons include

1. Ayudha Varisai (Weaponry Sequence)

2. Kaaladi Varisai (Footwork Sequence)
3. Sandai Paadamurai (Fighting against a single skilled opponent, with weapons)
4. Padai Veechu (Fighting Multiple Attackers)

VARMA ATI: (PRESSURE POINT ATTACK)

VARMA ATI IS NOT A FIGHTING STYLE ON IT'S OWN
 Pressure Point Attack / Vital Spot Hit

It is simply the knowledge of the locations and angles of attack to use on the 108 Varmam
pressure points on the Human Body.

It is taught to the student after they finish training in ADITHADI and AYUDHA VARISAI to let
them know how to Kill and/or Disable an opponent quickly and with minimal effort.

VARMA ATI is the last and most advanced component of Adi Murai.

After completing this stage, the practitioner attains the title Ahsan (Master of Masters) or Varma
Yogi.

Lessons include
Mudhrangal (Finger Positions)

Miyangal (Centres)

Adigal (Attacks): Padu Varmam (Lethal Points), Podhu Varmam (Common Points)

Adangal (Revival): Miyam Adangal (Revival at Centres), Podhu Adangal (Common revivals).
 Kuthu Kattai

Kuthu Kattai (Striking Stick): This is a small stick little greater than the width of the practitioners
palm (similar to Yawara stick or Kubotan stick)

It can be devastating when used with the knowledge of Varma Ati.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ADI MURAI & KALARIPAYATTU:

This is a quick clarification on some of the many inaccuracies and controversies going around on
the internet regarding this art.

I will keep it short and simple in a question and answer format.

Some of the topics will need to have a post on their own, which will happen later.

As always, I will stick to the facts, and stay away from UNVERIFIABLE ARGUMENTS.

The subject of this post is to address the INTERNET FALLACY claiming that Adi Murai is just one
variation of Kalaripayattu and clear some of the confusions surrounding these claims.

How did this rumor start?

This rumor is simply a byproduct of the actions of the Kerala Kalaripayattu Association and their
move of trying to categorize the Various and Unique Martial Arts from the Tamils Land
(Malyutham [Knockdown Wrestling], Silambam [Highly complex and evolved ancient Weapon
based Martial Art] and Adi Murai [Combat Science]) under one single title "SOUTHERN STYLE
KALARI" OR "THEKKAN KALARI".

All one has to do is, observe these arts being practiced or even do some basic secondary
research to see why this is a COMPLETELY INACCURATE CATEGORIZATION.

Is Adi Murai the same as Kalaripayattu?

NO. Adi Murai is a completely different style with completely different origins, exercises and
methods.

What are some of the glaring differences between Adi Murai and Kalari?
ADI MURAI:
 Adi Murai - Pootum Pirivum

1. Adi Murai is the Martial Art component of Varmakkalai with Origins dating back to 2nd
Century BC
2. Adi Murai is a practical Martial Art, short, straight and powerful lines of attack with a solid
stance. Not overtly graceful, but highly effective.
3. Adi Murai practice has got a very pronounced sparring component
4. Adi Murai places more emphasis on Unarmed Combat. Weapons come in only after one
has mastered the Unarmed Combat
5. Adi Murai has it's origin in Tamil Nadu and is still widely practiced there.
6. Adi Murai is practiced in open at different locations and terrain to mimic multiple combat
scenarios
7. Adi Murai is combined with Varma Elakkyu and Vaasi Yoga to complete Varmakkalai,
which has it's base in the Science of Siddha Medical System
8. Adi Murai and Varmakkalai masters are called Ahsans
9. Adi Murai ahsans teach their students combat techniques, quickly the students then
develop their own individual styles of executing these techniques and perfect them
according to their own strengths and weaknesses
10. Adi Murai does not have elaborate rituals
11. Adi Murai is a Combat Science.

KALARIPAYATTU:

Kalaripayattu - The Battlefield Exercise of Kerala

 1. Kalaripayattu is widely considered to be a Battlefield Exercise that was practiced around
the 13th Century AD
2. Kalaripayattu is more graceful and aesthetically pleasing with a lot of circular movements,
extremely low deep stances and high leaping attacks
3. Kalaripayattu practice is limited to Heavily Choreographed Sequences till years into
training
4. Kalaripayattu teaches Unarmed Combat only after Weapons training is completed.
5. Kalaripayattu is a Martial Art from Malabar and is still widely practiced there.
6. Kalaripayattu is practiced in a roofed Kalari which has an alter and fixed dimensions.
7. Kalaripayattu which has an healing bent to it is based on the Science of Ayurveda.
8. Kalaripayattu masters are called Gurukkals.
9. Kalaripayattu students have to follow the exact syllabus, sequence and techniques step by
step and without variation for years until they are told they are masters themselves. Only
then can they develop their own style.
10. Kalaripayattu is Heavily Ritualistic.
11. Kalaripayattu is a Battlefield Exercise.

ADI MURAI KALARIPAYATTU

Adi Murai is a practical Martial Art, short,
straight and powerful lines of attacks with a
solid stance
Adi Murai practice has got a very pronounced
Sparring Component
Adi Murai places more emphasis on Unarmed
Combat. Weapons come in only after one has
mastered the Unarmed aspect
Adi Murai is widely practiced in Tamil Nadu
and Travancore regions
Adi Murai is practiced in Open in Different
Locations and Terrain to mimic Multiple
Combat Scenarios
Adi Murai is combined with Varma Vaithiyam
and Vaasi Yoga to complete the greater art of
“VARMA KALAI” which has its base in the
Science of Siddha Medical System
Adi Murai masters are commonly called
Ahsans
Adi Murai Ahsans teach their students
Combat Techniques, quickly the students,
then develop their own individual styles of
executing these techniques and perfect them
according to their own strengths and
weaknesses
Adi Murai, does not have elaborate rituals
Kalaripayattu is more graceful and
aesthetically pleasing, with a lot of circular
movements with extremely low deep stances
and high leaping attacks
Kalaripayattu practice is limited to heavily
choreographed sequences till years into
training.
Kalaripayattu teaches Unarmed Combat only
after Weapons training is completed.
Kalaripayattu is mainly practiced in North
Kerala (Malabar) regions
Kalaripayattu is practiced in a roofed Kalari,
which has an altar and fixed dimensions.
Kalaripayattu which has a healing bent to it is
based on the Science of Ayurveda
Kalaripayattu masters are commonly called
Gurukkals
Kalaripayattu students have to follow the
exact syllabus, sequences and techniques,
step by step without variation for years, until
they are told they are masters themselves.
Only then can the student develop his own
style.
Kalaripayattu is heavily ritualistic

Adi Murai is the Science of Combat (Combat Kalaripayattu is a Battlefield Exercise.

Science)

Why is there so little documentation? Where have these arts all but disappeared?

When British Rule was established in India, ALL Martial Arts were banned. For the next 200
Years, Indian saw an Unprecedented Period of Destruction and Plunder of their Arts, Culture and
Wealth.

Any form of Martial Arts or Combat Sports were BANNED! This saw a great decline in these arts.

Even after the British left, the Cultural Stigma they left behind had the majority of Educated
Indians trying to mimic the Anglicized Culture and Shying Away from their own traditions.

IT IS ONLY IN RECENT TIMES THAT INTEREST IN THESE ARTS HAVE FLOURISHED.

EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VARMA KALAI, ADI MURAI,

ADITHADI AND VARMA ATI:

Here we are going to establish and see the Difference between Varma Kalai, Adi Murai, Adithadi
and Varma Ati.

There seems to be a lot of confusion as to whether they are different names of the same art,
completely different arts or components of each other

Again, I will keep it simple and short in Question and Answer format.
Are Varma Kalai, Adi Murai, Adithadi and Varma Ati different names for the same Martial
Art?
NO. Adi Murai is the Martial Art component of Varma Kalai. It is one of the 3 components that
combine to form Varma Kalai.

Adithadi is the Unarmed Component of Varma Kalai. It is broken down as ADI THAdu piDI (Strike,
Block and Grapple)

Varma Ati (Vital Point Strike / Pressure Point Attack) is NOT a Martial Art on its own. It is a
concept similar to the Japanese concept of "Atemi Waza" and teaches locations, angles of attack,
modified striking techniques and some revivals.

THIS IS DONE, ONLY AFTER THE STUDENT IS PHYSICALLY CONDITIONED AND HAS
PRACTICAL COMBAT SKILLS THAT HE CAN APPLY IN COMBINATION WITH THE
KNOWLEDGE OF "VARMA ATI".

What are the components of Varma Kalai?

Varma Kalaihas got three major components. They are:

1. ADI MURAI (Martial Art)

2. VAASI YOGA (The way of Meditation and Well - being) and
3. VARMA VAITHIYAM (Healing Injuries and Curing Ailments)

What are the components of Adi Murai?

Adi Murai also can be broken down into 3 major components. They are:

1. ADITHADI - ADI THAdu piDI

2. AYUDHA MURAI (Weapons based Combat) and
3. VARMA ATI (Pressure Point Strike / Vital Point Hit)

What are the components of Varma Ati?

Varma Ati can also be broken down broadly into 3 components. They are:

1. MIYANGAL (Centres)
2. MUDHRAGAL (Finger Positions) and
3. ADIGAL AND ADANGAL (Attacks and Revivals)

THE HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT OF SILAMBAM AND ADI MURAI:

Here, we are going to see the difference between the closely related Tamizhar Martial Arts of
Silambam and Adi Murai. Again, I will try to keep it as simple as possible.

Silambam and Adi Murai are closely related Tamil Arts and have origins that can be traced to
even before the 2nd Century BC, from present day Tamil Nadu.

Silambam - The Battlefield Art of Tamil Nadu

SILAMBAM is a Martial Art that was developed by the Hill Folk of Tamil Nadu to defend against
Wild Animals
The primary weapon that was used was a Bamboo Stave that had multiple uses.

This was later refined and developed into a Lethal Battlefield Art during the Sangam Era, using
many pointed and bladed weapons made out of Steel, Horns and Variations of the Bamboo
Staff.

THE BASIC TECHNIQUES AND PRINCIPLES USED WERE THE SAME THROUGHOUT, WITH
SLIGHT VARIATIONS, ACCORDING TO THE WEAPON OF CHOICE.

Varmakalai Adi Murai - The Martial Art of the Pandiyan and Chola Dynasties

ADI MURAI is a devastatingly effective UNARMED COMBAT SCIENCE, developed by Yogic

Sages called Siddhars to defend themselves against Dacoits and Armed Theives as they were
predominantly solitary and nomadic in nature in their quest for perfection and knowledge.

This art has a Lethal Pressure Point Attack System (called Varma Ati) which was and still is kept
very secretive by its practitioners and taught ONLY to a select few.

A non-lethal version of Adi Murai with rules, called "ADITHADI" later became a Combat Sport in
the Chola and Pandiyan Kingdoms.

Silambam and Adithadi (Combat Sport) reached their peak during the Chola and Pandiya
Kingdoms.

SILAMBAM as an Armed Combat used on the Battlefields, and

 Malyutham - The Traditional Wrestling Sport of Tamil Nadu

ADITHADI and MALYUTHAM as Combat Sports. it was during this time that these arts started
borrowing from Each Other.

Silambam incorporated Kuthu Varisai (A component of Adi Murai) after modifying it to suppliment
their Armed component with and Unarmed Element.
Silambam also started to incorporate "Varma Ati" into its weapons strikes to make it more
effective.

Adi Murai expanded its syllabus to incorporate some of Silambam's Weapons and superior
weapon techniques to make the art more versatile.

DIFFERENT SCHOOLS OF ADI MURAI:

Here is an outline of the Original Different Schools of Adi Murai / Varma Kalai and their offshots
as well as some of the more modern styles.

AGATHIYAR SCHOOL OF ADI MURAI / VARMA KALAI:

 Sage Agathiyar, Podhigai Hills, Tamil Nadu

With a focus on Pressure Point Manipulation and the incorporation of Animal Styles into it, the
Agathiyar way is the most widespread and commonly taught version of Adi Murai / Varma Kalai.

It is also the ONLY School practiced outside it's Place of Origin (Tamil Nadu) and has spread to
it's neighboring states of Kerala and Karnataka.

Adi Murai / Varma Kalai of Agathiyar School is practiced in Tamil Nadu and in contiguous parts of
Kerala (Trivandrum, Kollam, Idukki, Kottayam and Kochi) and Karnataka.

This style is practiced primarily by the Nadars of Tamil Nadu and by some Ezhavas and Nairs of
South Kerala.

A modified version of Agathiyar murai is incorporated into a lot of the Kalaripayattu schools in
Kerala and taught as Thekkan Kalari.

BOGAR SCHOOL OF ADI MURAI / VARMA KALAI:

 Sage Bogar of Palani Hills, Tamil Nadu

Bogar Murai is considered as the most scientific and versatile version of Varma Kalai.

Asan Kannan, Maha Yoga Varma Kalai Chief Aaasaan (Bogar Murai) demonstrating Joint Lock in Adi Murai

In it's Adi Murai component equal importance is given to Strikes, Blocks and Grapple. Everything
is broken up into Numbers and Variations.

THERE IS ALSO A VERY PRONOUNCED YOGA COMPONENT INVOLVED.

THE HEALING PART OF IT IS VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD AND SIMPLIFIED.

Bogar Murai gives the practitioner a solid base which he can work with and expand into a
syllabus that suits him / her and encourages the practitioner to improve and modify the
techniques as they see fit.

THIS STYLE IS PRACTICED BY THE NADARS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN TAMIL NADU.

RAMADEVAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI:

Sage Ramadevar, Alagar malai, Tamil Nadu

Palm Leaf manuscripts and their contents are jealously guarded and none of them have been
published till date.

The Varmakalai Project is still collating information on this style of Adi Murai / Varma Kalai.

PROMINENT TRADITIONAL OFFSHOTS OF VARMA KALAI:

Some of the Prominent Traditional Offshots of Varma Kalai are:

1. Maha Yoga Varma Kalai (Bogar Murai)

2. Manja Varmakkalai (Agathiyar Murai)
3. Master Rajendra Krishnaraj Varma Kalai (Agathiyar Murai)
4. JAI Varma Kalai (Agathiyar Murai)
5. Master Zacria Rahama Varma Kalai

HYBRID AND SPECIALIZED PROMINENT OFFSHOTS:

Some of the Hybrid / Specialized Prominent Offshots of Varma Kalai are:

1. Lock Fist Martial Art

2. Mudhalvan Adi Murai (Agathiyar Murai)
3. Combat Varma Kalai (Bogar Murai)

WHERE CAN I LEARN AUTHENTIC ADI MURAI / VARMA KALAI:

Here are some of the Authentic Varma Kalai Trainign Academies and Institutes.

1. MANJA VARMAKKALAI, CHENNAI AND MADURAI

2. VARMAKALAI TRAINING ACADEMY, CHENNAI
 3. MAAYA VARMA CURE, NEW DELHI AND CHENNAI
4. ARUL HEALTH CARE, CHENNAI
5. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ISHENOLOGY, CHENNAI
6. ASAN MURUGESAN, CHENNAI - 9655965016
7. MASTER KATHIRVEL VARMA KALAI, CHENNAI
8. MASTER SIVA KUMAR, CHENNAI
9. MASTER RAMESH, CHENNAI - 9710255664
10. BALA SATHISH YUDDHA VARMALAYAM
11. UVM COLLEGE OF VARMAM, CHENNAI - 9282226094
12. SIDDHAR VARMA ACADEMY, CHENNAI - 9380907591
13. S.A.K. KALARI TRAINING CENTER, CHENNAI - 9566191901
14. AADHISAKTHI VARMA KALAI, COIMBATORE
15. MASTER RAJENDRA KRISHNARAJ, COIMBATORE - 9500746379
16. DRAGON T. JAYARAJ, JAI VARMA KALAI, COIMBATORE
17. LOCK FIST MARTIAL ART, COIMBATORE
18. THIRUMOOLAR VARMOLOGY INSTITUTE, COIMBATORE
19. PANCHABOOTHA MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY, PUDUKOTTAI
20. TAMILNADU VARMA ADIMURAI FEDERATION, RAJAPALAYAM
21. SILAMBAM TRAINING, TIRUNELVELI
22. ASAN MURUGESAN, PULIYARAI, TIRUNELVELI - 9715665016
23. MASTER RAJAVEL VARMA KALAI, THOOTHUKUDI - 9443264545
24. MASTER JEYASEKARAN VARMA KALAI, NAGERCOIL - 9486271134
25. MASTER CLITTUS ADI MURAI, NAGERCOIL - 9843471126
26. ASAN APPADURAI ADI MURAI ACADEMY, CHENNAI, VILLUPURAM AND NAGERCOIL
27. MASTER JOHN CHRISTOPHER, NAGERCOIL - 9847647676 / 9944228698
28. NADAR THEKKAN KALARI, KANYAKUMARI

In Kerala also there are some Authentic Adi Murai Training Academies. In Kerala, Adi Murai is
known as Thekkan Kalari or Southern Kalari, based on Siddha Medical System.

Some of the Authentic Adi Murai Training Centres in Kerala are:

1. KALARIYIL DHARMIKAM ASHRAM, TRIVANDRUM

2. BUDDHA KALARI, TRIVANDRUM
3. MARUTHI KALARI, TRIVANDRUM
4. ANJANEYA KALARI SANGHAM, TRIVANDRUM
5. ASWA KERALA KALARI SANGHAM, TRIVANDRUM
6. ULAKUDAPERUMAL MARMA THIRUMU KALARI SNAGHAM, TRIVANDRUM
7. D.J. KALARI, TRIVANDRUM
8. J.B.R. KALARI SANGHAM, TRIVANDRUM
9. PANCHAGNI INSTITUTE OF MARMA KALARI, TRIVANDRUM
10. K.K.M. KALARI, MUTHU AHSAN, TRIVANDRUM
11. BABU ASAN, TRIVANDRUM
12. VIJAYAN ASAN, TRIVANDRUM
13. MARMASRAMAM, ATMA REKSHA TANTRA, KOLLAM
14. BALI KALARI, KOLLAM
15. JAI HIND KALARI, KOTTAYAM
16. SHIVA SAKTHI KALARI, IDUKKI
17. ARACKAL MARTIAL ARTS, ALAPPEY
18. NAVA BHARATHA KALARI SANGHAM, KOCHI
19. AGASTHYA KALARI, KOCHI
20. E.N.S. KALARI (SOUTHERN STYLE), KOCHI
21. CHOORAKKODY KALARI SANGHAM, CALICUT
22. KERALA KALARIPAYATTU ACADEMY (SOUTHERN STYLE), KANNUR

THANK YOU,

BENJAMIN FURROWS.
 Posted by Benjamin Furrows at 03:02

5 comments:

Maitreya 26 January 2020 at 20:26

Which is the most authentic/traditional/oldest place out of these where Adi Murai is taught and
being Practised??

Reply

Replies

Benjamin Furrows 8 April 2020 at 03:15

The best place I would recommend you to go is to Varmakalai Training Academy,
Chennai

http://varmakalai.in/

They not only teach Varmakalai, but all other arts related to Varmakalai like Vaasi
Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Nokku Varmam, Astrology, even Siddha Medicine and Herbal
Medicine

In Madurai, Manja Varmakkalai is there, you can try it out. They have a branch in
Chennai too

https://www.varmakkalai.com/

Reply

Deepak 17 February 2020 at 04:10

Excellent and detailed narrative of Adi Murai Thank you Mr Benjamin Furrows
-Deepak
Reply

Saravana 13 March 2020 at 18:13

Informative
Reply

Unknown 5 April 2020 at 22:39

Very well explained and gives the diffenciate between martial arts

Reply

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