May 25, 2016


How about learning some Indigenous Martial Arts in Sri Lanka

Sticks and stones won’t break my bones but….some indigenous martial arts sure can pack a punch! Yes while we are working on Rihana’s lyrics, here’s a fun way to spend a holiday…

What are we talking about? Ever heard of ‘Angam’ or ‘Angampora’? Don’t feel bad if you haven’t. Many might find it surprising to learn that this is a part of the local culture that was all but forgotten. Happily though, it seems to be coming back into the spotlight, and it looks like it’s here to stay. 

Go back 6,000 years and you’ll find Angampora to have been present during the time of King Ravana. But evidence shows that the art would have lifted its arms- and legs - as far back as 33,000 years ago. The word is that Angampora came about as a result of people preparing to defeat outside invaders and protect the territory that is theirs alone. Talk about being territorial!

So….this indigenous martial arts have several techniques – the armed, unarmed, black & white magic (no hokus pokus here!) dancing & drumming (somewhat intriguing?), herbal medicines and astrology.

Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Why don’t you head on out to Sri Lanka on a holiday to find out how you can learn some of these techniques and do some serious damage to your opponent the next time you’re in trouble? Ok, we’re not sure about the ’serious’ damage, but it would be nice to defend yourself when necessary, wouldn’t it? And if it’s not about defense, it sure would be great to just help keep a dying art alive and kicking (so to speak).

Isn’t this super cool? You might be one of the few people in the world who could even mix this up in some serious MMA techniques. Who knows you might even turn up in a ring with Rhonda Rousey or John Cena. Well ok maybe that’s a bit much, but seriously you might tone those muscles and learn something at the same time.

Do some research if you must, and give it a try. If nothing else, it will definitely keep you in shape….right?