INDIA's Most Comprehensive Martial Arts ORGANIZATION

Creating a New Tradition in India

The Martial Arts Authority of India (Bhartiya Yudhha Kala Pradhikaran) is the first and only official Indian national governing body to the 120 member-nation Martial Arts Association – International (MAA-I). The MAAI is the first and only organization in India to successfully develop regional and national activities, and its formation has tremendously improved the way Martial Arts events are managed and conducted in India. MAAI has also made significant contributions to the worldwide development of Martial Arts in the present age. Its origins date back to Ahmedabad, 1999, where a group of prominent leaders of the martial arts community gathered to explore the idea of a national organization to encourage the development of the martial arts higher education in India. The idea was to organize a formerly unorganized sport, and this presented a challenge.

History of Martial Arts in India

When we think of martial arts, we usually think of China or Japan. Only recently, people have discovered that martial arts had its roots in India “somewhere”. The location of the part of India martial arts came from still remains a mystery to many. Martial arts have been in existence on the Indian sub-continent for thousands of years practiced by ancient Tamils of Tamil Nadu, Tamil Eelam (Northeast Sri Lanka), Kerala, and the Southern portion of present day Andhra Pradesh. Long ago, animal fighting styles were imitated by pre-historic man which was a system for survival. The first weapon used was the stick which was an extension of the arm. Various weapons were later invented during the Stone and Iron Ages. At the turn of the 6th century A.D., martial arts spread from Southern India to China by a Tamil prince turned monk named Daruma Bodhidarma. From China, martial arts have spread to Korea & Japan In the Tamil country, the earliest martial arts known were Varma Kalai (pressure point attacks – similar to Tai Chi or Dim Mak), Kuttu Varisai (hand to hand combat – similar to Kung Fu and Karate), Malyutham (wrestling), Silambam (staff and weapons fighting – similar to the Filipino arts of Arnis, Kali, and Escrima), and Adithada (kickboxing). Martial arts can also be seen in the classical dance of Bharatha Natayam. Through its rhythmic movements one can see a close resemblance to the stances, blocks, and strikes in martial arts. There is also a close affiliation to Yoga in the stretching and meditating exercises of almost every fighting art.

The MAAI's Achievements

From its inception, the MAAI has been dedicated to encouraging the growth, development and promotion of traditional and contemporary Martial Arts in India. By coordination Martial Arts competitions and activities, and acting as a governing body for the Martial Arts in this country, the Federation seeks not only to make national progress in organizing Martial Arts but also to represent India and develop the real arts on an international level. The 2007 National Martial Arts Games stands as a testament to the dedication of that goal. Two years after its formation, the MAAI had organized and hosted it’s first biggest Martial Arts games. With nearly 800 athletes and officials from more than 20 states had gathered and competed in hundreds of Divisions in Traditional, Contemporary, Internal Forms, Weaponry and Sparring! This was the first time the Games were held in the Country, and it was the largest ever. The MAAI was proud to offer hospitality and friendship to the many athletes from around the country.

Now Let us have a glance of the past International Achievements