Adimurai

Adimurai is an Tamil martial art originating in modern-day Kanyakumari, the southernmost region in Tamil Nadu, India. It was traditionally practiced in the Kanyakumari district of modern-day Tamil Nadu as well as nearby areas in southeastern Kerala. Its preliminary empty-hand techniques are called Adithada and application of vital points are called Varma Adi, although these terms are sometimes interchangeably used to refer to the martial art itself.^[1] Adimurai is a portmanteau in the Tamil language where adi means "to hit or strike" and murai means method or procedure. In modern period it is used alongside other Tamil martial arts.^[2]

Adimurai

Adimurai mock combat
Also known as	Adithada
Focus	Striking, blocking
Hardness	Full-contact, semi-contact
Country of origin	Tamil Nadu, India
Creator	Traditionally Siddhars
Olympic sport	No
Meaning	Law of hitting[1]

History

Adithadi is a non-lethal version of Adimurai which was developed in the Tamil Nadu. It saw most of its practice in the Chera, Chola and Pandya Three Tamil Kingdoms, where preliminary empty hand techniques were used.^[3]

Practice

Adimurai is traditionally practiced outdoors or in unroofed areas. It is mainly practiced by, Kallars, and Nadars of southern Tamil Nadu.^[4] Techniques include strictly punching, basic kicking and basic blocking.

In popular culture

Adimurai was depicted in the film Pattas (2020) starring Dhanush, directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar.^[5][6]

Adhiveeran (Udhayanidhi Stalin), the secondary protagonist in the film Maamannan (2023), is an Adimurai tutor.^[7]

See also

• India portal
• Martial arts portal

• Angampora
• Banshay
• Bataireacht
• Bōjutsu
• Gatka
• Jūkendō
• Kalaripayattu
• Kendo
• Kenjutsu
• Krabi–krabong
• Kuttu Varisai
• Mardani khel
• Silambam
• Silambam Asia
• Tahtib
• Thang-ta
• Varma kalai
• World Silambam Association
• Silat
• Kbachkun boraan

References

1. Zarrilli, Phillip B. (1998). When the Body Becomes All Eyes: Paradigms, Discourses, and Practices of Power in Kalarippayattu, a South Indian Martial Art. Oxford University Press. p. 27 – 29. ISBN 978-0-19-563940-7. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
2. Raj, J. David Manuel (1977). The Origin and the Historical Development of Silambam Fencing: An Ancient Self-Defence Sport of India. Oregon: College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Univ. of Oregon. pp. 44, 50, 83.
3. Luijendijk, D.H. (2005) Kalarippayat: India's Ancient Martial Art, Paladin Press, ISBN 1-58160-480-7
4. Zarilli, Philip B. (2001). "India". In Green, Thomas A. (ed.). Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia. A – L. Vol. 1. ABC-CLIO. p. 177. ISBN 978-1-57607-150-2.
5. "Dhanush's 'Pattas' is on ancient Tamil martial art!". Sify. Archived from the original on 26 December 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
6. "Dhanush's 'Pattas' is based on 'Adimurai'". Sify. Archived from the original on 14 January 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
7. "Maamannan box office collection Day 8: Budget & Total Collection Worldwide". 8 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.