Indigenous Indian Arts: Silambam
Sat, 20 May 2023 | 2pm - 3pm
Sat, 20 May 2023 | 4pm - 5pm
Sun, 21 May 2023 | 10am - 11am
Sun, 21 May 2023 | 2pm - 3pm

Venue: Kalari Academy Studio (448 Serangoon Road #03-01 Singapore 218138)
Fee: $25 per person
Registration: http://bit.ly/HeritageFest_Silambam 

Consider conventions smashed! Once only accessible to men, the Indian martial art of silambam, where a practitioner wields a bamboo stick to thump and strike attackers, has been gaining popularity among women. Still, not every piece of its puzzle is available to students at once. Trainees must be able to demonstrate mastery of kaaladi (footwork) before they are taught how to handle a staff. 

There are two main pillars to the sport — combat moves known as por silambam and exhibition techniques categorised as alangara silambam. Over time, trainees develop flexibility, hand-eye coordination and kinaesthetic awareness.  The Kalari Academy in Little India is the only place in Singapore to pick up the ancient southern India sport. Intrigued? The academy will be hosting an hour-long workshop to share about its history and detail basic techniques and spins such as the vettu for attacking and vaaral for defending.