Club Silambam “Waja Diri” in collaboration with the “Best Empire Silambam Academy” had organized an Interschool Silambam Tournament which included all the schools from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. “Best Empire Silambam Academy” is an Indian martial arts academy which specialises in Silambam martial arts. They are conducting many classes and competitions as reward for the students. Organizing competitions will increase the interest of students and will motivate them to perform better when they are competing among each other.
Silambam is a traditional martial art form that originated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a highly recognised and old art that combines many techniques and moves using a long bamboo stick. Silambam is a cultural and aesthetic expression that has been practised for millennia in addition to a combat system. “Silambam” is a combination of the Tamil words “silam,” which means “hill” or “mountain,” and “bam,” which means “stick.” This demonstrates the art form’s strong relationship to the natural environment. Silambam is frequently connected with ancient Tamil warriors and has been passed down through generations as a practical self-defense skill as well as a means of encouraging physical fitness, discipline, and spiritual development.
Silambam practise includes a variety of techniques such as strikes, blocks, sweeps, spins and footwork patterns. Practitioners are taught how to use the long staff with precision, agility, and strength. The staff can be gripped in a variety of ways, such as in the centre or towards the ends, allowing for a variety of blows and movements. Silambam continues to be practiced and promoted in India and around the world, both as a traditional martial art and a competitive sport. It has gained recognition for its historical significance, cultural value, and its contribution to physical fitness and self-defense.
The Best Empire Silambam Academy is doing their part bring this martial art to the next generation. In that case, they organized Interschool Silambam Tournament which included the schools in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor for the 6th time this year. YB Puan Teresa Kok Suh Sim, Member of Seputeh Parliament was the guest of honour for this tournament and the inauguration of the tournament was done by her as well. During here inauguration speech, YB Puan Teresa requested that Silambam which is beneficial and self defense martial art should also reach non-Indian students as well. Her suggestion was much appreciated and welcoming by everyone there.
There were 363 participants took part in this tournament. The participation included kids as young as four years old and it was open for kids until teenagers within twenty years old. There were many pre school, primary and secondary students and teens including girls participated in the tournament. The event was held at Taman Muhibbah Community Hall. Master Kaliswaran Rajagopal who is the Advisor of Club Waja Diri, Best Empire Silambam Academy stated many students from Selangor joined the tournament to showcase their talent. Meanwhile, Master Thilagawathy Balram mentioned that the purpose of having this tournament is to ensure that the students are interested to the martial art and master the skills.
There were three top schools selected based on their achievement from the category of schools in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor respectively. SJK (T) Bangsar became the Champions from the category of schools in Kuala Lumpur with nine gold medals, three silver and four bronze. The second place won by SJK (T) San Peng with five golds, five silver and seven bronze. SJK (T) Vivekananda, Brickfields became the 1st runner up of the tournament with four golds, four silver and six bronze medals.
On other hand, from the schools among Selangor category SJK (T) Kinrara sealed the first place as the champions with six gold, four silver and seven bronze. Second place was taken by SJK (T) Ladang Highlands with five gold, four silver and fourteen bronze. Lastly, SJK (T) Bandar Mahkota Cheras won the third place with three gold, two silver and four bronze. Heartiest congratulations to winners and other participants as well. The initiative of Best Empire Silambam Academy should be much appreciated.
Source: Vanakkam Malaysia , Silambarians Besa Facebook
