What is Angam ?

Angam is believed to have been a part of the ancient culture of Sri Lanka that dates back to
over 5000 years. It had evolved from generation to generation, standing the formidable test of
time, and once became an indispensable part of the Sri Lankan way of life.
For centuries the country went through most turbulent eras that required it’s rulers to muster
defenses with the help of their fellow countrymen, to battle invasions that came from foreign
lands as well as dissension from within.
The monarchy maintained a reasonable army that consisted of full time soldiers, but the majority
of countrymen were ready to answer the call to arms in the name of king and country. Hence
Masters of Angam were scattered throughout the land under whom civilians who engaged in
different trade such as farming, pottery etc… also trained in the martial arts for mental and
physical discipline as much as to be able to protect their country in a time of need.
Because of its fierce nature the British rule of Sri Lanka at the time banned and outlawed the
practice of Angam and resorted to  extreme measures which included imprisonment,
persecution, and an order to shoot in the knees of any known practitioner of the art during the
colonial era of Sri Lanka by the British as it fueled the martial spirit of the natives. Due to this
situation, Angam was practiced solely underground among a select few. Most Gurus (masters)
refrained from teaching, but a few warrior families that were dedicated for the preservation of
the art, carried it through generation to generation until today.

What is Angampora ?
Hand to hand Combat which is commonly known as “angam pora” has it’s distinct meaning.
“Angam” refers to the body while “Pora” refers to combat. So while angampora means the
martial use of the limbs without the use of weapons, it is also divided into four main categories.

 Striking Techniques “Guti Harammba” – Punching and kicking range

 Locking & Gripping Techniques “Gata Harammba” – Punching and Tapping range
 Take-downs & Wrestling “Pora Harammba” – Grappling range
 Knowledge of Pressure points “Maru Kala” – Punching and Tapping range

Some Martial art experts and researchers recognize angampora as a complete martial art that can
use in all four fighting ranges. 

Striking Techniques

This are covers the techniques relate to the offensive execution of different strikes and the
defensive uses of a vast variety of blocks (aka Guti Harammba).  In angampora the artful
execution of foot work is essential in mastering it’s powerful techniques.

In theory the master prompts his students to train their students to cultivate a strong metal and
physical aptitude that requires them to train their proverbial eagle eye, for watch fullness, the
Peacocks hearing, listen to the movements of the enemy, the leap of the monkey, to stay agile
and supple, the walk of the tiger that refers to the readiness and alertness in ones movements, the
grapple of a bear, , the gait of the  that refers to strength needed for ground fighting and
executing neutralizing techniques.

These techniques are taught in the form of movement sets that includes different combinations of
strikes and block with the relevant foot work. Students are taught these sets of movements, from
basic to more advanced varieties.

Locking & Gripping Techniques

Grips and lock (aka Gata Harammba) in angampora is an area that clearly set the art part from
many others in the world. Over the years this area has proven to be one of the most deadly and
practical techniques to be taught in the angam maduwa (in the dojo). It requires both strength and
skill with the addition of extensive training in or to execute perfectly and effectively.

Different kinds of gripping and grappling techniques exist to counter different sorts of assaults.
Those that are specifically used to neutralize an enemy who may strike with hand, foot, knife,
sword… ect…

In reverse, the counters attack/releasing technique for a grip or a lock is also taught as a separate
area of study under grips and locks.

Knowledge of Pressure points

Attacking specific pressure points of the body of an opponent’s (aka “Maru Kala”) is another
deadly technique in angampora. This is known as “Maru kalawa”, can be called the “Art of
Death”. But this at it not taught by the master to every student. Only the most trusted and
experienced students re-taught after extensive ceremonies offered to the god Rawana, and taking
7 oaths.

A knowledge of astrology is essential in order to use this art effectively. The art speaks of 107
major pressure point of the body, and 12 deadly ones.

Take-downs & Wrestling

Take-downs & wrestling (aka Pora Harammba) is also a practical aspect of Angampora that deals with
the real-world execution of take-downs, wrestling and ground fighting techniques our ancestors used in
the battle ground and Pora harammba required good skills in techniques and enormous physical
stamina.
What is Elangam ?
Elangampora is another special part of Angam. This is known as the armed combat techniques
of Angam. To be complete and competent Angam practitioner, the knowledge of Elangam is
essential. Normally Elangam is taught to a student after at least two years into his Angampora
(unarmed) training. Learning this requires a lot of discipline and dedication. Generally, students
are taught the techniques pertaining to all weapons, one can only “master” two or three
weapons according to one’s physical prowess. Most of the weapons used for practicing are
cleansed with specialized rituals. A student must be granted permission from the guru in order
to learn a particular weapon, and this is signified by performing a special ritual where the
weapon is handed over to the student by the guru.
This art consists of 21 main weapons including 7 main weapons as follow
 

 Sword
 Staff (long/short)
 Spear
 Dagger
 Belt sword
 Battle axes
 Mace

Sword
The sword is the most revered weapon in the Elangam armory since ancient times.  There are
32 types of swords used in ellangam. Ancient ellangam fighters were experts in wielding  the
single sword, double swords as well as the four bladed sword play. There are many variations to
the sword such as long sword, short sword, wak kadu (curved sword), nai pena kadu (cobra
head sword) . The shield was used in combination with the sword in ellangam

Long Stick
The long stick is one of the most important weapons in Elangam. Its length is usually measure
up to the nose level of its wielder. It is made using “venivel” or cane sticks, and it is hardened
using medicine oils and heating in fire. The main movement of the long stick comprises of the
wielders ability to rotate it around one’s body with considerable speed and agility. Long stick
comprises special foot movements and 16 basic strikes.

Spear
Before learning the spear, the practitioner must become familiar with the techniques and
stepping of stick play in angam. After the sword, the spear was the most used weapon in the
ancient sri Lankan military. The spear is wielded as a single weapon as well as in combination
with the shield.There three types of spears Long spear, Mid length spear, Short spear
Dagger
The dagger is one of the main weapons in the Ellangam armory with single and dual dagger
wielding techniques. The dagger is taught for self-defense and close quarter combat. In
Angampora there are techniques to attack the upper and lower body. It addition to its martial
applications, it also has aesthetically appealing techniques for display.

Battle Axes
The axe was also a weapon that was a part of the day to day lives of the ancient Sri Lankan.
Apart from being used as a tool it was used as a weapon and was normally wielded by
individuals of superior strength. It can be dual wielded as well as used individually according to
the history  King Ravana’s brother Kummbakarna used battle axes as his choice of weapon.

Mace
Mainly used to attack the stronger parts of the body — head, thighs and ribs. The practice of
Mace (gada) increases body strength. The Mace was used by a select few among the ranks of
the ancient Sri Lankan military. Maintaining the balance and moving with the flow of the weapon
are important in in Mace wielding. One special feature of the Mace is that a Mace can only be
blocked by a Mace and it is difficult to be blocked using any other weapon.

Short Sticks
The short stick is an important weapon in the elangam armory. It has become popular because
it is a weapon that can be fabricated or found easily. The basic practice of the short stick
comprises 8 types of special foot movements and 12 basic strikes including joint locks and wrist
locks.

Special Weapons
It is recorded that there are more than 21 weapons variations in the ellangam armory. The most
unique weapon among them is the “welayudha”. Apart from that Ang kinissa, Thun kinissa,
Maradanda, maruwala, kalakirinyga and the kerchief are weapons for which special foot
movement are practiced. Some of these weapons are unique to elangampora.

Untold History of Angam

The history of angam is unclear and fragmented, due to the fact that it’s vast history and
evolution to what it is today, had never been recorded in an official treatise. However it
is fortunate that the technical aspects of angam had been documented by angam
warrior clans of Sri Lankan.  All we have are inconsistent records of instances in history
where it has appeared but briefly, only to disappear from the books of history leaving
gaps as well as a lot of unanswered questions.
Angam is believed to have been a part of the ancient culture of Sri Lanka that dates
back to over 5000 years. It had evolved from generation to generation, standing the
formidable test of time, and once was an indispensable part of the Sri Lankan way of
life.

For centuries the country went through most turbulent eras that required it’s rulers to
muster defenses with the help of their fellow countrymen, to battle disturbances that
came from foreign lands as well as dissension from within.

The monarchy maintained a reasonable army that consisted of full time soldiers, but the
majority of countrymen were ready to answer the call to arms in the name of king and
country. Hence Masters of Angam were scattered throughout the land under whom
civilians who engaged in different trade such as farming, pottery etc… also trained in
the martial arts for mental and physical discipline as much as to be able to protect their
country in a time of need. Out of these schools several managed to be outstanding and
make the books of history.

The earliest indication of Angam is believed to have been inherited through the vast
knowledge of King Ravana who believed to have ruled over ancient Sri Lanka some
6000 years ago. One of the more recent indications of the art stems from the war torn
legend of king Dutugamunu who reign in 161 BC. King Dutugamunu was believed to
have had Ten Great Warriors who have impressive tales woven around their fearless
exploits with their king, were believed to have been experts of Angam. Moreover, the
king himself is believed to have been an expert in the art, and had been a warrior king in
the front line of the battle that ensued the liberation of “Pihit Rata” region of Sri Lanka.

With the end of the Anuradhapura kingdom in 1017, it spelled the end of ancient Sri
lanka and the beginning of the medieval timed period. Throughout this time there are
only sketchy references to kings and warriors who have displayed skills in the art.

Later with the beginning of Colonial Sri Lanka that ensued after the visit of Lourenço de
Almeida in 1505, its citizens were once again called to arms to defend their country
against foreign invasions. With the increased activities of the portages e invaders, 16 th

century Sri Lanka faced more turbulent times. During this era, history boasts of many
endeavors of Sri Lankan warriors who defended their territories through savvy war
tactics such as guerilla warfare and the use of varied weaponry.

The fabled battle of mulleriyawa in 1562 stands testament how Angam became an
invaluable weapon to fend off invaders at the hands of heroic Sri Lankan warriors.  After
years of insurgency, the foreign invaders managed to divide and conquer the island
through trickery. This spelled fatal to the Sri Lankan martial art world, as its new foreign
rulers, the appointed governor of Ceylon Robert Brownrigg banned and outlawed the
practice of Agam. Extreme measures were taken that included imprisonment,
persecution, and an order to shoot in the knees of any known practitioner of the art.
In the outset of such times, many (gurus) masters of the art, along with its avid
practitioners went underground, and employed various methods of concealing the art in
plain sight. One such attempt was within the rhythmic movements of Sri Lankan
Traditional dance, where hidden within the graceful bend of a knee or the flip of a hand
was a deadly and effective technique of Angam.

During it’s more prevalent years, Angam was taught by two main schools namely
Sudaliya and Maruwalliya, and history speaks of a long standing rivalry between the two
clans. Be that as it may this was on of the very few known fact of angam. Besides that
there were clans such at Kotte Clan, Ritigala Clan, Warnasuriya Clan, Padiwita Clan,
and many more clans who has taken after the names of families and region where the
art was well preserved with its true form and purity.
The Ravana Age 2554 – 2517 BC.

The age of King Ravana is considered to be the time when the art of Angam was at its
pinnacle. Ravana was said to be a specialist in pressure point healing. This is evident in
the medical writings done by Ravana. The association between Ravana and Angam is
so strong, it is such that even today, Angam gurus begin their training only after lighting
a lamp in memory of this ancient Sri Lankan King. The art of Angam which was
developed for so many thousands of years has done its best in protecting Sri Lanka
from its enemies.

Venerable Kirielle Gnanawimala thero, a writer and scholar, explains this about King
Ravana. “It is possible to conclude that the Sri Lankan King Ravana mentioned in the
legendary Indian epic ‘Ramayana’, was not a fictional character but an actual historical
figure. The “Ravana Kitte” area which is not submerged by the sea and other places
such as Ravana falls, Sita eliya, by investigations, implies this and also it is possible to
know that King Ravana’s tomb was made in the shape of a pyramid analogous to the
pyramids of Giza.”

Ravana is said to have also been a specialist in all forms of Angam. History tells us that
he has written several books about it as well. This master in Angam is said to have
trained all his soldiers, cavalry and other types of mounted troops in the art of Angam.

According to the historical notes in the “Rajawaliya”, the reign of King Ravana was
during 19 century BC, which is the period between 2554-2517, to be precise. The
th

cause for King Ravana’s untimely death is said to be due to a betrayal, a very common
occurrence in the history of monarchs in Sri Lanka.

History tells us that, prince “Vibhishana”, Ravana’s younger half-brother, has conspired
with Rama, the exiled north Indian prince in order to have the throne of Lanka for
himself. Vibishana has known what is said to be the only way to kill Ravana, and had
shared this knowledge with Rama. Yet, the popular Indian version of the story tells us
that Rama conspired with Vibhishana to kill Ravana because he kidnapped Rama’s
wife, Sita.
There are north Indian folk tales and legends that also explains how Ravana trained
Rama’s younger brother Lakshmana of the art of Angam, before the war with Rama.
Even though Ravana had known Lakshmana was his enemy, he had done so out of
pure compassion towards the boy.

Ravana is also said to have ruled over many states in southern and central India. To
maintain such a large empire, it is obvious that the aid of something as formidable as
Angampora was essential.

Even now, after all these ages, certain families still have deadly Angam fighting styles
names after Ravana, which specifically use pressure points to disable and eliminate
ones opponents.

Rituals of Angam
As believed by its practitioners, this art is loved and protected by the God Ravana as well as the
God of Kataragama. Students must offer themselves and their allegiance to these Gods and the
art. This art has a lot of oaths and pledges that binds the practitioner to its and vice versa.
Centuries ago those who wished to learn this art needed to present their horoscope to the head
master of the angam maduwa (angam training school). The gurus who in those days were
proficient in reading horoscopes will see if he/she is worthy of learning this art. If they are
considered worthy, the guru p performs a special initiation ritual where 3 oil lamps are lit in the
name of the Buddha, God Ravana and God Kataragama, and takes seven oaths from the
student. Afterwards students will have take part in various rituals such as the Ayudha pooja
(Asking for blessings from the Gods for the weapons) throughout his student life. Those who are
selected to learn the  art of death are also required to go through special ritual that gains their
oath before being taught these deadly techniques. It is told that angam practitioners have used
special incantations and rituals to gain the favor of the gods centuries ago.

Ancient way of passing the knowledge of Angamfrom Guru to Apprentice

Traditionally, a Guru would bestow his Angam knowledge to his student in secret.  Due to this,
its value has increased over the generations. The Upanishud way of thought, is a means of
actually whispering the teachings to the apprentice’s ear by the teacher. This ensured the
preservation of these arts and has kept its secrets and mysteries from beinglost.
Due to such a background, Gurus across the ages have shared their valued knowledge only
with their own children and close friends and acquaintances. Even so, most refrained from
revealing more advanced techniques. This has resulted in the knowledge of Angam to be
scattered thinly among less and less people.

Being a deeply centralized system of teaching, there are numerous tasks a newcomer to Angam
must go through  before commencing apprenticeship. Merely the desire to learn it was not
enough to even speak to a Guru about it.

First, the aspiring student must meet the teacher with offerings of flowers, lamps, incense and
his horoscope, and it must be done with a great display of genuine and reverence and respect.
New comers are judged by the teacher, through observing their horoscope, manner of speaking,
body language and what is said and meant. This is used as a preliminary appraisal of the new
comer’s ability to grasp the Angam teachings. Additionally, his horoscope, palmistry, birth
marks, etc are checked for a better evaluation of character.
Honesty, compassion, endurance, resilience and having a friendly attitude is among the primary
characteristics sought after in potential students.
Those who pass the Gurus evaluation will have the privilege of lighting three lamps before first
stepping into the Angam training area (Angam Maduwa). This is considered one of the greatest
honors bestowed upon a new student and is regarded as his prime responsibility.

Why Angampora ?

Primal Movement

Angampora stresses the practice of archetypal movement principles and primal whole body
movement over the repetitive practice of isolated techniques. These are movements that we can
instinctively rely upon in times of fear- or stressful combat situations.

Way of the Warrior

Angampora was created as an art of war and wellness. It is crucial to acknowledge these roots
to understand why the practice is giving immeasurably valuable for our day today life.

Tendon Strength

The Angampora practice exposes the practitioner to a variety of  unique and versatile training
regimes. Intensity is imperative in Angampora and training makes physically stresses tendon
strength over muscle strength.

Art of Living

Angampora can teach us how to live. It teaches us how to encounter each moment with open
eyes, open mind, posture and tenacity. This makes Angampora the perfect foundation for a self-
determined and healthy life in the modern world.

 
 

Sensory Awareness

The concept of primal body movement and tendon strength goes hand in hand with a strong
evolution of the senses. Angampora practitioners are taught to expand their sensory awareness.
This starts with the improving physical senses.

Personal Growth

The practice provides a unique psycho physical framework. It enables the practitioner to
physically experience real life encounters. This could mean anything from standing our ground
to simply detaching and fully stepping into the moment.

Regular Training
We offers regular training for local male / female students between 10 to 60 years of age. The
courses are at beginners’, advanced, and expert levels. Prior martial art experiences are not
required, but we prefer energetic individuals in mentally good shape to start training with us.
Training conducted by highly experienced and reputed Gurus in a friendly but disciplined
environment. After completing each level student have to face a grading test and if he/she pass
the grading test he/she will be received a certificate

We offers regular training for local male / female students between 10 to 60 years of age. The
courses are at beginners’, advanced, and expert levels. Prior martial art experiences are not
required, but we prefer energetic individuals in mentally good shape to start training with us.
Training conducted by highly experienced and reputed Gurus in a friendly but disciplined
environment. After completing each level student have to face a grading test and if he/she pass
the grading test he/she will be received a certificate.
 
0-1 Year Prarambhaka “ප්‍රාරම්භක “ Beginner

2 Year Shishya “ශිෂ්‍ය “ Learner

3 Year Abhyasee “අභ්‍යාසී” Practitioner

4 Year Jeshta Abhyasee “ජේෂ්ඨ අභ්‍යාසී “ Senior Practitioner

 5 Year Shilpa-dharee “ශිල්පධාරී “ Knowledge bearer (Coach L 1)

6 Year Jeshta Shilpa-dharee “ජේෂ්ඨ ශිල්පධාරී” Senior Knowledge bearer

7 Year Elanga-dharee “ඉලංගධාරී “ Weapon bearer (Coach L2)

8 Year Shuree “ශූරී “ Instructor

9 Year Visheshee “විශේෂී “ Instructor

10 Year Praveena “ප්‍රවීණ “ Proficient (Senior Instructor)

The Seven Oaths of Angam

In every martial arts system tradition in the world, e.g: Wu-shu, Karate, etc, there are a set of
mandatory oaths and rules every practitioner must adhere to. This is more than true in the case
of Angam as well.
This general set of oaths have existed for many centuries and has been recently names as the
“Seven Oaths”, or “Diwurum hatha”.
The Seven Oaths according to Angam are as follows.

 A Student may not abandon his training half-way through

 Must use Angam only for self-defense
 He must honor and respect his teachers, seniors and elders
 In public, he will be discreet and humble about his Angam skills and identity as an
Angam practitioner
 He will refrain from consuming intoxicants (Alcohol, tobacco, drugs),Pork and Beef
 He will mainly teach the arts of Angam  to those with gentle, willful and compassionate
personalities.
 The purpose of his Angam studies and training should not in any way aim for wealth or
fame

Most Angam practitioners of this generation have adhered more or less to the oaths above.
Their primary aspiration has always been to serve his country and faith. Their contribution for a
just and fair society is well recognized. An Angam artist will never insult or belittle his art, and
history shown many occasions where such Gurus rise to meet all sorts of daunting challenges.
Turning away from a challenge is considered a dishonor to ones lineage. If he requires
displaying his skills through public performances, permission is required from his gurus/elders.
Training must be carried out to completion and never stopped half-way through. Angam being
an art perfected for warfare, an ill-trained and incomplete Angam artist will be detrimental to
Angam as a whole.
“Fighting” is an primary characteristic common to all Animals. Perfecting a Fighting Art is a
purely creative and intellectual process. An Angam practitioner must be someone who has such
a capability. He will use Angam only his own self-defense or the benefit of other’s. This is a
simple and clear purpose, but also difficult. A skilled Angam artist will surely become renowned
in his community. For this reason, and for the betterment of all, he must exercise humbleness
and humility. The more he perfects his own skills, the more flexible, peaceful and humble he
must become. He will respect his elders and be patient with his peers.
Training daily with one’s tend to lead to animosity and even anger at times, even with ones
teachers and elders. For this reason, training one’s mind to be kind and compassionate is
essential to all Angam students and there are many ways of doing this.
When in public, he will be discreet about his skills and will not display them to other’s in order to
win respect and recognition. Doing so is detrimental to both himself and his art. He will refrain
from consuming meat and also adhere to the five precepts of Buddhism, which it turn greatly
develop his meditation practices.
Being disciplined in one’s sexual conduct is not merely a tenet of Shaolin Kungfu. Angam,
following a similar philosophy of spiritual purity. It is believed that such a deep level of spiritual
purity is essential in perfecting the required physical strength to master Angam. Ancient Angam
gurus have all been practicing Theravada Buddhists who have long preserved its traditions and
practices. Angam is an art unique to Sri Lanka alone. Angam practitioners of old have all been
soldiers fighting for the sovereignty of Sri Lanka at various instances in History. They have given
Sri Lanka the required edge when dealing with South Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and English
invaders.
Upon taking the Oaths of Angam, the new student will enter the training area (Angam Maduwa).
It is considered to be sacred space which is both protected and pure. The ground made of fine
clay and grounded coconut fibers. A statue of Lord Buddha and God Ravana is always present
at its head as a symbol and reminder to what Angam stands for. Anyone who enters the Angam
Maduwa will remove their footwear and headwear before entering this sacred ground. In
addition to an Angam Maduwa, students will also undergo special training in different types of
terrain such as grasslands, beaches and even swamplands.
All training sessions are preceded by worshiping the God Ravana and meditation. It is said that
breathing meditation is essential when it comes to perfecting ones armed combat skills.

Angampora-Ancient Martial

Angampora is an ancient martial art form practiced in Sri Lanka since thousands of years ago. It
receives its name from the angam arts which involve hand-to-hand combat forms; and the
ilangam arts which incorporate traditional weaponry such as the Urumi (ethunu kaduwa),
swords, battle axes, staves, daggers and maces. 

Origins and History

 According to legend this martial art form originated almost 30,000 years ago from the Yaksha
tribe; one of the ancient tribes that inhabited the island.
 However, the two ancient scripts, Varga Purnikawa and Pancha Rakkhawaliya, mention that it
originated even earlier from the efforts of nine hermits. The legends also say that the most
famous expert of this art was Rana Ravana, a mythical warrior said to have lived 5,000 years
ago.
 Another story speaks of a heroine named Menike or Disapathiniya who lived in the medieval era
and dressed as a male to get revenge on her father’s murder. She defeated the murderer using
Angampora techniques in a deep pit known as an ura linda or ‘pig’s pit’.  Her success led to an
increase in the fame surrounding the martial art; and which in turn led to its survival.
 Either way, it indeed fact that it was used in wars for almost two millennia as confirmed by
historic evidence presented in carvings from various ancient temples such as the Embekke
Devalaya, The temple of the Tooth, etc; and many historic scripts.
 According to the scripts this martial art form was used by fighters in the army of King
Bhuvanekavahu VI when he conquered the Jaffna Kingdom; and those in the army of
Mayadunne of Sitawaka during the 1562 battle of Mulleriyawa.
 During its peak Angampora was practiced by two major schools, the Maruwalliya and Sudhaliya,
who routinely fought each other in the presence of the king. The fighters practiced in huts
known as angam madu; which were built according to the concepts of Gebim Shasthraya, the
traditional philosophical system of architecture
 However, the art later went through a decline; almost disappearing during the colonial era. The
main reason for this was that Angampora was highly feared by the British during their invasion.
They took extreme measures against this martial art; prohibiting the art form, burning all the
practice huts that they found, and shooting the kneecaps of the existing practitioners to maim
them.
 Despite their efforts, Angampora survived and resurfaced after the end of the British rule in
1948. The Jathika Hela Angam Shilpa Kala Sangamaya, the highest governing body of the art
today, was established in 2001. Angampora continues to flourish today in modern times.

The Combat Method

The combat techniques of Angampora include locks and grips, strikes and blocks, and most
especially pressure point attacks that can cause pain or even permanent paralysis. There are also
self-defense techniques, sport, exercise and meditation techniques which can be learned. It is
believed that there was also a some secretive Angampora techniques known as ‘maya angam’
that used incantations and spells for attack.

Angampora Training

 A practice session in Angampora begins with meditation and offering of merit to the master.
 The student then lights three lamps before he entered the training hut.
  Pledges have to be made promising to use the technique solely for purposes of self-defense and
the defense of family or country.
 Actual practice begins with basic warm-up exercises, gradually moving on to special exercises.
 Foot movement techniques are the cornerstone of Angampora; and a foot exercise named
‘mulla panina’ is the first skill taught. This exercise is followed by more advanced techniques.
 Weaponless combat known as amaraya is taught next and the student learns to observe and
attack the weak points of an opponent.
 The subsequent area of training is in weaponed combat. In total, there are sixty-four types of
weapons; including thirty-two sword variants and several traditional weapons.
 Some of the deadly, higher-level Angam attacks that trainees learn involve the nervous system;
while others if executed properly, can halt the blood flow to vital organs leading to paralysis or
even death.
 Alongside such techniques students also learn an indigenous medical practice known as beheth
pārawal (medical shots) which reverses the effects of such strikes.
 Finally on mastering all these the fighter receives a graduation ceremony at a Buddhist Temple.
 However, they can continue to train to become fencing masters or Pannikiralas; which is the
highest position in Angampora.

The Angampora Training Centre

The Angampora Training Centre in Athurugiriya is one of the modern mainstays of this martial
art form The centre does demonstrations of this legendary art and accepts new students into its
wings. Visitors can meet up with professional Angampora experts and learn more about the
history and techniques of this art. They will also teach a few basic techniques for self-defense if
requested.

Angampora: The Glorious, Traditional Sri Lankan Martial Art

It's been more than a million years since the first human was born, and since then they've had to
face a gazillion challenges in this rapidly changing world.
While learning the methods of survival, they discovered that adapting to a social group is the
most basic one. Why?
 
We figured that staying in packs allows us better chances of survival. But it wasn't the socialising
that assisted in survival, it was something else.

As time passed, more social groups were formed. Each group appointed a leader to look up to. Due to
various political, cultural, social and economical reasons the leaders craved for more power, and it
resulted in fights between these communities. The people needed unique techniques to defeat their
enemies and hence Martial Arts came into being.  

 
There are hundreads of martial arts in the known world and Angampora, the traditional martial
art devised by ancient Sri Lankans is known to possess some of the most lethal,
highly disciplined techniques in the world.

What is Angampora, and how did it come to being? Here's a brief annotation for you.

The Origins of Angampora

The origins of Angampora are scattered throughout history. It's believed to be older than 33,000
years along with the story of Kataragama Mahasen, the brave Angampora warrior of Yakkha
tribe. Later at the time of Maha Ravana who was born to the same tribe, Angampora was vastly
expanded. It became more popular as it was introduced to Buddhist civilization.

Throughout the time of King Dutugemunu, the ten giant warriors of his army (Dasa Maha
Yodhayo)  used Angampora techniques in the battles against the Warlord Elara.

Gotaimbara was one of the ten giants, and he had a separate conflict with Ritigala Jayasena, a
powerful member of Yakkha tribe. Gotaimbara tried to flirt with Jayasena's beautiful wife which
led to a huge fight. According to Mahãvamsa, Gotaimbara had decaptiated Jayasena by a single
Angampora kick to the neck. 

The Gurukula

The parties who taught Angampora for latter generations were called Gurukula. They arose
during the Kandyan period as the need and the importance of Angampora was increased due to
British imperialism in Sri Lanka. There were two main Gurukula in the country; Sudaliya and
Maruwalliya.

A new administrative system was developed and the senior members of Gurukula were given
titles. Mohottala, Sudaliya Muhandiram, Maruwalliya Muhandiram are a few of them. 

The Kings also supported the improvement of Angampora by offering Nindagam (villages

granted for officers in King's service to carry out work in the name of the king). While some of
the Sudaliya Nindagam were located at Matale, Harispaththuwa, Siduruwana, Udunuwara and
Yatinuwara, the Nindagam belonged to Maruwalliya were established at Hewaheta, Udapalatha,
Delthota and Rathmale.

The Art of Fighting

According to the contemporary experts in Angampora history, there have been six subject areas
related to Angampora Education. 
They are:
 Angampora (Unarmed combat), Ilangampora (Armed combat), Maya Angam (Black and white
magic), the Art of Dancing and Drumming, Herbal Medicine and Astrology. 

Over the span of time, some of these areas have been lost but the most parts of it have been
preserved well by the passionate masters.

The term Angampora refers to physical combat, and is essentially the martial use of limbs, but no
weapons. It's categorized into three types; Pora Haramba (offensive and defensive techniques),
Gataputtu (grips and locks) and Maru Kala (Vital point attacks).

Pora Haramba
Pora Haramba has eighteen offensive strikes that can do serious damages to the opponent, and seven
defensive techniques to avoid punches from the opponent. Dik gutiya, Athul pahara, Piti pahara are
some of the popular offensive techniques in Angampora.

Gataputtu
In order to disarm the enemy, make him weak or to kill, the Gataputtu strategy is used. This includes
putting grips, locks on opponent’s body parts like hands, legs, and head etc. Diyaballu Gataya, Kathira
Gataya, Pimburu Gataya, and Wanda Gataya are few of the many Gataputtu methods. A proper
Angampora warrior should know all these, as well as the techniques to redeem from them.

Maru Kala
Maru Kala is the most important technique in Angampora. It is advanced and not everyone gets the
opportunity to learn it, as this subject includes the study of crucial nerve point strikes. Such strikes
require a certain amount of power and speed, and a fighter who is excelled at Maru Kala can
cause great pain to the opponent, make him paralysed, incompetent, swoon or give a quick death. 

Therefore, a few selected people who are trustworthy can study this, and they should swear a special
oath by the name of Lord Buddha and Maha Ravana to not to use these techniques against anyone,
unless it’s absolutely necessary. They also can’t teach Maru Kala to anyone with low qualities.

Ilangampora
Ilangampora, the art of armed combat is consisting thirty two weapons (Dethis Ayudha) and divided into
four main categories; Curved weapons, Circular weapons, Long weapons, and Blunt weapons.
An Angampora student should at least practice for two years before they learn Ilangampora, as it
requires a great dedication and discipline.
During that training period trainees got to practice with wooden swords at baby coconut trees, or
banana trees. The archery training is done using targets drawn on trees, and swinging coconuts.