http://www.the-exiles.org/manual/lang/lang.htm I found this Indian Stick Fighting .pdf document from one of the Philipino posts on MAP. I printed it and started working my way through it. It's more writing than it is pictures so it is quite difficult to follow, but with a little patience and understanding I think I began to get the jist of it. I really liked it and decided to do some googling to find out more, but got nothing. I then googled the word "Lathi" and found this web site: http://www.guildbodywork.com/lathiinfo.html I'm not sure if this is the same art, becase Lathi just translates to "Bamboo stick". I am interested in an art that uses a pole that is 4 foot (a Jo). Many people may recommend Jojitsu, but I find this style too formal, and many instructors insist I learn Aikido first. I'd like a fluid style that doesn't rely on the strength and rigidity of the pole. And it must be functional: Aggressive, direct and uses speed over weight. Any advice on Lathi, or a very direct pole art that uses a 4ft pole. Any reply will be much appreciated. Thanks. -Humble Guy.
Lathi is usualy a 4ft stick of rattan not bamboo with brass ends, some indian cops use them instead of truncheons and they do the job fine.
Isn't this a weapon taught in India within Kalari, one of the most ancient MA's around? I've seen footage and the moves didn't look dissimilar to those we use in Aikido. Guess there are only so many different ways to use a stick! (And yes, the Indian police are very deft at cracking bones with one and theirs are sometimes made of hardwood. I've seen them in action and they don't hold back!) Here's a link: http://www.kalaripayattu.org/weapons.htm
That link has the urumi of belt/waist sword on it as well, a very scary weapon, Sikh Gatka has a version on the end of a wooden staff used to fight horsemen from the ground -ouch.
This thread has inspired me to start a thread of my own trying figure what if any influence the Indian martial arts had on SE Asian martial arts... in particular any influence on Muay Boran, Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong.... I thought I'd make a new thread rather than take this one veering off topic.... you're all more than welcome to offer insight into the issue.. cheers. http://martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39129 Please have a look.
