Any given day, reading about a forgotten piece of history, unravelling an ancient mystery or learning anything new about your own legacy is enriching. Recently, Sri Lankan based photographer, Reza Akram recreated the magic of Angampora, an old Sri Lankan martial art form through 8 breathtaking photographs featuring Angampora fighters.
Legends say that origin of Angampora can be traced back to 30, 000 years. And, this particular art of fighting blends meditation, weaponry (read swords and knives) as well as various combat techniques like self-defence, sport, and exercise.
Check out the photo series by Akram captured at an old fortress.
Angampora form was imbibed by the locals to fight against colonial conquers.
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Ethunu kaduwa, staves, knives and swords are some of the indigenous weapons that are used in Angampora style of fighting.
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Gataputtu (locks and grips), Pora Haramba (strikes and blocks) and Maru Kala (nerve point attacks) are the three main disciplines of Angam component.
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Angam Madu are the huts used by Angampora fighters for training.
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Maruwalliya and Sudhaliya are the two main schools of Angampora who have routine fights known as angam-kotāgæma.
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Diyaballu Gataya, Kathira Gataya, Pimburu Gataya, Wanda Gataya, and Hasthi Gataya are some of the locks used in Angampora.
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Dik Gutiya, Miti Pahara/Miti Gutiya, Thallu Pahara, Vakka Pahara and Veesi Pahara are some offensive strikes in Angampora.
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Helankada Mangalya is the graduation ceremony for Angampora fighters and is held within a Buddhist temple.
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All photo courtesy: © HotChocolateStudios 2013, ©Reza Akram2013