A combat exercise without weapons:

Angampora training to power SLAF

By Dhaneshi Yatawara

Flying has become a common transport mode in today's world unlike the bygone days where it was a luxury. Being a speedy transport mode to suit various demands flying carries its own risks as well - especially by threats posed by many scary factors that exist such as terrorism and crime. Events during the recent past such as plane hijacks and mid-air explosions have dented the attractions of flying. Against such a backdrop security and safety have become crucial factors.

Though we have only one national carrier for air transport there are a number of domestically operating flights mainly serving the high end market in tourism. As the institute background of these carrier airlines is an assurance on safety the commercial wing of the Sri Lanka Air Force passenger transportation, Helitours, is highly recognised considering its safety and security. Unlike in military, in commercial passenger transportation the staff cannot carry weapons under any circumstances.

This was a challenge to the Sri Lanka Air Force as tightening security means rigorous check-ups on passengers which will not be pleasant for their customer service.

Solution

Yet, today the Air Force has found an indigenous solution to ensure security for passengers. It is an unarmed defence technique that developed over centuries on our own soil.

It is a highly disciplined self-defence technique, and also a sport for any adventurous human being. It is not only an exercise but a meditation, our own home grown body combat which is famously known as Angampora. Staying isolated only among the professionals for centuries due to banning in Colonial era, Angampora has started its campaign to strengthen the defenders of the country.

Angampora is mostly a combat exercise without weapons. To strengthen the defence capabilities of staff involved in air transport and office work, Angampora was a very useful tool. Airline crews of the Air Force, specially engaged in civilian transportation cannot carry weapons on the deck. Thus the only option available to protect the passengers in an emergency is body combat. And Angampora would be the ideal option for such an event.

Thus the Air Force also targeted training office staff as well as their airline crew to manage and thwart criminal efforts using the defence techniques of Angampora.

Angampora is a unique technique that uses not only weapons but also hand to hand fight, an ideal method to make a perfect soldier - creating a true hero rather than a fake celluloid one. Combat techniques wherein weapons are used are called Illangam. Maya Angam is a technique which involves the use of spells and use pressure points in the body to confuse or bring an opponent down. Understanding the value of the indigenous traditions Sri Lanka Air Force took in the Angampora techniques in to their style.

SLAF initiative

"Apart from the Airline crews this was helpful to Air Force staff deployed in remote areas of the country for added protection to their camps," said Group Captain Camillus Labrooy who is in charge of the Air Force Angampora training pool. The Air Force initiative was for the Air Force Regimental Special Force at the beginning. Training started in 2012 and today they are continuing with the second batch. In 2013 the Air Force started a special Angampora training for the children of the Air Force personnel. Training sessions for children studying from year six to A/L classes are held at the BMICH.

"There was a good response from the Air Force personnel to this. A lot of parents started sending their children," said Group Captain Camillus Labrooy.

The Air Force has introduced key aspects of Angampora to school cadets. "We try to inculcate the discipline and habits for a healthy lifestyle by introducing certain elements of Angampora," said Group Captain Labrooy. "We held a special camp for Diyathalawa recently and we hope to continue with it to improve the character of the school cadets as well as their health," he said.

Ajantha Mahantharachchi who is also the 'Angam Muhandiram' is the leader of this training pool. According to traditions the leader of the entire clan of Angampora professionals is called the 'Angampora Muhandiram'. During the time of kings he was the leader for all the Angampora professionals of the entire country. Since then there have been a few families involved in Angampora .

Ajantha Mahantharachchi belongs to the Korathota generation. But now we select an 'Angam Muhandiram' within the 'Angam Maduwa' - the hall where the wrestlers get together to train and practise. 'Panikkiralas' are the trainers who teach the wrestlers.

Tradition

The opportunity to study the indigenous combating technique is rare and those accepted into the circle are chosen with utmost care. Angam Muhandiram Ajantha Mahantharachchi said that he depended on the instructions written in ola leaves. "Not everyone can become a student of Angampora.

"The horoscope must be read. It carries weight and tells us what the past life experiences of any person. "We need to know what the person's life expectancy is and if he possesses the qualities of a warrior. Purity of thought and the potential to develop one's mind is comprehensible through the message of the ola leaf. We need to know if their knowledge of the Angam Satan Kalawa (the fighting techniques of Angam) will not lead them to take advantage of others or use it unjustly," Mahantharachchi said.

The techniques of combat depend heavily upon psychological development, physical exercise, healthy eating and Ayurvedic healing.

When we are giving training in general we cannot do that in full as it is not the tradition of Angampora, said Mahanthaarachchi.

Today traditional Angampora is taught at the Korathota Angampora maduwa, which is made like an old fashioned mud and clay theatre.

For the school cadets the meditation, yoga and general self-defence techniques are taught.

According to Mahanthaarachchi, there are meditation and yoga techniques unique to 'Angampora' training. "Meditation does improve concentration and memorising capacities and as professionals we have well experienced it," he said.

The yoga techniques are specific to Angampora. "It is totally different from the Indian yoga.

Angampora tradition itself proves that Sri Lankans had unique habits and practices supporting a healthy life style. The yoga technique is a good example," he said.