History of Angampora

Ancient Angampora scene which kept Ambekke 

The exact date of the origin of Angampora is unknown. However it takes time back to the Anuradhapura era to the times of the ancient Sinhala kingdoms. In those days this Angampora was the fighting technique of the noblemen. The army that came under the command of Sapumal Kumaraya comprised fighters skilled in this martial art. According to the transition of the kingdoms towards the southwest of the country, Angampora continued with the Sinhala kings. However, with each new king teach on new gurus and as a result that the gurus of Angampora got experienced.

The last of the Angampora gurus existed during the Kandyan kingdom. Angampora faced its biggest challenge during this era. The British, two years after capturing Kandy and gaining control over the entire island, passed a law to ban Angampora in 1817.

Practising

The penalty for anyone found practising the art was harsh. Those who breached this law were shot below the knee. So Many gurus and students of Angampora gave up this valuable art in fear of punishment. However, few bave sinhalese continued to practise this traditional art in secretive places. In the present we can find only few gurus who teach Angampora in Sri Lanka.

The Process

Every practice of Angampora begins with a session of meditation. After that they offering of pin (merit) to their guru. When a student first enters the class he or she has to light three lamps and make a pledge. It's the way to judge student's mentally fit to learn the art by the manner. If guru sense doubt or scepticism in the mind of the student and feel he or she cannot cope with the discipline. So they don't take into the class.

Meditation

The weapons

 Swords

Many varieties of weapons are used in Angampora. One of the most lethal weapons is the 'Velayudaya', a whip like apparatus made of four double-edged flexible strips of metal. A practitioner uses a pair of this apparatus to obtain maximum effect. However, only the most experienced fighters use these weapons, to avoid the risk of cutting oneself badly while lashing out at an adversary.

Complete set of Weapons

Then there is the combat sword. This thick instrument is custom made for the fighter. The length of the sword is similar to the distance between the fighter's fingertips and his under arm. A smaller variety of sword, known as the 'Keti Kaduwa', is also used. This is used together with a small shield or 'Paliya', which is about the size of a standard wall clock made with metal.

Practising