This tour gives you the chance to see and experience the ancient Sri Lankan martial art form of Angampora in person. Watch demonstrations of the various high-level techniques of Angampora. View knife fights, gang fights, the art of swords, and much more. Learn some basic Angampora techniques from professionals, if you are interested. This is a wonderfully fun tour for those who are interested in martial and history, or have a great sense of adventure.
Highlights:
- Various Angampora martial arts demonstrations.
- Chance to learn Angampora techniques from professionals.
Locations
- Colombo
- Athurugiriya
Experience:
Recommended starting time is 8:00 to start your Angampora tour from the hotel in Colombo. Ensure that you bring a packed breakfast with you, if you are unable to have your meal at the hotel. Your chauffeur will be picking you up and driving you to the Angampora training centre in Athurugiriya. If you chose to start your tour at 8:00 you will get there by approximately 9:30.
Angampora is an ancient martial art form practiced in Sri Lanka for millennia. According to folklore, the history of this martial arts stretches back to almost 30,000 years. Ancient scripts mention that it was born from the efforts of nine hermits; and the most famous expert of this art is believed to be Rana Ravana, a mythical warrior said to have lived 5,000 years ago. 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. It was also extremely feared by the British during their invasion; to the extent that they prohibited the art form, burnt all practice huts that they found, and shot the kneecaps of practitioners to maim them.
The combat techniques of Angampora include grappling, striking, and most especially pressure point attacks that can cause pain or even permanent paralysis. It incorporates hand-to-hand fighting with various weaponry; such as knives, swords, staves, maces and more. There are also self-defense techniques, sport, exercise and meditation techniques which can be learned. It is believed that there was also some secretive Angampora techniques that used incantations and spells for attack.
You will be viewing demonstrations of this legendary martial art form at the training center. They will take place for a total of approximately 45 minutes.
After the demonstrations, you will be able to meet with professional Angampora experts and question them on the history and techniques of this art form. They will also be happy to teach you a few basic techniques to protect yourself, enabling you to learn and experience Angampora yourself.
At approximately 11:30 you will be leaving the Angampora training centre. You will be dropped off at your hotel by approximately 13:00 completing your tour.
Includes:
- Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Service of an English-speaking chauffer guide.
- Demonstrations session (45 minutes).
- 1 liter of bottled mineral water per person.
- Hotel pick & drop.
- All taxes & service charges
Excludes:
- Entrance fees.
- Food or drinks.
- Gratuities (optional).
- Expenses of personal nature.
Notes:
Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour. Drive time may change due to unpredictable road traffic. Photography stops on the way can be arranged but within locations with reasonable parking areas.
