Playable heritage game

Silambam

Also known as சிலம்பம் · bamboo staff fencing

The bamboo staff art of Tamil Nadu, taught first through footwork and spinning patterns and tested in friendly duels of distance and timing. The staff that arrives at the right moment wins the exchange.

Play the preview About this tradition

Silambam: photograph by Arunachalam Mani — Photo: Arunachalam Mani, CC BY-SA 4.0, source on Wikimedia Commons

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How to play

Watch the rival's stance: his staff shows the move he is about to use.
Tap the answering move inside the bright zone of the timing bar.
Clean touches score points; a rival who loses his balance leaves an opening worth four.
Take two of three rounds, or lead by ten points to end a round early.

Rules at a glance

Only touches score; the duel is played to points and balance.
A move that meets its counter fails and costs a little balance.
Resting regains strength but leaves you open to every attack.
Tapping again while a move is playing out only tires you.

About the tradition

Silambam is the staff art of the Tamil people, practised in Tamil Nadu for many centuries. The bamboo staff is cut to about the height of the fighter's forehead, and learners spend long years on footwork and patterns before sparring. After a period of decline it is taught again in schools and clubs.

Origins

Usually placed in the era of Classical Worlds (about 1000 BCE to 500 CE), although its exact origins are uncertain, within the cultural world of South Asia.

Credits

Craft model: World Heritage Games (original)
Photo: Arunachalam Mani, CC BY-SA 4.0, source on Wikimedia Commons
Text: CC BY-SA 4.0, World Heritage Games.

Sources

commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AWeapons_images_of_Silambam.jpg

Get the app

Silambam is one of 18 sports and skill games in the Sports & Skill of the World app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Submitted to the App Store and Google Play; in review. Store links appear here the day it goes live. One app, many traditions, no account needed.

See all 18 sports and skill games in the app

In review on theApp StoreIn review on theGoogle Play

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