Details of Thang-Ta Game :: Part 2
- Indian Martial Arts -
Recognised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)

* H. Premkumar Singh

SARIT-SARAK (UNARMED COMBAT):

The Manipur is not only developed in the use of weapon system but also they had developed a special technique of unarmed combat known as "SARIT-SARAK". Every swordsman has to perfect this art of Thang-Ta by mastering this specific form of unarmed combat. The singular character of this native art form in an unarmed combat is ever so unique that the evasive and offensive moves could be effective against any form of attack with or without weapon.

MUKNA (MANIPURI WRESTLING):

It is an indigenous style of wrestling which has been in vogue since the existence of the Manipuri Society. In Mukna, two male partner by holding the loincloths tried to throw and hold down the opponent. There are specific rules, costumes and techniques of Mukna. Some of the main techniques are Ningong (Hip throw) left and right, Longkhrou (Specific throw by twisting the opponent's calf) left and right, Khudong (throwing the opponent by raising him high), Khu-Theibi, Chepching, Kamlak Kotpi, Heibong Kabi, Ngakthi Chappa, Suptek, Chaokot, etc. Each of the above mentioned Laws (Techniques) have also their defensive counter Laws/Techniques.

PHUNABA CHANGDAMNABA (TEST OF FIGHTING):

In practicing Yanna Thang (Actual fight system) we used a kind of weapon generally known as "Cheibee" (Phunachei), a canestick covered with leather for striking the opponent and "Chungoi" (Buckler) for defending oneself. Usually the right hand holds "Phunachei" (Cheibee) and left hand,"Chungoi". Thang-Ta trainees fight with this weapon in the arena of fighting. This type of fighting is organised in the Village level, State level, National level competitions.

During the competition the Thang-Ta players used a weapon called "Phunachei" another name "Cheibee" made of cane stick covered with soft leather and Chungoi (Shield) made of leather for defending. Actually Phunachei/ Cheibee is used instead of sword to compete within the Arena and not to have the fearful idea to the young learners. In the ancient time Thang-Ta practitioners used this type of weapon in fighting to examine the real swordsman.

There shall be two major catagories of events in this Game. They are :
1. Phunaba (Combat)
2. Kanglon Chatpa (Individual performance)

There are two types of events of 1. Phunaba. They are :
(i) Phunaba Ahanba (combat using phunachei / cheibee with chungoi).
(ii) Phunaba Anishuba (combat using only phunachei / cheibee with kicking).

There are five types of events of 2. Kanglon Chatpa. They are :
(i) Thang-Haiba (an individual performance with double decorative sword).
(ii) Thanglon (an individual performance with single sword).
iii) Khonglon-Khutlon (an indivudual performance of free hand).
(iv) Cheishang-Cheirol (an individual performance with single long stick).
(v) Taron (an individual performance of spear movement). There are some photos of the competition :

Many Thang-Ta Competitions were conducted at the different states of India every year. The type of events are showing hereunder with photo poses :

I. PHUNABA

(i) PHUNABA AHANBA:
Dress : Black dress
Belt :
Guard : Chest guard
Head guard
Groin guard Weapon : Phunachei (Sports weapon)and Chungoi (shield)
In this event both players will compete in the arena under the rule of Thang-Ta Game. In this event kicking is not allowed.

(ii) PHUNABA ANISHUBA:
Dress: Black dress
Belt :
Guard : Chest guard
Head guard
Groin guard Weapon : Phunachei (Sports weapon)
In this event both players will compete each other under the rule of the Thang-Ta Game. In this event kicking is allowed and Players will not use Chungoi (shield).

2. KANGLON CHATPA

(i) THANG-HAIBA:
Dress: Black Dress
Weapon : Double decorative sword
This event is the individual performance with Leiteng Thang (Decorative Sword).

(II) THANGLON:
Dress: Black Dress
Weapon : Single decorative sword
This event is the individual performance with a single sword.

(iii) KHONGLON-KHUTLON:
Dress: Black Dress
Weapon : (Unarmed) Free hand
This event is the individual performance

(iv) CHEISHANG-CHEIROL:
Dress: Black Dress
Weapon : Either Canestick or Bamboo
This event is the individual performance with a Canestick or Bamboo.

(v) TARON
Dress: Black Dress
Weapon : Ta (Spear)
This event is the individual performance with Ta (Spear).

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