Devout passion guides Rajen Mangang to lifelong commitment to Manipuri martial arts (Thang-Ta)

Phanjoubam Chingkheinganba *

Rajen Mangang showing his skills in traditional war costume with sword and shield

June18, 2001- a day which will forever be entrenched in the history of Manipuri nation, a day when 18 innocent lives were lost when trying to protect the former sovereign country from being balkanised by an unscrupulous militant outfit in collusion with the Indian government.

Ever since that day, civil bodies across Imphal valley has been paying annual tributes to those who laid down their lives for the motherland. However, during this observation, the ending part of the event is hardly given recognition although its importance cannot be understated. This is where the story of "Bruce Lee of Manipur" comes into forth.

Naorem Rajen Mangang, Sintakpurel literal meaning master, is the proud inheritor and the sole authority of Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association. The casual artist of Song and Drama Division was blessed by his former instructor and teacher and handed over the authority of the association to him, when the latter left for his heavenly abode. Born in a family at Khongman, the 38-year-old has been "divinely guided" and has relentlessly pursued the martial arts of Manipur ever since he can recollect his childhood memory.

To know Mangang's achievement in the field, one has to flip through dozens of certificates and pages as he has received numerous awards and have performed at all the important national and global events including at the prestigious martial art festival "Perles de culture" held at Reunion Island in France in 2010.

Rajen Mangang teaching his students on the basic of Manipuri martial arts Thang-ta

Still, the man remains humble and ensures that the art which he has learnt, from his first teacher Sana Sharma and Padmashree Guru G Gourakishore Sharma, is imparted to the emerging generation so that someday he can hand over his Association to a worthy student and to continue with the endeavour of letting the whole world know about Manipuri martial arts which had proved decisive at the outcomes of several wars with Myanmar (Burma), Tripuri and Cachari kingdom during the medieval period.

Mangang's devotion to martial arts began when he was 12 years old. During his earlier years, his soul and mind has seen nothing other than acquiring the skills associated with Thang-Ta. His craving to learn more also saw him learning Taekwondo in his early twenties. He is black belt in that form of Korean martial art.

Mangang emphasizes that his passion for the art is not just about the acquiring the skills, instead it generates within him self-discipline, makes him want to pursue morally righteous activities and cultivates respect for others particularly the senior citizens. As of the art, it allows him to develop skills which are related with self-defence, perform at cultural events and improve health conditions which is also important as it helps popularize Thang-Ta to many state natives who usually do not have much idea about this ancient art although majority of the state population are familiar with foreign art forms including Karate, Kendo, Thai boxing and Taekwondo, to mention a few.

Bruce Lee of Manipur

Physically endowed with rigidness and years of training has enabled the instructor at Huyel Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association to acquire the legendary physique of Bruce Lee. Even though it is an impossibility to be the founder of the Jeet Kundo, he worships Lee so much so that he keeps a garlanded photo of the martial arts and prays to him in the same way gods are worshipped in one's residence.

Additionally, ever since his childhood, he was mad with acquiring martial skills so much so that locals refer him to as Bruce Lee. This was also acknowledged by a judge when he performed in front of thousand spectators who came to watch the Sony-sponsored "Entertainment Kae Liye Kuch Bhi Karega" at Mumbai in 2011. One of the judges, which included Anu Malik of Indian music industry directly, respectfully told him he should be called the Bruce Lee of Manipur, after seeing his deadly and flawless performances at the stage with the assistance of his two young students.

To know Mangang's achievement in the field, one has to flip through dozens of certificates and pages as he has received numerous awards and have performed at all the important national and global events including at the prestigious martial art festival "Perles de culture" held at Reunion Island in France in 2010.

Students of Rajen Mangang and those of Huyel Lallong parades in connection with the Great Uprising June 18 observation

Interestingly, and honestly quite surprising is when questioned whether the sound of the accompanying drum beats help him in his movements to chop fruits kept on the head of his students, blindfolded. He explains years of training have naturally made him accustomed to the movement of his razor-sharp sword and bodily movement.

In this regard, the recently married man gave a remarkable analogy that suits his point. He pointed out that just as a computer proficient person can type without having to actually look at the keyboard, veterans of Thang-ta practitioners can slice fruits kept on the body of another person, all the while being blindfolded.

Dreams and wishes

Aspiring to become more efficient in his art, despite being a distinguished martial artist of the state in the field of martial arts, Mangang harbours the dream of spreading the respect, self-discipline associated with learning of Thang-Ta to the younger generation of Manipur which is rapidly declining in the current scenario. He also feels sad that rather than acquiring and supporting Thang-ta, majority of population wishes to go in the field of foreign art forms. Although, he supports the idea, what he wishes is that Thang-ta be recognised and treated with the same regard and respect enjoyed by other Asian martial arts.

Nonetheless, he observes that the eminence and reputation of Thang-ta is improving as many other martial artists have visited him to learn the art. As of now, he has shared his skills with fellow martial artists from France, Germany and other Asian countries. Currently he also teaches more than sixty youngsters at the premise of his residence.

As regards to the observation of the Great June 18 Uprising 2015, Mangang, his students in collaboration with the larger Huyel Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, organised and performed ritual-based Thang-ta movements in honour of the fallen heroes of that historic day. That has been a tradition of the Manipuri society when Meitei and tribal warriors defending their fatherland fell at the hands of enemies at battlefield.

Currently he is doing research works on Thang-Ta under a national fellowship. A detailed account of the art which includes its origin, affinities and skills is in progress and will be published in a short time.

Rajen's students perform at Spring Festival in Nagaland