Vajra Mushti
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| Vajramushti | |
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| Also transliterated: | Vajra Mushti Vajra-musti Vajramukti Vajra Mukti |
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| Part of a series on Indian martial arts |
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| Various Indian martial arts |
| Pehlwani - Kalarippayattu - Malla-yuddha - Vajra Mushti / Vajra Mukti - Chakram - Kabaddi - Silambam Nillaikalakki - Gatka - Thang-Ta - Other arts |
| Notable Practitioners |
| The Great Gama - Phillip Zarrilli - Jasmine Simhalan - Jyesthimallas - Gobar Goho - Imam Baksh Pahalwan - Paul Whitrod - Gulam - Guru Har Gobind - John Will |
| Related articles |
| Kshatriya - Yoga - Indian mêlée weapons - Dravidian martial arts - Khanda - Marmam - Ayurveda - Sri Lankan martial arts - Foreign influence on Chinese martial arts |
Vajra Mushti (Sanskrit वज्र मुश्टि) is the name of both a knuckleduster-like weapon and an ancient Indian martial art identified with that weapon that incorporates striking aspects, grappling aspects, and a study of vital pressure points (marman).[1] The striking aspects of Vajra Mushti are similar to Kung Fu, Boxing and Karate,[2] while the grappling aspects are similar to jujutsu and Vale tudo.[3]
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[edit] History
The martial art of Vajra Mushti was described in the Buddharata Sutra, written in the 5th century CE,[1] based on earlier material used by the Kshatriya warrior caste.[4]
The forms of wrestling and striking described in the Manasollasa of Somesvara III (ruled 1126-1138 CE) and associated with the Jyesthi caste in the Malla Purana have been identified with Vajra Mushti by Donn Draeger and Robert Smith.
[edit] Translation
"Mushti" literally means "closed hand" or "fist", while the vajra is a religious symbol in both Hinduism and Buddhism translated variously as "thunderbolt" and "diamond." Vajra Mushti could therefore be translated as "Thunderbolt Fist" or "Diamond Fist."
Simhanada Vajramushti is known as the "Lions Roar" variant of Vajra-Mushti (Mukti). This is supposedly the martial art of the historical Buddha's blood-line, and, also became known as "Indra's Fist" (after the Thunder and Sky God Indra). It is still called Indra's Fist in China, where it is also known as Tibetan Lion's Roar.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Cezar Borkowski (1998). Complete Idiot's Guide to Martial Arts (p. 19-20).
- ^ Bruce A. Haines (1995). Karate's History and Traditions (p. 23-25). Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 0-8048-1947-5.
- ^ John B. Will. Vajramushti: The Ancient Vale Tudo of India.
- ^ Haines (p. 23-24).
