Angampora, the traditional martial art of Sri Lanka is known to be one of the oldest fighting disciplines in the world. According to Sinhalese folklore, Angampora dates back to over 30,000 years.

It combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise and meditation. Key components in angampora are: Angam, which incorporates hand-to-hand fighting, and illangam, which uses indigenous weapons such as the ethunu kaduwa, staves, knives and swords.

W. Sandun, as a National Angampora Instructor had written a research book on Angampora in the Southern region.

Sandun, who had completed his education in Ananda College, Colombo, has worked in movies like Mahindagamanaya, Siri Daladagamanaya and Veediya Bandara as an Action Director.

The folklore describes Rana Ravana, a mythical warrior said to have lived 5,000 years ago, as the most feared angam warrior of all time.

Angampora was upgraded during the Ravana era,” he said adding that there was a high reputation to Angampora even today as the Cultural and Arts Ministry had taken steps to add more value to Angampora.

Both mental and physical health is important for Angampora, he said.

His classes are conducted in Moratuwa. Call 0711069440 for more information. “Those interested in Angampora are welcome to the class,” he said.