Huiyen Lallong

Traditional Meitei martial art form Thang-ta Huiyen Lallong is a classical Meitei traditional martial art form. It is one of the Indian martial arts, originating from Manipur. consists of two main subforms: Thang-Ta (armed combat) and Sarit Sarak (unarmed fighting). It is one of Meitei intangible cultural heritage. Huiyen Lallong, along with the fusion of three other performing art forms, Lai Haraoba, Meitei Nata Sankirtana and Raaslila, gave rise to the Sangeet Natak Akademi-recognised Indian classical dance form, popularly known as the "Manipuri dance". Etymology In the Meitei language, Huiyen means war while Lallong or Lanlong can mean net, knowledge or art. Weapons and techniques The primary weapons of Huiyen Lallong are the Thang (sword) and Ta (spear). The spear can be used in its non-missile form while up close, or thrown from afar. Other weapons include the shield and the axe. Unarmed combat incorporates hand strikes, kicks, and grappling (Mukna). Overview The Thang-Ta aspect of huyen langlon can be practiced in three ways: ritual, demonstration, and combat. The first way is related to tantric practices and is entirely ritualistic in nature. The second way consists of a spe