Age has not withered the spirit of 81-year old Shenbagalingam Asan, an expert in traditional martial arts such as silambam and other self-defence techniques. He is always available to those who are willing to learn the skills he had acquired over the years from many well-known masters in Kanyakumari district. In return, he accepts no money as fee.
“Before breathing his last, my master Chellaiah Asan from Thuckalay told me that I should teach the art to anyone who is interested. He also elicited a promise that I should not collect money for teaching the art. My wife sometimes says I should charge at least a nominal fee. But I cannot afford to violate the promise I made to my teacher,” said Shenbgalingam Asan, who ekes out a living by working as a water pump operator in a local college and is supported by government pension.
He is so popular that even a child in Rajakkamangalam, a small town in Kanyakumari district, knows the name of Shenbagalingam Asan. Hailing from Thekkurichi village, he first learnt silambam from Venkatachalam of Alathankaram, whom he called Annachi (elder brother).
“He told me that I should further improve my skills by learning from others. Fortunately for me, Minnal Thiraviam, an outstanding teacher of silambam and other martial arts, settled in my village. He shaped me well,” recalled Shenbagalingam Asan, who is also adept at using his hand to ward off attackers with lethal weapons.
Later he learnt from Stunt Thiraviam of Pattasalianvilai, Narayanan Asan of Moolachi and Chellaiah Asan.
Proliferation of teachers
“Martial arts as a form was once confined to the soldiers of the Travancore Army and reached others when Veluthampi Thalavai recruited a lot of people. That explains the presence of many martial arts masters in Kanyakumari districts,” explained Shenbagalingam Asan, who recommends a sweet made of palm sugar, rice, dried ginger and fenugreek to keep fit.
On those who had learnt the art and then used it to intimidate others, he said everything depended on the mindset of the individual.
“We normally avoid such elements. If you acquire complete knowledge of the art, you will not waste your skills in creating nuisance for others. Never in my life have I hit anyone and have not been hit by anyone either. I have never stepped into a police station,” laughed Asan.
