Urumi

Urumi - long sword, common in the south of India. Possession of these weapons is part of the art of warfare Kalaripayattu, which appeared about three thousand years ago and still exists today.

Sword is somewhat flexible steel blade length from one to four meters. Blades are fixed on one arm, usually wooden, and sharpened on both sides, which increases the damage dealt to the enemy. Blade width varies from one to three inches, weight is not as big as a classical sword, since the metal tape is very thin, it is rarely more than seven hundred grams.

Urumi is ideal for fighting against one man band. Radically different from the standard sword; can be used as a sword, and as a whip, ie shocks may be applied as cutting and whipping. At first glance it is difficult to imagine how such a "handheld device" can successfully attack, defend, without injuring yourself and allies. It turns out you can! Kalaripayattu master are so finely honed skills that can cut the mustache man at a distance of several meters, without hitting him.


The obvious disadvantages include the complexity of the attack and defense at close range (about one meter), and the inability to use in the ranks. And no wonder! India almost never had the army with a rigid system, and therefore was not strictly necessary in special short swords like the Romans in ancient times. Especially because Urumi could be used as a personal weapon for self-defense.


However, it should be noted that the technique is very complicated ownership: training lasts an average of 12 years. Nowadays Urumi is also produced, mainly as a collection of knives, as well as for sport. And thank God that today, this weapon has no use for military purposes.