The world’s first professional league for traditional Indian martial arts, The Indian Martial Arts League (IML), provides an opportunity for accomplished “Yoddhas” to compete to win in their respective category of traditional Indian martial art. The professionally trained Yoddhas, will showcase their skill  during the tournament, and both thrill and educate in the process.

Kalaripayattu, the world’s oldest known system of martial combat,  is derived from the Sanskrit words “Yuddha Kala”, and provides the technical and philosophical foundations of most contemporary martial arts. Developed over 2,000 years ago in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in Southern India, Kalaripayattu was transmitted to China and East Asia by travelling Indian monks and subsequently developed into the rich panoply of martial arts synonymous with China, East  and South East Asia.

It is the relatively under-appreciated history and contribution of Kalaripayattu to the development of advanced fighting disciplines and cultures throughout the world, which provides the inspiration for The Indian Martial Arts League. The IML, in turn, seeks to revive the global popularity of India’s traditional martial arts, support its uptake amongst a new generation of martial artists, as well as provide scintillating entertainment for millions of international viewers.