KUALA LUMPUR - Silambam coach Kaviarasi Sanggar, who recently entered the Malaysian Book of Records for conducting a virtual silambam class for 14 hours non-stop by an individual, now aims to pave her way into the Guinness World Records.
In a recent interview with The Vibes, Kavi said that she was inspired to go after the world record while watching a TV show which showcased the amazing talents of people from around the world and their sole intention to have their names recorded in the Guinness World Records.
“I did a quick search online and there hasn’t been any record in the Guinness World Records for the largest participation of silambam virtual classes yet. As such I decided it would be the perfect moment to take it on,” said Kavi.
“It has been my lifelong dream to see more people partake in silambam and hope that they will enjoy the martial art as much as I do. Although silambam has been in Malaysia for over 100 years, many are still unaware of it, unlike silat and taekwando. I aim to make that happen,” added Kavi.
The 27-year-old Kedahan said making her mark in the Malaysian Book of Records has further motivated her to inspire others to take up the weapon-based Indian martial art.
“My interest towards martial arts, particularly silambam, started since I was 8 years old. My family and I have always been loyal spectators of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), SEA Games and Asian Games. We would all gather in the living room and never missed a moment. That’s how I learnt about the beautiful art of silambam”.
It wasn’t until she was 13 that she witnessed a live demonstration of silambam at an Indian Cultural Festival in her hometown and was instantly captivated by the beautiful movements and action by the performers wielding their silambam stick.
Kavi immediately decided to enrol for silambam classes as part of her school curriculum. However, being one of the very few girls in her community to take up the sport, she was frowned upon as most perceived to be the domain for boys.
Kavi has her family and masters to thank to overcome the stereotype. They have been a constant source of encouragement to continue to strive to achieve her dream - to make silambam a well-known martial art on par with silat or taekwando.
Kavi has stated her intention to provide free classes to kids from B40 group as part of their extracurricular activity outside of school which will be her contribution to society.
“I hope more students, especially from the rural areas, will have the opportunity to learn silambam so they can have more options to be part of an active community. In my opinion, self-defence could help them build confidence and express creativity while nurturing positive relationships amongst each other,” explained Kavi.
To further attain her vision to make silambam a well-known art of self-defence in the country, Kavi aims to have it introduced as part of the school curriculum nationwide so that more students will have access to free lessons and the opportunity to learn a different type of martial art.
In addition to her work in revolutionising the martial arts industry, Kavi is also completing her postgraduate study in Master’s Degree in Sports Science from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris.
Currently, Kavi is teaching physical education at SJK(T) Kampung Pandan in Kuala Lumpur while coaching silambam under Korvai Silambam Association of Malaysia under the guidance of Masters Anbarassan and Anbalahan. – The Vibes. August 31, 2021
