A sudden burst of energy fills the air one evening at VMRDA Central Park. With sticks in hand, a team consisting of people of a mixed age group, launches into action. Eyes locked in concentration, their hands move with precision, executing intricate strikes and blocks with effortless grace. The movements flow seamlessly from one technique to another, showcasing the beauty of the martial art form of karrasamu (stick fencing).
This traditional martial art form of Andhra Pradesh has seen a revival in Visakhapatnam in the recent years, thanks to the efforts of coach BA Lakshman Dev and his institute Baldev’s Indian Traditional Martial Arts. The institute has more than 50 people aged five to 60 years who are presently undergoing training in karrasamu. Every morning from 6am onwards, students gather at Central Park, perfecting the fluidity of their movements with sweeping kicks, swift punches and intricate footwork.
