Vajra Mukti

The art of vajra mukti (also known as Vajramushti) is native to India and is considered an Indian martial art. This martial art identifies with a weapon that is utilized by the hand and is used with striking and grappling. “Mutki” literally means “closed hand” or “fist.” The word “vajra” means “thunderbolt.” In Buddhism and Hiduism the vajra is considered a religious symbol. The practice of vajra mukti is commonly referred to as “Indra’s fist.”

Many historians claim that this martial art is a martial art that’s been passed down through Buddha’s bloodline, where it first originated. This theory places Vajra mukti as one of the first combat martial arts to exist. If these theories are correct, the Varja Mukti dates back to 1000 BC. It is said to have been used by Indian warriors known as the “Kshatriya.”

While there is no actual evidence that supports these theories, many different statues, paintings and drawings provide a depiction of this caste of Indian warriors that practiced the martial art. Nevertheless, during this time other Indian martial arts were being formed based on teachings from the Greeks.

The Indians and Greeks practiced each of their arts separately from one another until an invasion by Alexander the Great occurred in 326 BC. At that time, Indians utilized everything they learned from the Greeks and perfected the art of Varja Mukti. Monks quickly learned this art as an art of self-defense against thieves. As the monks perfected it, they introduced their teachings to the Chinese with the introduction of Buddhism.