Gangtok: The mercury is well below the zero mark. The air is rarefied, making breathing difficult even when walking at a slow pace. The terrain is so rugged that a missed step can send a person “flying” down several thousand feet to a certain death.
Not exactly an idyllic setting to practice martial arts. Yet, a group of young men are doing just that.
They are from the Army’s 33rd or Trishakti Corps and are engaged in the Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR) training at altitudes exceeding 14,000 feet.
“Trishakti Corps has commenced intensive AMAR training at altitudes exceeding 14,000 ft, significantly enhancing close-combat readiness in some of the most demanding operational zones along the northern borders. Conducted amid sub-zero temperatures, rarefied air, and rugged terrain, this training prepares soldiers to respond effectively even when conventional weapons are not immediately available,” an official said.
AMAR is a modern combat system that blends traditio
nal Indian martial arts with globally proven close-combat techniques. The regimen covers bare hand engagements, weapon-based combat, stress response control, and comprehensive physical mental conditioning all critical for high-altitude operations.
“At 14,000 ft, the mountains challenge your stamina, focus, and resolve. AMAR helps us stay calm under pressure and gives us the confidence that even without a weapon in hand, we are fully prepared for any close quarter threat,” a young officer who is part of the training said.
The training enhances reflexes, balance, stamina, situational awareness, and controlled aggression. All of these are essential attributes for success in close-quarters battle in mountainous terrain.
“Put simply, AMAR ensures every soldier of the Indian Army becomes a weapon – ready to fight and win, anytime, anywhere,” the official said.
The importance of such training has grown after the 2020 Galwan clash between soldiers of China’s People’s Liberation Army and Indian troops. Unarmed Indian soldiers were attacked by Chinese soldiers wielding spiked clubs.
The Indian soldiers fought back with bare hands. In the end 20 of them, including the commanding officer, laid down their lives. An unspecified number of Chinese soldiers were also killed.
Initiatives like AMAR are now preparing Indian soldiers to tackle such situations effectively.