"Who's attacking is not relevant, how the defence is placed is what determines the war"
- Ashwini Guruji
Hidden in India's spiritual legacy lies a discipline that fuses combat, yoga, and inner transformation. This ancient practice, known as Vedic Martial Arts (VMA), was first imparted by the great sage Agastya Muni. It has been styled for the modern era by Ashwini Guruji at Dhyan Ashram. Classes are conducted by Dhyan Foundation, a spiritual and charitable organization dedicated to reviving Vedic practices like Sanatan Kriya, Mantras, Spiritual Healings, Art of Mace and Vedic Martial Arts among others. The foundation is equally known for its large-scale animal welfare, free education, and humanitarian services across India and abroad. Unlike many combat systems that emphasise on attacks, VMA focuses on strengthening defence. More importantly, it penetrates deeper—it awakens shaktis within the body, sharpens awareness, and establishes balance that radiates both inside and out. The art is defensive in nature, devastating in effect when the defence becomes stronger than the attack, that's how Guruji has styled VMA.
When one thinks of martial arts, images of speed, power, and aggression often arise. VMA redefines that perception giving more depth and meaning. The exercises and practices given by Guruji have a 100% success rate. Practitioners have had intense transformations, going from overweight or skinny weak bodies to having carved out physiques with intense force!
But here, the objective is not to exhaust yourself but to conserve and channelize the force received through the practices. Every movement flows from yogic roots—āsanas, mantras, kriyas, prāṇāyāma, and refined combat techniques—that simultaneously rejuvenate the body too.
At the heart of VMA lies the principle that true strength is born not from aggression but from equilibrium. Training emphasizes:
- Balance over brute force – cultivating rhythm and precision while avoiding wasted effort.
- Strength in stillness – deriving speed and accuracy from calm, stable postures rather than reckless attacks.
- Mastery of energy – channeling inner force into efficient, purposeful movement instead of depleting reserves.
The journey in VMA unfolds in two progressive stages:
- Stage I (Foundation): Strengthens the spine and core, improves flexibility, tones muscles, and sharpens sensory perception. Students are trained to detect and respond within a 10-meter radius—an invaluable skill for both self-defense and daily life.
- Stage II (Advanced): Introduces sophisticated combat strategies and weapon training—staff, mace, spear, sword, and knives—along with advanced kicking and street-fighting methods. At this level, awareness becomes so heightened that a practitioner can often sense intentions and actions before they manifest.
The influence of VMA extends well beyond combat. Regular practice enhances stamina, emotional balance, immunity, and vitality. It is known to reverse visible signs of aging—restoring lustre to the skin, slowing greying of hair, and rekindling inner radiance. More importantly, it nurtures humility, discipline, and inner steadiness—qualities often eroded in today's restless world. By uniting body, breath, and mind, VMA equips practitioners to meet life's challenges with calm strength and unwavering clarity.
One of the most remarkable aspects of VMA is its inclusivity. There are no age, gender, or social restrictions. Anyone can begin, provided they approach with sincerity, dedication, and regular practice. Dhyan Foundation offers training free of cost, ensuring this priceless heritage remains accessible to all. However, the journey demands effort—true transformation comes only through perseverance and commitment.
In an age marked by stress, aggression, and disconnection, Vedic Martial Arts offers a profound alternative: the chance to reconnect with ancient wisdom while strengthening body, mind, and spirit. It is not merely a martial art—it is a pathway to self-realization, vitality, and harmony. To experience VMA is to step into a living tradition where combat becomes meditation, and discipline becomes liberation.
To experience VMA, one can reach out to Dhyan Foundation, New Delhi (+91 99995 678951 or follow @vedicmartialarts on Instagram for updates and training schedules.