
Tools, practices and methods
The world is full of amazing tools that may be perfectly suited to accelerate our journey, but often we only discover them through chance encounters, and can lose years being stuck in sub optimal loops.
Our endeavor is to catalog a growing list of tools and eventually match them to you based on your context.
Gatka
Gatka is a traditional martial art that originated in the Punjab region of India and is closely associated with the Sikh community. It involves the use of various weapons, primarily the sword (kirpan), but also includes sticks, daggers, and other traditional Sikh weapons. Gatka is not only a form of combat but also a spiritual practice, deeply intertwined with Sikhism and its teachings.
Thang Ta
Thang Ta, also known as Huyen langlon, is a traditional martial art originating from Manipur, a northeastern state of India. It combines armed and unarmed combat techniques, incorporating the use of swords, spears, shields, and empty-hand techniques. Thang Ta is deeply rooted in Manipuri culture and history, with its origins dating back to ancient times.
Pehlwani
Pehlwani, also known as kushti or traditional Indian wrestling, is a centuries-old martial art and combat sport originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is deeply rooted in Indian culture and has been practiced for generations, with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Pehlwani focuses on grappling techniques, strength training, and physical conditioning, and it is often associated with traditional Indian gymnasiums called akhara.
Mallakhamba
Mallakhamba is a traditional Indian sport that combines elements of gymnastics, yoga, and martial arts. It involves performing various acrobatic and gymnastic exercises on a vertical wooden pole or rope. The word "mallakhamba" is derived from the Sanskrit words "malla" (meaning wrestler) and "khamba" (meaning pole). Historically, it was practiced by wrestlers in India to enhance their strength, flexibility, and agility.
Silambam
Silambam is a traditional Indian martial art originating from the Tamil Nadu region of South India. It is characterized by the skilled use of a long bamboo staff, known as "Silambam." With a history dating back thousands of years, Silambam is not just a martial art but also a cultural heritage deeply intertwined with the Tamil people's history and identity.
Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is a traditional Indian martial art that originated in the southern state of Kerala. It is believed to be one of the oldest martial arts in existence, with roots dating back over 3,000 years. Kalaripayattu encompasses a comprehensive system of physical training, combat techniques, self-defense, and healing methods. The name "Kalaripayattu" is derived from the Malayalam words "Kalari" (which means battlefield or combat arena) and "Payattu" (which means training or practice). Thus, it can be translated as "training in the combat arena."
Boxing
Boxing is a combat sport that involves two opponents engaging in a contest of strength, speed, and skill within a roped-off square ring. The objective is to land punches on the opponent while avoiding being hit in return. Boxing is characterized by its emphasis on striking with the fists, primarily using punches such as jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is a martial art and combat sport originating from Thailand. It is known for its powerful striking techniques, which include punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes, as well as clinch fighting techniques. Muay Thai is often referred to as "the art of eight limbs" because it utilizes the fists, elbows, knees, and shins to strike opponents.
Krav Maga
Krav Maga is a self-defense system developed in Israel that emphasizes practical techniques and instinctive movements for real-life situations. It was originally developed by Imi Lichtenfeld, drawing on his experience in boxing, wrestling, and street fighting, as well as his training in martial arts. Krav Maga is known for its focus on efficiency, simplicity, and aggression, with techniques designed to neutralize threats quickly and decisively.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art renowned for its dynamic kicking techniques and emphasis on physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-defense. The name “Taekwondo” can be broken down into three parts: “Tae” meaning foot, “Kwon” meaning fist or hand, and “Do” meaning way or path, hence it translates to “the way of the foot and fist.”
Aikido
Aikido, founded by Morihei Ueshiba, is a Japanese martial art renowned for its philosophy of non-aggression and harmonizing with an opponent's energy rather than confronting it head-on. In the world of martial arts, Aikido stands apart for its emphasis on redirecting attacks with fluid, circular motions rather than meeting force with force. This core principle distinguishes Aikido from more combative martial arts like Karate or Taekwondo.
Judo
Judo is a modern martial art and combat sport that originated in Japan in the late 19th century. It was founded by Jigoro Kano, who synthesized techniques from various traditional Japanese jujutsu schools into a cohesive system. The word "Judo" translates to "gentle way," emphasizing the principle of using an opponent's strength and momentum against them rather than relying solely on brute force. In Judo, practitioners, known as judoka, utilize throwing techniques (nage-waza), joint locks (katame-waza), and pins (osaekomi-waza) to control opponents and win matches. Judo training also includes groundwork (ne-waza), which focuses on grappling techniques and submissions.
Karate
Karate is a martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. It is a system of self-defense techniques involving striking, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques. Karate practitioners, known as karateka, often train in forms (kata), which are choreographed sequences of movements simulating combat scenarios. These forms help practitioners to develop proper technique, balance, coordination, and focus.
Iaido
Iaido, also known as "Battojutsu," is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on the quick and precise drawing of the katana (Japanese sword) from its scabbard, executing techniques against one or multiple imaginary opponents, and then re-sheathing the sword. The primary goal of Iaido is to develop the practitioner's ability to respond effectively to sudden attacks while maintaining a calm and focused mind.
Barre
Barre is a fitness method that combines elements of ballet, Pilates, yoga, and strength training into a dynamic and effective workout. It typically involves exercises performed at a stationary handrail or barre, providing support and stability during various movements. Barre workouts are designed to target specific muscle groups, particularly those of the core, legs, arms, and glutes, through small, controlled movements and isometric holds. Classes often incorporate props such as light hand weights, resistance bands, and exercise balls to add intensity and variety to the workout.
Aerial Yoga
Aerial yoga, also known as anti-gravity yoga, is a unique form of yoga that incorporates the use of a fabric hammock or sling suspended from the ceiling to support and enhance traditional yoga poses. This practice combines elements of yoga, aerial acrobatics, and Pilates, offering a fun and dynamic workout that improves strength, flexibility, balance, and core stability.

Help us build this list, please suggest any tool / method or practice that you know.