International Martial Arts and Culture Journal.
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): International Martial Arts and Culture Journal

Cheenaadi: Historical Evolution, Cultural Significance, and Preservation of a Sri Lankan Muslim Martial Tradition

Faiz MMT Marikar (General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Sep 2026

Abstract

Cheenaadi (also known as Chena Adi) is a traditional martial art historically practiced among the Muslim communities of Sri Lanka and South India. Although largely undocumented in academic literature, oral histories and community records suggest that it served as a system of self-defense, cultural identity, and spiritual discipline. This review examines the historical development, cultural significance, training traditions, and contemporary challenges surrounding Cheenaadi. The available evidence indicates that Muslim communities, particularly in coastal regions such as Beruwala, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, and Kattankudy in Sri Lanka, played a central role in preserving and transmitting the art through generations. Despite facing periods of decline during colonial rule and modernization, Cheenaadi remains an important element of Sri Lanka's multicultural heritage and warrants further scholarly investigation and preservation efforts.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

imacj

Publisher

Subject

Other

Description

"International Martial Arts and Culture Journal" publishes original scientific articles on various aspects of physical culture, cultural tourism and humanities (Competition sport, philosophy, sociology, history, pedagogy and psychology) especially martial arts. It also includes reviews, polemics, ...