You wouldn't want to fight this 76-year-old Indian woman who wowed the Internet with her martial arts skills

AsiaOne
Sat, July 2, 2016

She may be 76, but don't underestimate her because she will likely kick your butt.

The septuagenerian, named Meenakshiamma, has become well-known across India after a video of her sparring with a man who appears to be much younger was posted online.

The short clip shows the pair wielding sticks at breathtaking speed while surrounded by a large crowd of cheering onlookers.

Meenakshiamma's strength and agility quickly becomes apparent as she easily takes control of the fight with a combination of defensive and offensive manoeuvres as she moves her much younger opponent to the edge of the fighting ring.

All the while, the sari she is wearing stays firmly tucked in place.

According to online reports, the pair are practising an ancient Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu, which is considered to be one of the oldest known fighting styles in the world.

The display reportedly took place in Vatakara, a town in the southern Indian state of Kerala, where the martial art is believed to have originated.

Kalaripayattu is a combination of steps, postures and fighting styles.

But each region has different styles which are distinguished by their different attacking and defensive patterns, India TV reported.

According to Indian Express, Meenakshiamma is a master exponent of the martial art, having practised it since she was just 10 years old.

She has also trained hundreds of students in her town, many of whom have themselves become teachers.

The video of the performance, which was taken via mobile phone from a member of the audience, quickly went viral since it was posted on Facebook page India Arising, getting over 1.4 million views.