First Female Kuthuvarisai Master in Real Combat, Priya Gopinath. She is a groundbreaking figure in Tamil martial arts and a symbol of women’s empowerment in Martial Art Real Combat.
The World’s First Female Kuthuvarisai Master in Real Combat, she represents a groundbreaking moment in the history of Tamil martial arts. Rooted in centuries-old warrior traditions from Tamil Nadu, the art of Kuthuvarisai was historically practiced by men on the battlefield. By stepping into real combat, she not only revives this ancient Indian fighting system but also shatters long-standing cultural barriers for women in martial arts.
Her journey began with Silambam, the classical Indian stick-fighting discipline known for speed, balance, and precision. Through discipline, years of training, and competitive exposure, she evolved into a specialist of Kuthuvarisai—an unarmed combat form used by Tamil warriors in pre-colonial warfare. By blending traditional warrior techniques, body conditioning, footwork, and live combat drills, she showcases a rare level of authenticity that connects modern combat sports with ancient battlefield systems.
As a cultural ambassador for Tamil martial heritage, her mission goes beyond titles and recognition. She actively promotes awareness of indigenous Indian martial arts on a global platform, inspiring younger generations to reconnect with traditional knowledge systems. Her performances, competitions, seminars, and media presence serve as powerful symbols of identity, empowerment, and pride in Tamil warrior culture.
Breaking gender norms, she stands as a role model for women entering Martial Art Real Combat and combat sports, proving that strength, aggression, and warrior spirit are not defined by gender. Through advocacy and training, she encourages girls and women to explore martial arts for confidence, self-defense, discipline, and athletic excellence. Her influence extends across sport, culture, history, and gender empowerment—making her journey both revolutionary and historically significant.