According to their myths, the limbs and bones of their ancestor, Tin Sidaba (also called Pakhangba), turned into different swords and tools, some used in Thang-Ta and others in rituals.

To honor the bravery of the Manipuri army, led by Major General Paona Brajabasi, the British made it illegal for people in Manipur to own weapons and banned their martial arts, including Thang-Ta.

[5] Thang-Ta is made up of four main parts: the spear dance (Ta-khousarol), sword fighting (Thanghairol), unarmed combat (Sarit-Sarat), and the art of touch and call (Thengkourol).

Each sequence has a specific order of moves, like salutation, removing stakes, watching the enemy, and fighting.

The martial artist holds a spear (ta) in the right hand and a round shield (chungoi) in the left.

The spear is about 150 cm (60 inches) long, made of bamboo, with blades on both sides, and decorated with colored thread.

Today, the spear dance is a popular solo performance for skilled martial artists, and Ta-khousarol techniques are often used by drama directors and choreographers in Manipur.

In decorative swordplay (Leiteng-thang), the swordsman moves with one or two swords and a shield, showing skill and bravery.

In combat swordplay (Yanna-thang), the swordsman learns the "Thanglon" language of the sword, which includes moves and footwork to defend and counterattack.

The swords are about 60 cm (24 inches) long, straight or slightly curved, with handles made of brass and wood.

It focuses on using punches and kicks to protect yourself from sudden attacks and also teaches how to fight against an armed opponent without weapons.

In Thang-Ta stage performances, there is a popular act where a woman defends herself from a male attacker using Sarit-sarat self-defense techniques.

[9] Thengkourol involves special movements that must be done in a certain order, following the pattern of a coiled snake (paphal).

Unlike other fighting techniques, Thengkourol is a magical practice where the movements and prayers are believed to affect the enemy or kingdom.

There are nine Thengkou forms: Akao, Leiphal, Leichai, Nongphan, Leikak, Leinet, Lankak, Akham, and Leishit.

Some records mention that Thengkourol was used to win battles, such as during the reign of King Garibniwaz (1709-1748) and Rajarshi Bhagyachandra (1748-1799).

To learn Thengkourol, a student must be a trusted disciple of a guru and over forty years old because it is a powerful and dangerous art.

On the chosen day, the training area is cleaned, and lights are lit in front of Pakhangba's representations.

[13] These rules make sure students learn in a safe and controlled way because even a small mistake can cause injury or death.

Teachers warn students that if they step incorrectly, they could hurt themselves, as the movements follow specific patterns, like the Pakhangba, a coiled serpent design, of Meitei mythology and religion.

[20] The Department of Thang-Ta at the Manipur University of Culture teaches self-defense, skills for work, health, self-discipline, and good behavior to young people.