Kalaripayattu
Graceful, sure footed, animal like movements ….. an unexpected somersault ….. bodies caught in a deadlock …… sparks flying dangerously from clashing swords, with drum beats rising to a crescendo. This is Kalaripayattu, an ancient form of martial arts …
Crafted in ancient South India and drawing inspiration from the raw power, majestic strength and instinctive fighting techniques of animals such as the lion, tiger, elephant, wild boar, crocodile etc… Kalaripayattu is derived from the words Kalari - which means "place, threshing floor, or battlefield", and payattu - which means to "exercise in arms or practice".
Kalaripayattu is perhaps the most ancient martial art in the world. Religions have incorporated Kalaripayattu into their realm. The origin of Kalaripayattu is still in the midst of obscurity. Traditional Kalari masters attribute mythological stories and legends to the origin of the art. Legend traces the 3000-year-old art form to Sage Parasurama - the master of all martial art forms and credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea.
The inherent beauty of this art form lies in the harmonious synergy of art, science and medicine.
What you learn in Kalaripayattu
The animal postures:
This is a prerequisite session for beginners in Kalaripayattu. It introduces stances, and stepping. This exposure gives the new member a better foundation in order to enter the advanced levels in Kalaripayattu. This level focuses on achieving the skill to adopt certain stances which are broadly classified into two - 'Chuvadu’ and ‘Vadivu'. Chuvadu is a position of the feet, while ‘Vadivu’ is a posture of the body, keeping the chuvadu as its basis.
Body Toning Exercises:
A Kalaripayattu trainee who masters the chuvadus and vadivus goes on to Meipayattu (meaning the use of body). It is a series of exercises, in 18 different lessons designed to achieve peak physical fitness and flexibility of the body. They include specific exercise for legs, hips, hands and the torso. In the second level, the training includes acrobatics, different types of flips and kicks.
Weapon Combat: This is a supplementary program for members interested in the practical use of martial arts. Training in weapons begins at the intermediate level, when there is a better understanding of the mechanics of movement and improved coordination. A weapon becomes an extension of one's body and a further test of one's skill. Weapons are taught in form sequences to responsible individuals.
Empty handed fighting techniques:
Lastly the student will be imparted training in empty hand fighting techniques called Verum Kai Prayogam. Verum Kai Prayogam or unarmed fighting technique is the fourth stage of Kalari training. This is a unique method of offence and defense. In this technique, various holds, grips and locks are combined with knuckle and elbow hits directed at Marmas or vital points of the opponent's body. By this method, one can disarm and disable an enemy completely. Usually, knowledge of this kind is not passed on indiscriminately to any one but only to those with a disciplined life who guarantees that the knowledge will not be misused.
Kalari Chikilsa and Marma Vidya
The final training of a student includes in identifying the Marmas (deadly spots) in the human body. Marmas are energy points or the sacred points in the body, comparable to acupressure points. There are 108 Marmas which are associated to the nadis and charkas of yoga and can be used for balancing body and mind. Different ailments require specific massage techniques. The speed, the force, the number of strokes, the type of medicated oil used and the system of massage will vary depending on the patient's physical strength, age and ailment
Kalari Massage
Combat situation demands an extremely agile, strong and supple body, which would instantly reflex the focused mind. The ancient martial artists (warriors) used kalari massage to prime their body and sharpen reflexes. Massage helps the body to attain a healthy constitution as well as flexibility, nimbleness and suppleness. Moreover, massage can improve mental alertness and attention span by reducing tension and calming the mind. Kalari massage can keep one disease free and in a state of positive health.
There are three types of kalari massages, used for different purposes.
Sukha thirummu: This system of massage relieves the body from aches and muscular pains and also provides physical relaxation and rejuvenation.
katcha thirummu: This is given to increase a person's body flexibility and physical endurance and is particularly efficacious for those who practice martial arts and dance forms. It gives flexibility and suppleness to the body. This form of massage is combined with different yoga postures.
Raksha thirummu: This massage is for healing. Different ailments require specific massage techniques, which the masseur selects keeping the individual's condition in mind. The speed, force, number of stroke, the type of herbal oil used and the system of massage will vary depending on the patient's physical strength, age and ailment.
Kalari Today
Following the collapse of the princely states and the advent of free India - Kalaripayattu has almost lost its significance as a mortal combat code. In a Phoenix-like resurrection, Kalaripayattu is today emerging in a new avatar - an ancient art form - a source of inspiration for self-expression in dance forms - both traditional and contemporary, in theatre, in fitness and in movies too.
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