Kalaripayattu: India’s Ancient Martial Art, the Oldest on Earth

Kalari is about becoming a weapon without violence. – Sadhguru

Kalaripayattu Sadhguru Quote

Originating in the Indian state of Kerala in the 11th-12th century, Kalaripayattu (also called Kalari) is India’s ancient martial art. The word Kalaripayattu is a combination of kalari which means battlefield/training ground and payattu which means training of martial arts.

It is a system of combat training which includes exercises aimed at developing fast reflexes for unarmed fight as well as combat using sticks, dagger, sword, spear, shield and knife. It consists of high-flying acrobatics and graceful movements.

Kalaripayattu, once a combat code, has now found a new life as a source of inspiration for dance, theater, and fitness, showcasing its significance in self-expression.

Here we will look at the history, training methods and styles of Kalaripayattu how this martial art benefits the practitioner.

History of Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu Significance - Agastya Muni

Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art form with origins attributed to the gods, is traditionally believed to have been taught by Agastya Muni. – Sadhguru

A legend says that Parashurama learned Kalaripayattu from Lord Shiva and trained the locals of Kerala. In another legend it is said that a war deity Ayyappa who hailed from Kerala, first learned this art and then trained others. Kalaripayattu is said to have been practiced since the 12th century CE.

In the past, every village in Kerala had a Kalari with a presiding deity called Bhagavathy. Children in Kerala, on completing their formal school education would join their local kalari for military training. An extension of Kalaripayattu was seen in ankam, a Keralite practice to solve disputes that could not be resolved by government authorities.

When guns and cannons were introduced into combat, and later when firearms started being used, the use of older weapons like swords and spears reduced, and thus started the decline of Kalaripayattu. In 1804, the British banned Kalaripayattu in Kerala and many kalari training grounds were closed down. Some teachers continued to train students in secrecy and were instrumental in preserving this martial art. The 1920s saw a renewed interest in Kalaripayattu, which continued upto the 1970s, and during this time, gurukkals like Chambadan Veetil Narayanan Nair and Chirakkal T. Shreedharan Nair rose to fame for preserving and transmitting information about Kalaripayattu to the public.

Kalaripayattu Training

  • Training in this martial art is provided according to the Indian guru-shishya system and it emphasizes on observation of tradition.
  • Strikes, grapping, kicks and armed fight are included in Kalaripayattu, and interestingly, use of weapons is taught before unarmed combat techniques.
  • Practitioners are supposed to wear the kachaketta, a uniform in loin cloth which is red and white or red and black in colour.
  • Kalaripayattu training comprises four stages, namely Maithari (which includes body control exercises), Kolthari (which includes practice of using wooden weapons), Ankathari (which includes practice using metallic weapons) and Verumkai (which includes unarmed combat techniques).
  • Kalari training starts with a full body oil massage that improves agility, flexibility, and mental sharpness and promotes the flow of energy through the body.
  • During the training, the guru gives verbal instructions/commands (vaithari) in Malayalam or Sanskrit. After a practitioner has mastered all four stages, he is introduced to Kalari Chikitsa which is a system of healing based on the understanding of marmas (vital spots on the body) and energy channels in the body.
  • Kalari Gurus are said to have developed this system to treat the injuries that occur during Kalari practice as also to help enhance the fighting skills of the students.

Training Ground for Kalaripayattu

The training ground for Kalaripayattu is known as Kalari, whose construction and design are based on Vastu Shastra and there are certain set specifications about its dimensions and materials used for construction. The floor of a Kalari is composed of red sand mixed with certain herbs that are said to help heal the injuries caused during fight. The entrance is east-facing and certain areas are designated for rituals which include the Guruthara (for Guru worship), Ganpatithara (for worship of Lord Ganesha) and Poothara (a seven-step raised platform called Flower ground).

Kalari Styles

Northern Style: It is known as the Vadakkan style and is practiced in the Malabar region of Kerala, and is predominantly focused on graceful body movement and the use of weapons.

Southern Style: It is also called Thekken or Adi Murai and is mainly practiced in the Travancore region. It is focused on free-armed techniques, pressure point strikes and powerful movements.

Central Style: It is known as Madhya Kalari and is not commonly practiced.

How Kalaripayattu Benefits the Practitioner

Kalaripayattu Significance Benefits

  • It improves the reflexes
  • It enhances strength and flexibility of the body.
  • It helps build focus and concentration skills.
  • It helps improve patience.
  • It provides good exercise to the body and helps build immunity.
  • It is said to activate a practitioner spiritually.

In January 2021, the Kerala Government declared that The Kalaripayattu Academy would be founded in Thiruvananthapuram. Today, Kalaripayattu is used in Keralite dances like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, has been showcased in several novels and films, and thus regained a prominent place in popular culture. This ancient Indian martial art has seen popularity, decline, and revival but despite going through these ups and downs, it continues to pique the interest of many for its interesting origin, unique styles and for being the world’s oldest martial art!

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