First of all, what is Kalaripayattu?
Kalaripayattu is a martial art form that originated in the Indian state of Kerala and is believed to be one of the oldest surviving martial arts in the world. It is a comprehensive system of physical, mental, and spiritual training that includes strikes, kicks, grappling, weapons training, and healing methods.
The word “Kalaripayattu” is derived from two Malayalam words: “kalari,” which means “training hall,” and “payattu,” which means “exercise” or “practice.” The training hall where Kalaripayattu is practiced is called a Kalari. It is considered a sacred space where students learn not just martial arts but also principles of discipline, respect, and self-control.
Kalaripayattu is known for its fluid, circular movements, which are designed to make the practitioner agile, flexible, and powerful. It is also known for its use of swords, spears, daggers, and flexible weapons like the urumi, a sword with a flexible whip-like blade. In addition to physical training, Kalaripayattu also includes
