Kalaripayattu(val Payattu),Traditioal martial arts of Kerala

Kalaripayattu

Val(sword)payattu

We might have wondered by seeing the kicks and punches of Karate and Kungfu fighters.How many of us know that all these are just modified style of Kerala's great martial art 'Kalari payattu'.It is another gift to the world by great Indian Saints who also taught us Yoga,Ayurveda and Kamasutra. An advanced Combat Science
This comprehensive system of martial arts regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in  the world,evolved in northern Kerala.The state has produced many a hero whose exploits find expression in folk songs and legends.One of them Thacholi Meppayil Kunhi Othenan has been immortalised in vadakkan pattukal(northern ballads) as one of its greatest exponents.

Exclusive Training
Every locality in northern Kearla used to have Kalaris or gymnasia where boys and girls were trained under a Gurukkal.Here they were taught a set of body exercises as well as use of weapons like kuruvadi(short stick) and sariravadi(mace,spear,dagger,sword,shield)Marmams were taught to the most promising of the lot.Marmams are vulnerable parts of the human body and a skilled person can disable or kill his opponent by a mere touch.

Unique Techniques
Kalaripayattu involves extremely energetic techniques of defence and attack.Meippayattu involves high jumping and kicking movements and striking blows on  vital places using the arms,shoulders and hands.Meithari is the unarmed technique.Kolthari involves usage of sticks and ankathari,usage of weapons.

Holistic Approach
Kalaripayattu training at the ultimate co ordination of the mind and body.The traditional training in a kalari includes specialisation in indigenous medical practices too.Kalaries are also centers of religious worship.

A saree design developed from the ancient martial arts of Kerala called' Kalari payattu.'A metalic shield called' paricha 'was used to block the attack of the opponent's sword.