Kalaripayat, the martial art of kalari is considered to be mother of all martial arts. The earliest mention of Kalari can be traced to Dhanur Vedic texts dating back to 3000 BC and Vishnu Puruna, which describes Kalari as one of eighteen branches of knowledge. Even the most of the Chinese martial arts find their origin to Bodhi Dharma, who was a Buddhist Monk and Kalaripayattu master from Kerala, India .
Kalaripayattu is a holistic physical training, which combines the dynamic skills of attack & defense and the power of the secret knowledge of Marma points. It also involves the training of internal body (mind) along the physical training.
Kalari Chikilsa - Therapy Kalari Chikilsa is unique blend of Kalar’s marma points with Ayurveda and Sidda systems of Health. Kalari Chikilsa is specially used in treatment of orthopedic disorders and neuromuscular problems like backpain, spondylosis etc.
Marma Theraphy Marma points are located in the physical body, where flesh, veins, arteries tendon, bones and joints meet. It is claimed that an advanced kalari master can disable or kill their opponents just by merely touching the correct marma point. However, this is taught only to the most promising and level-headed persons, to discourage the misuse of the technique. We have a specially designed kalari hall for teaching Kalripayuttu in the martial art form and also we have kalari therapists to work on the marma points and to give special massages with foot.
Is the foundation to develop skills that are necessary for advanced Kalari training. The graded serious of excercises starting from excersices of the legs are inded to give all part of the bodycontrol exercises are developing balance, Sence of the direction, Agility, Speed, Alertness, Tuning every limb so as to achive the age old malayalam saying "Meikannaguka" where the body becomes the "eye" and the International organs are also benefited through these excersices. There are 18 important sets of sequences the sequences are done individually where the fight is with one's own body to develop positive traits like control of the bod. The body control excersices are highly recommended for classical dancers, Athlets, Players, Theatre Artists... ext., to increase their agility and speed.
The second part of the Kalari training is known as Kolthari or wooden weapon traing. There are Five different types of Sticks are used in Kalari, from 6 inch to 12 span. Its's are Pandirujan 12 span staff, Arujan or Kettukari 6 span staff, Muchan or Cheruvady 3 span staff, Ottakal or Muppiri is a special curved Wooen weapon and Murma Vati 6 inch special staff. The purpose of weapons training is to remove fear Training allows are be "see" the correct weapon training helps to develop "DrishtiStiratha" seeing clearly with stability, and it is this system of Scientifically arranged well graded series of traing for achieving maximum phisical agility makes Kalarippayat unique.
1. Pandirujan - 12 span staff:
It is a wooden stick measuring Twelve span s s the name Pandirujan. The stick is held in the centre and side span rotated. This movement is called Vadivesal. This is to be done individually after recieving instruction from the Guru. The rotation of the stick can be done either remaining in place or by moving steps, forward and backward. This purpose of this practice is to gain flexibility and strength of the hand. There are different types of sequences in Vadiveeshal. It can be practiced either by using one hand, both hands sequencially and both hands simultaneously. Vadiveeshal is used mostly to strike prime places like the Head, forehead, Chin, Rib and Legs.
2. Arujan or Kettukari :
The next wooden stick introduced is six spans care stick as indicated by the name Arujan. It is also known as Kettukari, wich refer to the position of the stick held as though covering the entire body before advancing towards the opponent. The world "Kettu" means to protect oneself "Kari" is to advance thee are twelve sets of sequences. This is a training for eye to understand the movements of the opponent. It is also atraining to use a long staff as a powerfull weapon of offence and difence.
3. Muchan, Cheruvadi or Kuruvadi :
The next wooden weapon training is muchan and as the name. It is small stick measuring three spans in length. It is also known as Kuruvadi or Cheruvadi. The movements are more rapid and blows are delivered in quicker succession. There are twelve sets of sequences where one develop accuracy of the eye. The sequences here consist of quick changes in steps and advanced defence techniques. The techniques of 'Muchan' are generally applied in attack or defence at very close.
4. Otta or Muppiri :
This is a short staff about 18 to 20 inches long the wooden weapon consists of three curves becouse of wich is also known as Muppiri. The most important part of trining in Kalari it is Ottapayattu because all the attacks with Otta is aimed at the Murmas Points or Vital Points of the body. It consist of very last movements of advance and retreat including special forms of Jumps, Locks, Throws wich are unique to Otta. This is the initial training for scientificbare hand combat. There are 18 sequences in Ottapayattu.
5. Marmma vadi :
Thé word marmmam in malayalam means thé point in thé body where power is concentrated . Some practices pointéd at thé marmmam with thé help of a stick is called marmma Vadi or kottu vidhya. This stick has only length of six inches and can be hold in hand. Marmma Vadi is a very dangerous and safe tool in the hands of a kalari practitioner than any other kalari tools . This vidya is learned at the Part of ' verum Kai' in kalari practice , that is at the fourth level....
The third stage of trining in kalari is Angathari. We are use of sharp and leshal metal weapons the Dhanurveda classifies weapons into four types based on the mode of employment and they are known as:-
"Muktam" (weapon released from hand)
"Amuktam"(weapon used without releasing from hand).
"Muktamuktam" (Wepons released but tied to a rope or another instrument that is drawn back).
"Yantramuktam" (Weapons released through a machine).
DAGGAR OR kadara :
It is the first metal weapon introduced as part of angathari training. The tip of the Katara is either straightor curve and sharp on both sides pointed at the end. The principle uses are Slashing, Cutting and prevention of attacks. There are 18 sets of sequences.
VALPARICHA (SWORD AND SHIELD):
It is the most important weapon in kalari training . The sword and shield trining makes total use of the full range of body movements learned and extra ordinary control over the body agility, a quick eye and lot of presence of mind are necessary for the mastery of this form. There are 12 sets of sequences of sword and shield.
URUMI (SPRING SWORD) :
It is a long flexible double edged sharp also known as spring sword. The length of the Urumi, 5 feet or measures the chin of the practitioner to the floor. This weapons was used by a warriors during mass encounter. One person skilled in the use of this weapon can attack several opponents at a given time.
KUNTHAM (SPEAR) :
It is a long stick with sharp knife attached. The sharp point of the Spear is to attack Various vulanerable points of the body. The spear can be also be used to cut, thrusts, whirling and several kind of locks are mode with it and they spear itself.
MARAPIDICHA KUNTHAM (SPEAR VS SWORD AND SHIELD):
In marapidicha kuntham, one is armed with sword and shield and other with spear unlike in other combats where the opponents face each other with identical weapons. During war combat would often be between two men armed different weapons, this type of fight is a good example of how to deal with this situation.
GADA (MACE) :
The gada made of certain types of wood. It has a globe shaped and a long rounded wooden handle. While attacking with the Gada, the handle is held by both hands and when defending the blows.Students of gignitic structure and great mascular strength preyer the use of this weapon though bodily strength is considered to be very essental agility and dexterity are counted much the successful handling of this weapon.
Kalaripayat the most importand part is the use of empty - hand. The name Verumkai means one without any weapon who faces an opponent who is either empty handed or carries same weapons. The bare hand technique sequence include both situations of attack and defence. In this stage we have 12 importand Sub-divisions :-
(1) Thadavukal
(2) UpaThadavukal
(3) Mattangal
(4) Kayattangal
(5) Vettukal
(6) Idikal
(7) Chavittukal
(8) Thattukal
(9) Pidikalum Poottukalum
(10) Yerukal
(11) Thadavilkkaikal
(12) Marmakkaikal
