Kalaripayattu originated in ancient South India. Kalaripayattu is a Dravidian martial art from the Indian state of Kerala. One of the oldest fighting systems in existence, it is practised in Kerala and by the Nadars, Ezhavas as well as Mappilas and Syrian Malabar Nasranis. Kalarippayattu includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods.
The art form itself is imbued with myth and legend— a subject for local ballads. One has it that it was a gift of the axe-wielding Parashurama, who is said to have created the state and trained warriors to achieve the physical fitness, suppleness and ferocity of a wild animal, for self-preservation. Quite a few of the postures in the martial art are inspired by animals like the bear, elephant, lion etc. Though knowledge of body parts for efficient overthrowing of the enemy, the art form is strangely enough closely linked to the ancient discipline of healing and wellness, Ayurveda as well. It has also inspired certain dance forms such as Theyyam and Kathakali, for which the Nair community has been famous.
Ancient martial art form Kalarippayattu showLearning all about the training to be a star performerDelight in this amazing cultural aspect of Kerala
It is a shared experience in a common theatre with other tourists. This ancient martial art not only requires skill, but it is also all about discipline (both mental and physical), correct moves, postures, co-ordination of the mind and body to use weapons effectively–the proper training for which one must be mentored at a Kalari, a professional training school by masters. Weapons used by the art include daggers, swords, bow and arrow, spears, maces, etc. The timeworn moves to attain the right skills and increase agility, strength, endurance for seamless performance, include jumping running, somersaults, striking, punching and then defence and assault.