KALARIPAYATTU

Martial Arts Kerala
Kalarippayatt Kerala – The Ancient Martial Arts Kalarippayattu
Kalarippayattu is composed of two of the 64art forms of ancient India namely Vijaya and Vyayma. These translated to English mean the art of winning wars and the art of exercises. It involves fast and furious movements of limbs and elaborate steps with the aim of vanquishing the enemy.
Kalarippayattu is believed to be the forerunner of all forms of martial arts prevailing in the world today. It is also the Oldest and the most comprehensive system of martial training. The origin of 'Kalaripayatt' can be traced back to the 12th century AD. Kalarippayattu is as old as the great Indian philosophy and the Vedas. It is the marital tradition of Kerala and it has its roots deep in the Vedic culture of India Literally Kalarippayatt means combat training inside a dojo or gymnasium. For the common man these martial arts provide an exhilarating method for keeping himself fit and at the same time offer some way or other to defend himself against an aggressor.
It has evolved into two distinct branches in the modern times i.e. the Vadakkan or the Northern style and the Thekkan or theSouthern style. The Northern style concentrates on Ayudhapayattu or the fight with weapons while the Southern style concentrates more on VerumKayy and the MarmmaVidya
Training in kalarippayatt is given in specially constructed ground known as the kalari and is treated as the temple of learning. Teacher is known as kalari gurukkal meaning master and is revered as the living embodiment of the long line of Guru’s. Inside the Kalari religious worship with its own rituals is done to preserve the sanctity of the place.
Kalarippayatt Training consists of rigorous physical training besides self discipline. . The training aims for the complete co-ordination of the body and mind. Weapons used are the sword, shield, dagger, spear and kuruvadi’s ( short sticks ).
Kalarippayatt Martial art is practiced with the following kind of weapons :
1) VerumKayy or bare hands
2) Vall/Churika or Sword fight
3) Vadi/Vel or Long Sticks
4) Kathi or Daggers
5) Urumi or Long Flexible spring like sword (coiled around the waist when not in use)
Another important ingredient in Kalarippayattu is the MarmmaVidya which is an intimate knowledge of pressure points of the body which can be used to cause intense pain to the opponent or even kill instantly. Kalari chikitsa or treatement in kalaripayatt includes specialized and indigenous medical preparations and methods to treat injuries caused while practicing this martial art. Only students who are devoted towards kalaripayatt and whom the gurukkal thinks trustworthy and capable of handling responsibilities are taught the methods of kalari chikilsa. The main treatement method is the uzhicil which is a system of full body oil massage used as an aid to attain greater suppleness of the body. Oil used for uzhichil is specially prepared and medicated using rare herbs.Yet another kalari chikilsa method used to treat the injuries caused on the vital regions of the human body is called marma chikilsa or vital treatment. Marma chikitsa is only performed by a person with thorough knowledge of all the vital spots of the human body and is used to treat injuries which may even lead to death.
Traditional art and dance forms of kerala like the Kathakali, koodiyattam etc have all received contributions from kalaripayat. The physical training and body massage imparted to kathakali performers are drawn from kalarippayatt.
Kalari sanghams through out the world are trying hard in a desperate attempt to bring back the past glory to kalaripayatt which has been on a decline in thepast century. And their efforts are starting to bear fruits. Lets hope and pray for better days to this magnificient martial art of the ages and pay our thanks to the masters of this martial art who worked so had for its revival.