For those of you who’ve seen the Indian blockbuster movie “Indian”- ever wonder what the martial art form was, that wasused by Actor Kamal Hassan? An ancient Indian martial art  Kalaripayattu is the answer. Practiced religiously in Kerala Kalaripayatu was the oldest fighting system in existence.

This martial arts form has a dominant base in Kerala but its popularity has indeed spread to various regions and Tamilnadu is one amongst the neighboring regions too. High kicks, grappling, strikes, use of weapon, and lot more make this unique martial art form a sought out program.

Kalaripayattu

This martial art form has variation depending on the region it is practiced at. There is a Northern, central and Southern style of Kalaripayattu. Each of these variations is inspired from Malabar and Travancore region. The southern style of Kalari is extinct and the one followed in Tamil style is known as “Adi Murai”. This martial art form spread to the Chinese borders because of Bodhidharma and was practiced by the Buddhist monk.

In the Northern Kalaripayattu form you will some influence of dance forms like the Kathakali. As a matter of fact some of the traditional Indian dance schools inculcate the martial art form as a part of physical training. You will find elegant movements in the Northern style of Kalaripayattu and in the southern hard impacts techniques, hand fighting and pressure point attacks.

Kalaripayattu Ayyappancoil developed more in the ninth century and it was followed by clans who were warriors. These warriors fought for their kings and defended the state. Parshurama the sixth face of Shiva is believed to be the founder of the Northern style Kalari. The Gurukkas are the master training Kalari and the students known as Panikkar. The Northern style is known for its full body oil massage and physical training. . The oil massage was intended to increase the flexibility of the practitioner. The oil massage also helped with any form of muscle injury.

The southern style of Kalaripayattu Ayyappancoil known as Dronambilli is presently extinct. However this Kalari style was followed by the Nadars, Kallars and Thevar castes. The master of this style is known as “Asaan”. The different stages of the southern style are- training solo, training or sparring with, use of stick, knife, dagger etc.

The central Kalaripayattu is also dominantly practiced in the Northern parts of Kerala. Heavy importance is given to application and is performed within floor paths that are known as Kalam. Lower body strength and speed along with heavy weaponry. There are myriad forms and types of Kalari that you can find in Kerala i.e.:’ Katahnathan Kalari, Karuvancheri Kalari, KodumalaKalari, NadapuraKalari and more.

Combination of steps and postures, agility and flexibility and lot more  Kalaripayattu is a combination of power and effectiveness that attracts several Indian and International tourists to stay in Kerala and learn the art forms. Kalaripayattu Ayyappancoil has and continues to contribute immensely toward Kerala’s cultural treasure chest.