Kalaripayattu, which is also known as “Kalari”, is one of the oldest forms of martial arts originated in the state of Kerala and is also considered as the Pride of the state.
Origin of Kalaripayattu
History has many stories on how the Martial art of Kalaripayattu was discovered. It is commonly believed that a great warrior and guru named Parashurama who is also the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu had learned this form of battle technique from Lord Shiva and had taught it to the original and the foremost settlers of the state of Kerala.
Kalari is one of the oldest forms of defense martial arts and it had reached the peak of its glory during the 11th and 12th centuries, during the 100-year war between the Cheras, Cholas, and also the Pandiyas.
Kalaripayattu has been influencing South Indian culture for centuries. For example, the classical Indian dance originated from Kerala known as “Kathakali” has borrowed a few elements of choreography from the martial art of Kalaripayattu.
Practice of Kalaripayattu
The art of Kalaripayattu is practiced in a special building called “Kalari”. In the past, there were many types of Kalari but only a few have remained popular and they are “Ceru” (a place that is used for traditional medicinal purposes) and “Kuzhi” (a building for training).
Kalari pits were built in such a way that the specific construction had helped in keeping the temperature as low as possible even during the very hot temperature of Kerala. The construction consisted of clay walls, wooden beams, and also gable roofs being made of coconut leaves.
The art of Kalaripayattu is considered as one of the most dangerous forms of a martial art because the moves that were designed under this art were for warfare and bloodshed.
The art of Kalaripayattu can be classified into 4 different parts -
1. Maipayat:
Maipayat means the synchronized and controlled body conditioning exercises that require the maximum use of all muscles and joints of a body. They are choreographed in such a way that it looks like a single form of movement which involves several exercises consisting of all the body parts.
2. Koltharipayattu:
This is the second stage of learning the art. Under this stage, the training begins with the use of wooden weapons. It includes various wooden weapons like short staffs, canes, and bent instruments with proper grip called “Otta” for defense combat purposes. There is one more procedure called “Vaiithari” which is the oral commands given while practicing the steps, where fighters have to practice 10 well-balanced steps with the use of canes.
3. Ankharipayattu:
This stage under the art of Kalaripayattu involves the use of sharp weapons such as swords, shields with spears, and daggers and also consists of a movement called “Urumi. Urumi is an amazing and unique weapon which is a long and flexible blade that is usually worn around the waist so no one can know about its length and is used as a secret weapon.
4. Verumkai:
This is the final stage under the art of Kalarippayattu. This is when the fighters are fighting bare-handed for defense combat. A fighter when able to defend themselves from attacks even with weapons is when they become a real Kalaripayattu warrior.
Dress for Kalaripayattu
For the art of Kalarippayattu, men and women usually wear a long cotton cloth around their waist and it is called “Kacha” and the method of wearing it is called “Kacha Kettal”. It is wrapped in a certain way that gives maximum support and tightness and covers up to the naval region. Men usually do not wear anything for the upper body but women wear a sleeveless cotton top over the kacha.
Kalaripayattu for self-defense
This form of martial art can also be used by people to protect themselves. A few of these moves are -
Slap Attack- It is when the opponent is hit on the head that it makes them dizzy but not so much that it knocks them off completely.
Slapping ears- This is one of the most common self-defense techniques in all forms of martial art including Kalaripayattu, this is when the person slaps on the ears of the opponent. This makes the eardrums break and send irregular signals to the brain.
Duck and Attack- This is also another basic self–defense technique. This when the opponent attacks, the person should duck protecting the head and covering the ears and as the person ducks, should attack the legs of the opponent.
Kalaripayattu Dance
Though Kalaripayattu is considered as a form of Martial art it is also considered as a part of a folk dance. The movement and steps under this dance form are derived under various postures from yoga. This dance takes place with a series of movements with shields and swords where these fighters fight without hurting each other.
Kalaripayattu for Health
This combat technique carries a lot of health benefits that are good for the practitioner -
1. Increases flexibility of the body and helps in keeping fit.
2. Improves the strength of an individual’s body.
3. Reduces laziness.
4. Increases concentration.
5. Helps the heart to function more effectively by circulating blood to all the body parts.
6. Increases patience of an individual.
The above-mentioned are only a few benefits of this form of art, it does carry a lot more. This ancient and deadliest martial art is believed to have influenced Kung-Fu. Yet, the number of people learning this martial art in the country is reducing gradually.
References:
(i) Rishikul Yogshala: "10 benefits of Kalaripayattu training you had no idea about"
(iii) What is Kalaripayattu
(iv) Traditional sports: Kalaripayattu or Kalari (Kerala, India)
Comments