Kalaripayattu: Interesting Kalari Martial Arts Facts You Cannot Miss

Kalaripayattu is a form of martial art that has its origins in India. It is also known as Kalari martial art. It is the oldest known martial art in India, and is known to be more than three thousand years old. While Kalaripayattu has been mentioned in Tamil literature of the third century AD, it gained popularity and attained the form that exists today only by the eleventh century.

Indian martial arts are known to contain customs and sacrileges integral to Hinduism. Kalaripayattu is no different. Martial art Kalaripayattu also finds its roots in Ayurveda for curing ailments and the practice of yoga for leading a healthy life.

Place of Practice of Kalari

Kalaripayattu is an amalgamation of two words – ‘kalari’ meaning training ground, and ‘payattu’ meaning training of martial arts. The origins of these words are Malayalam. The martial art Kalaripayattu is practiced within a specific building that is known as the ‘kalari’. It is like a gymnasium or training space, and each Kalari is built according to ‘Vaastu Shastra’, a Hindu practice related to architecture and design of physical spaces.

Specifications such as the depth of the training ground, material used to make the floor, and the direction that the entrance of the kalari should face are strictly followed. Red sand mixed with certain herbs comprise the material used for the floor of a kalari. The entrance of a kalari should face east.

The pit in which the martial art is actually practiced and the training conducted is made of red sand. It is a rectangular pit of 12 by 6.5 metres. Beams made of wood are used to firm up the bottom of the pit. The roof is covered with coconut leaves to help keep the kalari cool, as Kerala climate can be rather hot.

History of Kalari

Kalaripayattu was established as a martial art during the war between the Chera and Chola dynasties. Along with the Pandyas, the three comprised the ruling dynasties of South India that were constantly at war with one another. However, together, they were also the largest contributors to Tamil literature, also known as Sangam literature, which is the earliest known literature of South India.

The war went on for hundreds of years and countless lives were lost in these wars. It was during this period that the Brahmins were requested to train the soldiers. Brahmins are known to have been associated with martial arts for centuries. This is how Hinduism plays such a prominent role in the Indian martial art Kalaripayattu.

Brahmins also kept records of the training methods and their archives have kept the tradition of Kalaripayattu alive through the eras.

During British rule in India, the practice of Kalaripayattu was almost obliterated, as the British brought in their arms and ammunition, and considered martial arts unnecessary to fight wars. It was only after independence in 1947 that the ancient martial art was revived.

Description of Kalari

The training of martial art Kalaripayattu begins with an oil massage of the entire body. This is done in order to make the entire body supple and elastic. The joints are relaxed and able to perform the actions that the training requires.

Kalaripayattu aims to achieve coordination between the mind and the body. In the earlier days, it did not differentiate between girls and boys. All children were sent to learn the skill of Kalaripayattu. It was an essential part of the lifestyle, and also used as a healing technique. The kalari form of healing derives from Ayurveda and Kalarichikitsa, and is a unique healing treatment.

Kalaripayattu also involves fighting with sticks and using swords. Physical body exercises are done in sync with verbal instructions.

The targets in a payattu are the opponent’s head, chest, stomach, back and the part of the leg below the knee.

Bare hand exercises are also part of the training. They facilitate flexibility and concentration. Oral commands form an integral part of the training. The rhythm in which they are delivered is also an important factor.

Six Basic Kicks in Kalari

The practice of Kalariayattu begins with an oil massage to fine tune the body and prepare it for the ‘payattu’ or fight.

Then begins the fight. It comprises six basic kicks.

1. Nerkal

Nerkal is a straight kick. It is delivered above the opponent’s head, with the knee kept straight. The toes are extended out straight as well.

2. Vitukal

This is the round kick or circling kick. To deliver this kick, the student brings the stretched leg from the outside to the inside in a circular motion. The foot goes above the head of the opponent.

3. Akamkal

This is also a round or circling kick but the stretched leg moves from inside to outside in front of the body. In this kick, too, the foot reaches above the head of the opponent.

4. Konkal

Konkal is also known as the cross kick. It is similar to Nerkal, but the right is aimed at the left shoulder, while the left leg goes towards the right shoulder.

5. Tiriccukal

Tiriccukal is the double kick. The student delivers three straight kicks with the same leg, doing a 180 degree turn between the kicks with the other leg.

6. Irrutikal

This kick is also known as the kick-sit-turn. The student delivers the kick, then the kicking leg is brought slightly behind the body and the student comes into a sitting position, while the other leg remains forward.

Current Status of Kalari

Ever since it was revived after independence, Kalaripayattu is practiced and taught in several schools in Kerala. In cities like Calicut, Wayanad and Ernakulam, it is a popular sport. Many clubs and sports and training centres also teach Kalaripayattu as a form of martial art. In Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai you can find training centres for it.

Kalaripayattu is also practiced in many countries outside of India. In the United Kingdom, France and Germany, among other countries, you can find centres of training for this martial art.

The use of Kalaripayattu in various films, series and novels has further added to its popularity, letting this ancient practice remain alive. In the animation titled ‘Steven Universe’, the central character uses Kalaripayattu as their chief fighting technique. Kalaripayattu has also been documented in ‘The Way of the Warrior’ by the BBC and ’Season 2 of the Fight Quest’ on Discovery Channel.

Importance of Kalari

Kalaripayattu has been an integral part of the culture of Kerala for centuries. As discussed above, it is not merely a martial art. It is more of a lifestyle – a technique of staying fit, a method of healing and a mantra for living a more holistic and well-rounded life.

Kalaripayattu is an age-old practice that has been handed down the centuries first by the Brahmin practitioners and teachers, and later by gurukuls or practitioners in Kerala and the Malabar region. Such a valuable tradition is important to be preserved and followed in order to keep it alive.

Conclusion

Kalaripayattu requires no prior training or skills. Anyone can develop the skills if one consistently follows the training and practice methods taught by a kalari gurukul. Regular practice will ensure the skills are gained adequately.

Since Kalaripayattu is more of a lifestyle than only a martial art form, it entails following the rituals that have been handed down the generations to the current practitioners and tutors.

FAQs

Who invented Kalaripayattu?

It is believed that the sage Parshuram invented Kalaripayattu around three thousand years ago.

Why is Kalaripayattu not famous?

When India came under British rule in the 1800s, any form of fighting or wartime art was abolished by the colonials. They were opposed to any physical resistance that could overpower their own forces and bring about mutiny against their oppressive rule.

How long does it take to learn Kalaripayattu?

Learning Kalaripayattu is a life-long process. However, a basic course for beginners can take up to three months to complete.

Image: Instagram/Swasika