CLASSIC KALARIPAYATTU TRAINING
Kalarippayattu is the most ancient martial art in the world. It is Kerala’s own martial art. The origin of this art is obscure and remains a mystery. Traditional Kalari masters attribute mythological stories and legends to the origin of this art. Legend traces a 3000-year-old art form to the Sage Parasurama, the master of all martial art forms and credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea and Sage Agasthyamuni. In the sixth century, this martial art spread from Kerala to China, through Bodhy dharma, the Buddhist monk and Kalarippayattu master.
“Kalarippayattu” is derived from the words ‘Kalari’, which means “the place of arm practice or Battlefield” and ‘Payattu’, which means ‘exercise in arm practice’. This art is practiced in an enclosure called KALARI.
It is an ancient discipline from Kerala, which combines physical skills such as attack, defence, and the hidden knowledge of the power of the body along with a scientific system of healing and therapy based on allied disciplines like Ayurveda.
It is practiced under the guidance of a master called Gurukal. A Kalari guru/ Gurukal is not only a trained artist but also a professional in Kalari Treatment,
similar to Ayurveda.
At KalariYogi we propagate the complete Culture of Classical Kalaripayattu: Resilient to the modern challenges to stay timelessly contemporary.
KALARIPPAYATTU TRAINING IS DIVIDED IN FOUR STAGES
MEYTHARI:
The basic concept of Kalaripayattu training is to achieve confidence physically and mentally. Training starts with a sequences of body exercises that help attain flexibility and stamina. Continuity and regular practice is essential for beginners and so passion towards this martial art and hard work is a must. Meypayattu – is a physical sequence involving stretching, turning and jumps and focuses on balancing the Physical, with the non-physical Human system.
KOLTHARI:
After attaining desirable physical fitness, a student is introduced to the techniques of handling weapons. Different types of sharp as well as blunt weapons are used for training, which gives them the knowledge of target areas of attack. Balance and stability of the body helps in defence and attack with the utmost controlled delivery of energy. Training for wooden weapons is included in KOLTHARI, which gives training in wooden weapons like long staffs, short staffs, otta and so on.
ANGATHARI:
Angathari raises the bar, bringing sharp metallic weapons into the student’s hands, demanding higher levels of courage, agility, and skill. This advanced stage involves intensive training with metallic weapons like the sword and shield, flexible sword, dagger, and spear. It is a testament to the practitioner's evolution, showcasing a harmonious blend of power and grace.
VERUM KAI MURA & KALARI TREATMENT:
Training on bare hand attacks and defense, also known as Verm Kai Mura, concentrated mainly on Marmas/vital points of the human body. Because its potency is high, the student has to be raised mentally to a stable position, for the right decision at the right time. Spiritual aspects of kalari play a unique
role in molding the mental health and thoughts of a student, to give priority to protection rather than attack. Yoga and meditation are closely linked with this latter part of kalaripayattu training to upgrade a student to a master. Kalari-master/Gurukkal is not merely a teacher of martial arts but also admissible and respected by society for his healing power and positive energy. Kalari Treatment is an integral part of Kalarippayattu. The training of a student becoming a master guru includes training in marital practice, deep knowledge of human anatomy and in locating the vital points of the body.
KalariYogi Approach
Kalaripayattu is an ancient holistic martial art from Kerala practiced by yogis, who believe the entire body becomes the mind and eye. The basis of Kalaripayattu starts from yoga, particularly yoga in fluid, and builds to other functionalities like systematic body movement exercise, handling sticks, traditional weapons, freehand martial art techniques and kalari healing. Kalaripayattu helps the practitioner achieve great ability to use the body and mind to move with grace and passion, to build stamina, grip and great power. To handle difficult situations with calmness, self-defense moves, practical flexibility, an ability to take stress and stay calm. Knowledge to maintain your own health, secrets of your body, how to use your strength and overcome weakness and to store immense energy (Ojas, veera etc...)
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With a calm smile to face the world. At kalariYogi we propagate the ancient way of training, considering Kalaripayattu as a complete health school system to develop a strong and intelligent human. Kids from age seven to practitioners of age up to fifty practice together at kalariyogi, bearing testament to how we humans can harmoniously stay together
in family and society.
