Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is the world famous martial art form of Keralaand it is also considered as the mother of all martial arts. Kalaripayattu is the oldest existing martial art form, dating back more than 3000 years and said to be the forerunner of popularly known Chinese martial arts, as the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma took this knowledge from India to China. The Kalaripayattu were revived in Kerala in the 20^th century, mainly due to the efforts  C.V  Narayana Panikker  and his disciples who established CVN Kalari all over Kerala.   

In Kalaripayattu, the importance is for defending techniques rather than attacking. To gain expertise in kalaripayyattu, one must have concentration, good understanding, and the ability to perform action with skill.

In a simple sense, the term Kalari  can be described as the training centre for physical exercise and use of weapons. The training that was given at the Kalari is known as Kalaripayattu.  Kalaripayattu originated in Kerala after 12^th century. One of the oldest fighting systems in existence and Kalaripayattu  was necessary for the training of the warriors or Chekavars.

Kalaripayattu were the by product of the decentralized political structure of Kerala. We get the information of Chekavars and Kalari from northern ballads. Thacholi Tharavad and Puthooram tharavad were the two famous Chekavar families of Northern Kerala. The Chekavars like  Thacholi Othenan and Aromal Unni are mentioned in the northern ballads or Vadakkan Pattukal. Apart from this, Nair, Ezhavas, Muslims and Christians had their own Kalari. The youth of Kerala, irrespective of sex, were given in the training  in the Kalari at a very early age. Thus we get references about heroines like Unniarcha and Kudamala Kungi in the northern Ballads.

Kalaripayattu has existed all over Kerala with local variations. Training was given in the Kalari for the usage of stick,sword,dagger and spear. Kalari were treated as the sacred palces  like that of the temples and in course of time ,special rituals were started in the Kalari. The students of Kalari worshipped Bhagawati, goddess of Kalari. The Kalari buildings were constructed in a peculiar manner with specific area and the presence of the God confirmed at a specific area. The whole process of training to be done in the presence of Kalari god. The art of Kalari payattu was learnt under the guidance of master or Gurukal. He was also referred as Asan or Kurup. Each village in Malabar had its own Kalari.

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1. C V N Kalari
2. Kalari Kovilakom, Kerala
3. Kalari Kovilakam
4. Kerala Kalari Centre, Thekkady
5. Peringode Poomully Mana