Introduction
Yoga is deeply connected to both developing inner strength and physical strength in your body. This broad discipline includes various types of martial arts training, providing practitioners with comprehensive benefits.
The historic fighting technique known as Kalaripayattu is one of these distinctive branches of yoga. Kalaripayattu martial art embodies the spirit of warriors. Discovering its captivating history and rich ancient heritage might ignite your desire to master this esteemed skill. With our specialized program, Kalaripayattu and Yoga Teacher Training in Kerala, we’re here to help you become a true warrior.
What is Kalaripayattu?
Kalaripayattu martial art, a martial art from India, has its roots in Kerala, a state on the country’s southwest coast. The name is derived from two words in the Malayalam language: “Kalari,” meaning “battlefield,” and “Payattu,” meaning “to become trained” or “to practice.” Together, they signify “trained for the battlefield.”
Like most Indian martial arts, Kalaripayattu martial art draws on Hindu ceremonies and ideologies, combining the wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga. The art follows the ancient Indian Guru-Shishya system, where skillful maneuvering and fierce yet graceful combat styles of animals inspire the heroic stunts of Kalaripayattu.
The Practice of Kalaripayattu Martial Art
A specialized training ground known as ‘Kalari’ is where this martial art is taught. A competing opponent might teach a Kalari learner fresh fighting moves. The trainee must develop the ability to recognize, adjust to, and counteract these novel approaches.
The tradition of continuously learning, modifying, and perfecting techniques by evaluating their workability and efficiency is where Kalaripayattu excels. While adhering to tradition is important, the gurukuls of Kalaripayattu have helped the art form evolve by using their knowledge and logic. This evolution is particularly evident in the Southern style, which underwent adaptations during battles with Tamil kingdoms.
Kalaripayattu integrates hand gestures from nata dances and components from the yoga tradition. Several South Asian combat techniques remain firmly tied to yoga, dance, and the performing arts.
The History of Kalaripayattu
One of the oldest still-practiced combat arts in the world, Kalaripayattu has a long history in Indian martial arts. It dates back to the 3rd Century BC when saint Parshuram, believed to be an embodiment of Lord Vishnu, founded it to teach the warrior class of Kerala to protect their land.
In the 19th century, the British government declared Kalaripayattu illegal to suppress potential revolts, leading to its decline. However, in the late 20th century, traditional art forms began to regain significance in South India, reviving Kalaripayattu.
Today, Kalaripayattu is renowned as a majestic ancient martial art form, valued by those who believe in building internal strength before physical strength.
The Kalaripayattu Martial Art Is Performed in Two Major Styles
- The Vadakkan Kalari or Northern Style: Prevalent in Kerala’s Malabar region, this style builds on graceful and agile moves, defenses, leaps, and weapon training.
- The Thekken Kalari or Southern Style: Mainly found in Kerala’s southern areas, it focuses on tough, forceful techniques with a solid grappling strategy and pressure point blows.
Benefits of Kalaripayattu Martial Arts
Kalaripayattu is evolving from an art of warfare to a source of self-expression in theatre, dance, and fitness. It strengthens muscles and tendons while enhancing flexibility and agility without requiring any equipment.
Kalaripayattu Benefits include:
- Enhancing Flexibility and Improving Strength: Kalaripayattu training involves tackling, striking, and attacking, along with healing techniques that enhance strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall physical fitness.
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: The aerobic moves and powerful attacks elevate heart rate, improve blood circulation, and increase lung capacity.
- Quick Reflexes and Better Coordination: The rapid motions in Kalaripayattu training refine reflexes, eye-hand integration, and fundamental motor skills, keeping your body and mind alert and active.
Read More – Discovering India with Kalaripayattu: 4 Things to Learn
Conclusion
Kalaripayattu is about becoming a weapon without violence. This martial art, combining tackling, attacking, striking, and healing techniques, significantly improves coordination, flexibility, endurance, agility, strength, and overall physical capability. If you struggle with self-discipline, health issues, or mental clarity, learning Kalaripayattu can be a transformative experience, offering a sense of purpose and enhancing your self-confidence.
Explore our Kalaripayattu and Yoga Teacher Training in Kerala, 100 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Bali to master this art of warriors. If you have any doubts, feel free to reach us on WhatsApp or call +91 8433225327. We will guide you and answer all your queries.
