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Kalaripayattu

The martial art of Kerala – acrobatic body training, weapons and a link to traditional medicine.

Origin
Kerala, India
Region
South Asia
Founded
origins uncertain; documented for centuries
Category
Traditional
Engraving from 1604 showing the palace of the Zamorin of Calicut with courtiers, guards and elephants in a walled compound.
The palace of the Zamorin of Calicut, in an engraving of 1604. The Zamorins' Nair warriors trained in the kalari. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Kalaripayattu is the traditional martial art of Kerala in south-western India, practised in a sunken training hall called the kalari. It is often described as one of the oldest martial arts; its actual age is hard to date, but it has been documented for centuries and was revived in the 20th century after being suppressed under British rule. Training combines demanding body conditioning, animal-inspired postures, weapons and a medical tradition based on vital points (marma).

Character

  • Meippayattu: Body forms – leaps, kicks, low stances and flexibility work.
  • Weapons: Long staff, short stick, dagger, sword and shield, and the flexible urumi.
  • Verumkai: Empty-hand techniques including locks and strikes to vital points.
  • Treatment: Traditional masters (gurukkal) often practise marma therapy and massage.

Who is it for?

Anyone fascinated by movement, flexibility and a living tradition. Kalaripayattu is more physical culture and art than competitive sport; schools outside India are rare but growing. Training is barefoot and needs little more than light clothing.

Further reading: Kalaripayattu on Wikipedia

Kalaripayattu

History