Kalaripayattu in kerala

Kalaripayattu - Mother of all Martial Arts

'Kalari' is a school of martial arts derivative of the Sanskrit word 'Kholoorika' meaning military training centre and 'payattu' the fight. It is a form of martial arts practiced by Hindus. It is believed that sage Parasurama who built temples along south India introduced this art. There are historical evidences of Kalari dated back to the 12th Century and historians believe that it is the oldest form of martial art in the world. Kalarippayattu training is imparted inside the Kalari (Coliseum), which is rectangular in design and always aligned, east west, with idols of all the presiding deities of the art at each corner of the Kalari. . The deities and the Gurus are worshipped before the beginning of the practice with all rituals and singing of hymns as in a temple. This art includes seven shasthras (sciences) like Vastu, Jyothi, Marma, Ayurveda, Asana, Tantra and Mantra. The pupils are trained in self-discipline and physical culture.Initially the student body is toned pliable, agile and versatile by regular massage by feet and hands with medicated oil. Then trained to wield Kuruvadi (short sticks), spear, dagger, sword, shield, etc. The most advanced course of training is wielding of 'Urumi' a thin springy three-meter long double-edged sword worn around the waist locked like a belt. It can be drawn unwound in a flick of a moment when required. It is highly lethal for an adept wielder can aim it to swirl around the neck of the opponent and, at the slightest jerk, the head will roll on the floor of the arena. Flying feats, daring onslaughts and dodging with dexterity are the ways in combat. Defensive and offensive strikes with lightning speed are its peculiarity. There are customarily eighteen 'adavu' (tricks) in this warfare. Seventeen, fighting with all the weapons one by one, the eighteenth being 'Poozhikkadakan', a feat producing a cover of whirlwind of dust around the combatant by stamping the earth and swift circular movement to camouflage him from the opponent and to take him by surprise with sudden retaliatory death blow.