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Kalaripayattu is the prevailing traditional martial art form in Kerala. It is the oldest and most comprehensive type of martial art which involves rigorous training. It originated from the Vedic culture of India. Northern (Vadakkan) style, Southern (Thekkan) style and the Central style are the different variants of this martial art form. While Northern style concentrates on weapon fight, the Southern style aims at ‘Verum Kayy’ and ‘Marmavidya’ or pressure point fights.
The Northern style of Kalaripayattu is commonly practiced by Ezhava and Nair communities. A system of full body massage is considered together with the physical training. Along with the empty hand techniques, Southern martial art concentrates on the law of hitting the vital points. This style is mainly practiced by Nairs, Nadars, a group of Ezhavas and a small group of Kallars. Silambam or fighting with stick is another important feature of Southern Kalaripayattu. Central Kalaripayattu is a combined form of both Northern and Southern styles. Performing within the floor-drawing (Kalam) is the unique feature of Central Kalaripayattu.
Normally, people start learning this art at the age of seven. The child starts his lessons from an experienced teacher known as “Gurukkal”. The performance is done on a specially constructed ground, Kalari. To preserve the holiness of the place, religious customs are practiced inside the Kalari. The performer is supposed to possess strength, patience, power of command, posture, training, the expression and sound. The performer has to undergo strict physical training in order to attain complete co-ordination of the mind and body.
The Kalari has a temple and a public tank for bathing. Sword, shield, spear, dagger (Kathi), short sticks (Kuruvadi), long sticks (Vadival), and flexible spring like sword (Urumi), are the common weapons used for performing Kalaripayattu. |
