What is Kalaripayattu ?
Being so, it is also known as “The Mother of All Martial Arts”, as the other forms such as Kung Fu, Tai Chi etc, have been derived from this very martial art. Unlike modern western martial arts, Kalaripayattu is divine. It is believed that this sacred art form was brought down to Earth by the Hindu God, Lord Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. There is a whole history about this very art. Kalaripayattu is not only a form of martial art, it is a lifestyle. A lifestyle, that teaches one discipline and the very meaning of life. Being a divine art, it incorporates the Guru-Shishya (Teacher-Student) tradition, inculcates values, and teaches about respect to every living being. Ayurveda and yoga are also a part of this art. Being as deadly as it is, the Gurukkal (the teacher) has also the knowledge of the 108 ‘marmas’ (or vital points). These points can be used to cure, injure or cause death to a person.
Why to practice Kalari ?
Kalaripayattu classes for a healthier mind, body and soul. This practical martial art originated in Kerala, India’s southernmost state, and is also known as “the mother of all martial arts”. This is due to its ancient origins, known as the oldest form of martial art and fighting techniques and feats on Earth. That’s why some of its techniques seem strange to us, but it has evolved over time and many new fighting styles have been developed. It is one of the most (or the most) complete forms of martial arts. Practice requires the acquisition of various knowledge and skills over time, such as: flexibility and strength, MARMA trigger points, human anatomy (organs, muscles, bones), Ayurvedic nutrition, including herbs and plants, Dosha types, yogic breathing techniques, fighting stances, advanced self-defense techniques, etc. To become an expert Kalaripayattu practitioner, you need perfect mastery of body and mind, which can only be archived after years of practice. Each practice combines static stretching, yogic breathing techniques, fighting positions, understanding of body movements, body systems, your Dosha type, and ancient Ayurvedic knowledge, all while practicing with the utmost respect for Mother Earth and universal energy. Available outdoors in spring, summer and autumn, weather permitting. Contact with the earth/soil, fresh air and water is an integral part of learning.
In ancient times, KALARIPAYATTU practitioners were harmonious and balanced in body, mind and soul during each practice. Often overlooked, it’s an ancient practice that survived the years of British colonization of India. It combines the knowledge of your own body for agile movements, to understand injuries and how to prevent or heal them with the support of ancestral Ayurvedic knowledge.
*This martial art can be adapted to all levels of fitness and flexibility for beginners.
How is Kalaripayattu related to Ayurveda ?
" The Mother of all Martial Arts, and the most complete form of martial art to learn & practice"
Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art from Kerala, India, is deeply intertwined with Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine. Both share the same roots in ancient Indian culture and philosophy, emphasizing the balance of body, mind, and spirit.
In Kalaripayattu, Ayurveda plays a crucial role in the training and healing processes. Ayurvedic principles guide the diet, lifestyle, and medicinal treatments for practitioners, helping them maintain physical health and mental clarity. Ayurveda also offers specific treatments for injuries sustained during training or combat, using herbal oils, massages, and therapies that are tailored to the individual’s dosha (body constitution) and the nature of the injury.
Moreover, the understanding of the body’s energy channels (nadis) and pressure points (marmas), which are essential in Kalaripayattu for both offensive and defensive techniques, is rooted in Ayurvedic knowledge. This connection ensures that Kalaripayattu is not just a physical practice but a holistic approach to overall well-being, integrating the wisdom of Ayurveda to achieve optimal health and harmony.