Defense – Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art originating from Kerela. It is over 3000 years old. The name can be split into Kalari and payattu. Kalari means training ground and payattu meaning combat.

The dress worn for this art is called a 'Katcha' or loincloth which is a long strip of cloth. There is a procedure to wear it. The cloth should be tight around the abdomen and hips but should be free for movement.

This training is divided into four categories:

MEITHAI - In this, there is a lot of physical and aerobics exercise. There is also exercise for hips, hands, legs, upper body. It also has breath control exercises (pranayama).

KOLTHARI- In this wooden weapons and bamboo sticks are used. First the basics of spear fighting with the help of a 5 feet height. Next with the help of 2.5 feet stick more intense fighting techniques are taught. The blows delivered are very fast and it should be done with great caliber which is 100 blows per minute.

ANKATHARI - In this metal weapons are used. A dagger of 1-foot length which is very sharp is used to defend, cut, thrust any body part and no shield is used. The other weapons used are the ax, metal-shaped otta, double-edged sword, and trident.

KAITHALLU OR VERUMKAI- In this bare hands are used. Kai means hand and thallu mean hitting. One is taught to disarm the other person who is armed with their hands only. A person learns arm locks, grappling, kicks, thrusting the vital points. This category is only taught to selected students in the gurukul.

The postures used in this art are inspired by animals- elephant, boar, cock, lion, cat, fish, Horse, snake. The steps are circular, inside steps, moving steps, corner steps, and one leg steps.

Credits: Harini

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