The members of Manoeuvre, society for promoting ancient martial arts Kalaripayattu, Bangalore in conversation with Kalaripayattu veteran Sri SRD Prasad Gurukkal of Bharat Kalari, Kannur.

In his words “I started learning Kalaripayattu at a young age from my father Chirakkal T Sridharan Nair, who was a well known exponent of Kalaripayattu. Its been an inspiring journey all these years having practiced, trained and continuing the legacy of my father in propogating Kalaripayattu”.

I was working in company earlier, assisting the kalari during vacations. Have taken over the full time responsibility of kalari in the year  1999.

Kalaripayattu training starts at the tender age of 7, when the pupil has his/her best grasping power. This age helps in honing flexibility to the maximum level. At this period of training, learning is coupled with calisthenics. The pattern of kalarippayattu sequences provides a complete workout, he added.

Kalarippayattu is an art form with a great emphasis on ethics whereas Karate or Boxing is more textual in nature. Kalari is an art form with a deep spiritual significance, the sequences or pattern in kalari training is set in a manner which put the skills to the ultimate test. The practice of weaponry is one such instance where in the students face and are able to defend from varied types of attacks. Long stick fight, dagger, sword & shield to name a few.

There are many styles in kalaripayattu. Generally, people term it as Northern or Southern based on the regions in Kerala but it is a wrong notion. In practice, styles are formed based on the variation in the sequence of training. For instance, one of the most prevalent style in existence is Arappukai style which is prevalent in parts of Northern Kerala, the Malabar region. The term Arappukai  means set of fight divided into segmants. (Like Maipayattu, Kolthari, Ankathari, Verumkai). Some of the other styles practiced  are Vattayanthirippu, Kadathanadan, Pillathangi, Vallabhatta etc. Now extinct Dronampalli style was part of the Tulunadu, where pupil used to go for their advanced studies in Kalaripayattu, said Gurukkal.

The long flexible sword ‘Urumi’ is one of the weapon which I feel is in the verge of extinction now. There are no Vaytharis (Oral Commands) available for Urumi now. It used to be worn as a belt in the ancient days by the warriors and was executed in case of mass encounters.

Apart from teaching Kalaripayattu at our centre in Kannur, I write books on Kalarippayattu, a legacy continued from my father to preserve this ancient art form. I also conduct and attend workshops, Seminars on Kalaripayattu.  One of the event to name was a series of lecture demonstrations at the First International Yoga Day in New Delhi (2015) under Central Sangeeth Natak Academi. Currently, I am also a visiting faculty at Kannur University which has introduced diploma course in Kalaripayattu for the budding candidates. We had the opportunity to laid down the frame work of the syllabus for the course. This is first of its kind in the world for the promotion of Kalaripayattu.

I have written five books which includes Otta and an Encyclopedia on kalarippayattu. Other than that I have authored a book called Maipayattu of kalarippayattu, biography of my father and Bharatha Kandam.

The contribution to kalari from the part of govt is not that laudable. The martial art like Kung Fu has spread across the globe with Government support. Recently, the Kerala Government has come up with a plan to develop a cultural museum where Kalaripayattu would be included. The project worth several crores has many exciting plans in the offing. I was called upon to address the recommendations to the quorum. Have suggested to lay down a big kalari which can help large number of visitors to watch and feel the spirit of traditional kalari. Also recommended inclusion of a viewing gallery, an exclusive library on Kalaripayattu with digitized manuscripts, set up for live performances etc. This would help revive and showcase the glory of ancient martial art Kalaripayattu, says SRD Prasad.

Kalaripayattu has inspired scores of allied art forms such as Kathakali, Kolkali, Theyyam etc.. which indicates the dominance of this martial art and how good it impacts the performance of other art forms.

Children should be initiated into Kalaripayattu and encouraged to continue the practice, it is the ideal exercise for physical fitness, self defence and mental alertness. Improves one’s concentration and agility. The body control exercises, weapon fighting skills, high flying acrobatic skills etc in Kalaripayattu training develops quick reflex and discipline among the younger generation, Gurukkal emphasized.

A wonderful session with Sri SRD Prasad , a Gurukkal who upholds the ethics of this ancient martial art , a sole recepient of  Central Sangeeth Natak Akademi Award for contribution to Kalaripayattu. The session with Gurukkal was a great motivation in our endeavor being propagators of  Kalaripayattu – Manoeuvre .

The post Manoeuvre tryst with Kalaripayattu Veteran Sri SRD Prasad Gurukkal of Bharat Kalari first appeared on Kalari Manoeuvre.

Kalaripayattu, a comprehensive personal combat training scheme in the world includes exercises to develop sharp reflexes for unarmed combat and techniques of fight using sticks, dagger, knife, sword and shield etc. Kalaripayattu is known for its high-flying acrobatics, fluid water like movements and weaponry and the art of using it.

Training in Kalaripayattu is divided into four stages:

1) Maithari (Body Control Exercise)

Maithari or Maipayattu is the initial stage with sets of body control exercises which involves stances, movements, jumps and turns. Balance, coordination, flexibility and stamina are developed during the practice.

2) Kolthari (Practise of Wooden Weapons)

Once the student has become physically competent, he/she is introduced to fighting with wooden weapons. Here is the practice of fight with Kettukari (long staff), cheruvadi/Muchan (short staff) and Otta (Curved stick).

3) Ankathari (Practise of Metal Weapons)

Once the student has become proficient with all the wooden weapons, he/she proceeds to training with metal weapons, which demands superior concentration due to their lethal nature. The metal weapons taught are the Kadara (dagger), Udaval (fencing sword), Valum Parichayum (Sword & Shield). Highly skilled students are then trained with Urumi (flexible sword) which are more dangerous in nature.

4) Verumkai (Bare handed Techniques)

Once the student is mastered in all the weapons, he/she is taught to defend with barehanded techniques. The practice here involves defending knife attacks, arm locks, counter strikes to vital points etc

The post Levels in Kalaripayattu first appeared on Kalari Manoeuvre.

She is privileged to be the first candidate to receive an International Certification in the field of Kalaripayattu.

Miss Inika is currently studying in 11th Grade. She is practicing traditional kalari since a decade and has taken up  diploma course in the year 2020 and successfully completed 1.5 yrs of Level 1 in 2021.

Inika is also passionate in music, currently pursuing Western classical vocal & Violin under Trinity College, London.

The diploma course ‘Manoeuvres of Kalaripayattu’  focus on the movements of Kalaripayattu, perfomance, presentation skill and creativity of the candidate.

The program consists of two modules , Level 1 and Level 2 (1.5 yrs each). After the successful completion of each module, the candidate will be provided certificate by International Dance Council of UNESCO, Paris.

The curriculum is designed to help those students aspiring to become a performer.The certificate holds International validity for other studies as well.

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Please don’t read the next sentence until and unless you have given your thought and you want to give up……………………………………Well!  The timer is up and the answer: They are great legendary warriors from God’s own country lived in the 16^th century. The Kalari experts are praised in the Vadakkan Pattukal (Northern ballads) of Kerala.

Kalaripayattu is derived from the words, ‘Kalari’ meaning place of practice, and ‘Payattu’ meaning fight or exercise. The Training in Kalari Payattu involves scientific & systematic process. The art features body control exercises, fighting with wooden weaponry, metal weaponry and free hand fight. The practitioners who are proficient is guided on the Marma system (applications on vital spots). The pattern of exercise is manifested by power, grace and flexibility.

What are the benefit of practicing Kalari Payattu?

One’s physical, mental and spiritual powers are developed to the core, enhancing one’s personality and discipline. A regular practitioner of Kalaripayattu reaps immense benefits such as reflexes against attack, immunity, concentration, flexible body and a sharp mind.

Who can practice Kalaripayattu?

Anyone from the age of 7 onwards.

Is it limited to gender, a particular community, religion, geography?

It was in the ancient days. But nowadays, both men & women of any caste, creed, religion, state of origin can practice Kalaripayattu.

What is needed to learn Kalaripayattu?

Well, an ancient martial art which was passed down ages from Teacher to Student. It demands years of dedication and perseverance to master the art.

Where do we learn Kalaripayattu?

Today, there are Kalari classes in Bangalore, the aspirant need not travel down to Kerala for learning.

Kalaripayattu, the symbol of Indian physical culture should be included as curriculum in the present-day schools, and cultural organizations. Kalaripayattu as a martial art, fitness regime & performing art is spreading across the globe in its popularity.

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