Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art form entrenched in the state of Kerala, has branched out to Bangalore over the years. Kalari is not merely a self defence form, it is proved to be the one of the most sought-after fitness regimes to beat the effects of sedentary lifestyle.
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.