- Article is an introduction to Kalarippayattu and covers Different stages of Kalarippayattu too with videos
at the end. It also tells about Ekalavya Kalari, the organization that teaches this form of martial art, onsite and online.
Kalarippayattu is an Ancient martial art of India. Kalarippayattu is a traditional martial art
form i.e. considered to be the most ancient one in the world and the mother of
all martial arts.
The word Kalaripayattu has two root words - `Kalari' means traditional school, comes from the Sanskrit word Khaloorika and Payattu means fight. Scholars believed that
this martial art was practiced during Vedic age in India (BCE 3000).
The Buddhist saint Bodhidarma spread this martial
art to China. Later it transformed into different martial arts. At present this
martial art is popular in Kerala, a state in the south India.
There are two major styles in kalarippayattu - Northern
and Southern. The northern style was implemented by Lord Parasurama and the southern
by Saint Agastya. It was customary
for people to send their children to a kalari when they are about seven: but any
able-bodied person, irrespective of his age, can learn kalaripayattu, and
attain considerable proficiency and expertise.
There are four stages in
kalarippayattu namely Meythari, Kolthari, Angathari and Verumkai. There is traditional treatment system in
kalarippayattu which is used to heal injuries that happen during the kalari
practice session. Kalari hand and foot massage is also very famous for
creating a flexible and healthy body.
Different stages of Kalarippayattu
Meythari
In these stage kalari disciples practice basic
exercise. Meyppayattu, meyppayattu is a type of exercise to create body
balancing and flexibility and is also known as the skeleton of kalarippayattu.
Regular practice of meyppayattu creates a balanced and powerful body and
prepares the body for the next three levels.
Kolthari
In this stage student will learn to handle
different types of wooden weapons as below-
Vadiveesal (stick rotation), Kettukari ppayattu (long stick fight) and
Cheruvadippayattu (short stick fight),
Ottappayattu (a curved wooden weapon)
and Gadhappayattu (mace fight).
Angathari
Angathari is another stage where the students
handle metal weapons. The most famous metal weapons used in kalarippayattu are Kathi (knife), Kadara (dagger), Val (sword),
Paricha (shield), Kuntham (spear) and Urumi ( flexible sword).
Verumkai
Verumkai is the last stage of kalarippayattu. In
this stage students learn the Verum kai
payattu (bare hand fights), Marmas
(pressure points) and Kalari chikithsa
(kalari treatment).
After this stage if the Gurukul (master) of
kalari allows once can start his own kalari (kalarippayattu training centre).
About Us
Ekalavya kalari is a
kalarippayattu training institution founded by Gurukkal Balachandra Menon and
handed over to Sumesh Subramanian. This kalari is affiliated to kerala kalarippayattu
association (reg No:N/663/2015) Kerala Sports Council, TVM. In this institution
we teach southern style and northern Styles of Kalarippayattu.
Our Kalarippayattu class
Our classes are scheduled
in every Saturday and Sunday. We have a traditional kalari building with thatched roof and committed
students who strictly follow the rules and regulations of kalarippayattu. Starting
age for learning kalari is seven. Age is not a barrier for a person who has
dedicated mind and healthy body.
We follow the traditional way of teaching. Before
starting kalarippayattu one should apply Gingelly oil on their body and wear
the Kachha (a traditional dress of kalarippayattu). We also do
Kalari marma Chikitsa (kalari treatment) and kalari Uzhichal.
Kalari performing team
We have a very good kalarippayattu team for the
performances. Our team Performed in various places in India. We show all
weapons on the stage. We do this performances for a reasonable charge. We also conduct
the kalarippayattu workshops in various places.
How to Contact us
Gurukkal Sumesh Subramanian
Ekalavya Kalari (Affiliated to kerala
kalarippayattu Association reg: N/663/2014)
Kuthirappara, Kunissery post
Palakkad, Kerala
Email: ekalavyakalari@gmail.com
Phone: 9495248855
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/ekalavyakalari/
See Videos
To see U Tube video Students
learning including display of Weapons. 2 minutes
To see FB video
of Mace Fight 10 seconds.
We also teach Online.
Also see albums
1. Indigenous
Games of Manipur
2. Gatka Punjab