KALARI

Kalaripayattu is the exclusive martial arts legacy of Kerala, taken to China by the Buddhist monks which became the fabled model for the modern martial arts. Kalari means school or arena and payattu is skill training exercise or practice.

Kalaripayattu helps to gain mental peace, physical strength and flexibility. The training includes exercise to develop sharp reflexes for unarmed combat and techniques of combat using daggers, sticks, sword and shield, long flexible sword called Urumi etc. Kalaripayattu also includes the Marma treatment which identifies the vital nodal points in the body (108 of them in all) for suitable pressing and nudging to correct muscular and neurological problems. Kalaripayattu encompasses an invigorating Ayurvedic herbal treatment for chronic ailments like Arthritis and Spondylosis and a massaging regimen which repairs physiological damages and makes the body young and supple. The Uzhichil or oil massage using specially medicated oil enables and enhances proper blood circulation and the removal of excess fat from the body. Kalaripayattu thus is a martial art that is also an Orthopaedic system, massage regimen, Ayurvedic treatment and a cultural experience – all in one. It inculcates traditional values, discipline and respect to the elders and teachers, inculcates firm faith in the existence and power of God.