Kalaripayattu can be classified into three different variants. Northern Kalari or vadakkan kalari, Southern Kalari or Thekkan Kalari and central Kalari or Madhya Kalari and all three styles have its own distinctive features. Northern Kalari is based on graceful flexible movement, dodging, jumps and weapons training. Southern Kalari follows Adi Murai hard impact techniques using hands at pressure points. Central Kalari gives importance to lower body strength, speed and applications.
Art
Kalaripayattu
History of Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest forms of martial art in Indian and across the world and its existence can be traced back to more than 3000 years as mentioned in the Rig-Veda and Atharvaveda. It is believed that Lord Parasurama is the founder of Kalaripayattu which he taught to 21 Bharamin disciples to protect the land he created. During the peak of its popularity it was used as a code of combat by different rulers in Kerala during the ancient times.
How to perform
All the three styles adopt a holistic approach in their of Kalaripayattu Training. It is aimed to achieve ultimate perfection, co-ordination and full control over the body and mind. The weapons used become an extension of the body which is controlled by the mind to achieve maximum protection in offensive and defensive combat techniques.
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