Kalaripayattu – ‘Mother’ of All Martial Arts?

Origins

Kalaripayattu, known as the ‘mother of all martial arts’ originated from the southernmost part of India (today’s Kerala and part of Tamil Nadu). Local legends trace the origin of Kalari to when Gods walked the earth. Nonetheless, Kalari dates back to as early as 3rd century BCE, during the Sangam period.

The rise of Kalaripayattu is seen during 11th century under the Cheras, at the time of conflicts between the 3 dominant southern empires of Cheras, Cholas and the Pandyas. Many kalaris were formed and warriors were trained for combat. Around 14th century, Kalaripayattu was recognised as the martial art form of Kerala.

Weaponry

The most important weapon in Kalari is the body itself, trained to attain extremes of flexibility and core strength. Kalari artists also master specialised skills with weapons such as sword (vaal), spears/sticks (Vel), bow (vil) and arrows (ambu).

Styles

Two main schools of Kalaripayattu are the Vadakkan Kalari and the Thekkan Kalari, northern and southern styles of Kalari arising from the respective regions of Kerala. The Vadakkan Kalari, said to have been founded by Lord Parashurama (the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu), in his goal to create ideal Kshatriyas, focusses on elegant and flexible leaps, jumps and weaponry. The Thekkan kalari, originating in the southern part of Kerala and Tamil nadu, as derived from Tamil literary sources credited to Sage Agastya, focusses of hard combat skills, using of hands and legs in attacks and striking of marma points. 

Beyond Martial Art

An advanced Kalari student is also taught marmasashtram, the knowledge of the vital points of the human body, a branch of traditional medicinal practices Ayurveda and Siddha. Artists who have mastered this are said to incapacitate their opponents only by striking special vital points of their body! 

Ancient Indians understood that recovery and reshaping is key to training. Young students of Kalari who train rigourously undergo specialised massages, Kalari Uzhichils, to strengthen, tone and improve flexibility, resulting in their fantastic form.

Kalari also transcends martial arts and popular opinion among artists is that Kathakali dancers with Kalaripayattu training are extra impressive, gaining fluidity and form in their movements!