Kalarippayattu - കളരിപ്പയറ്റ്

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Kalarippayattu is an Indian martial art from the southern state of Kerala. One of the oldest fighting systems in existence, it is practiced in Kerala and contiguous parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as well as northeastern Sri Lanka and among the Malayalese community of Malaysia. It was practiced primarily by the martial castes of Kerala, like Nairs, and Ezhavas.

Kalari payat includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods. Regional variants are classified according to geographical position in Kerala; these are the northern style of the Malayalese, the southern style of the Tamils and the central style from inner Kerala. Northern kalari payat is based on the principle of hard technique, while the southern style primarily follows the soft techniques, even though both systems make use of internal and external concepts.

Some of the choreographed sparring in kalari payat can be applied to dance[2] and kathakali dancers who knew martial arts were believed to be markedly better than the other performers. Some traditional Indian dance schools still incorporate kalari payat as part of their exercise regimen.

::.. Origins

Oral folklore ascribes the creation of kalari payat to the Hindu gods almost 3000 years ago. Phillip Zarrilli, a professor at the University of Exeter and one of the few Western authorities on kalari payat, estimates that the art dates back to at least the 12th century CE. The historian Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai attributes the birth of kalari payat to an extended period of warfare between the Cheras and the Cholas in the 11th century CE. The art was disseminated through the kalari, which served as active centres of learning before the modern educational system was introduced. Still in existence, these institutions were schools where students could assemble together and acquire knowledge on various subjects ranging from mathematics, language, astronomy and various theatrical arts. Martial arts were taught in the payattu kalari, meaning fight school.

::.. Decline and revival

Kalari payat underwent a period of decline when the Nair warriors lost to the British after the introduction of firearms and especially after the full establishment of British colonial rule in the 19th century. The British eventually banned kalari payat and the Nair custom of holding swords so as to prevent rebellion and anti-colonial sentiments. During this time, many Indian martial arts had to be practiced in secret and were often confined to rural areas.

The resurgence of public interest in kalari payat began in the 1920s in Tellicherry as part of a wave of rediscovery of the traditional arts throughout south India[2] and continued through the 1970s surge of general worldwide interest in martial arts.[9] In recent years, efforts have been made to further popularise the art, with it featuring in international and Indian films such as Indian (1996), Asoka (2001), The Myth (2005), The Last Legion (2007), and also in Japanese Anime/Manga Series Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple.

::.. Variations

There are several styles of kalari payat which can be categorised into three regional variants. These three main schools of thought can be distinguished by their attacking and defensive patterns. The best introduction to the differences between these styles is the book of Luijendijk which uses photographs to show several kalari payat exercises and their applications. Each chapter in his book references a representative of each of the three main traditions.

.:. Northern Kalaripayattu
.:. Southern Kalaripayattu
.:. Central Kalaripayattu

Keywords: kalaripayat, kalari payat, kalari payatt, kalaripayatt, kalari payattu, kalaripayatta, kalari payatta, kerala art forms, kerala dance forms, kerala culture, kerala specialities, kerala fights, kalarippayattu steps

::.. Styles

Various kalari styles as specified in Vadakkan Pattukal,

* Kadathanatan Kalari
* Karuvancheri Kalari
* Kodumala Kalari
* Kolastri Nadu Kalari
* Kurungot Kalari
* Mathilur Kalari
* Mayyazhi Kalari
* Melur Kalari
* Nadapuram Kalari
* Panoor Madham Kalari
* Payyampalli Kalari
* Ponniyam Kalari
* Puthusseri Kalari
* Puthuram Kalari
* Thacholi Kalari
* Thotuvor Kalari
* Tulunadan Kalari

::.. Exercises

Specific commands associated with each exercise are called vaytari.

>> Kaalkal

Kaalkal literally means legs. In the kalari context, it refers to kicks as well as leg-raising exercises (kaal eduppu) to increase flexibility.

1. Paada chakram (round kick- inside to outside)
2. Paada Bhramanam (round kick- outside to inside)
3. ner kaal (straight kick)
4. kona kaal (right to left, left to right kick)
5. veethi kaal (round kick - inside out)
6. ner-kona-veethi kaal (combined kick)
7. thirichi kaal (both side kick - kick straight turn around and kick)
8. aga kaal (round kick - outside in)
9. iruththi kaal (kick and sit)
10. iruththi kaal 2 (kick and sit - turn and sit)

>> Kaikuththippayattu

Kaikuththippayattu is a compound of kai (hand), kuththi (hit) and payattu (exercise). Originating from the Tulunadan lineage, it has been adopted into most other styles. It consists of punches, leg moves, stretches, twists, and jumps performed in a particular sequence. It is preceded by warm-ups or mukakattu. Like most exercises in kalari payat, kaikuththipayattu is divided into 18 stages and its complexity increases from one level to another..

>> Chumattadi

Chumattadi teaches how to attack and defend against multiple opponents from all sides. Divided into 18 stages, it consists of punches, cuts, throws and blocks. The movements are repeated in four directions. This exercise should be practiced with intense speed and power.

>> Meipayattu

Meipayattu concentrates on flexibility. Also divided into 18 stages, it is said to make the practitioner aggressive and increase battle awareness. This exercise should be practiced with speed and agility.

>> Adithada

Adithada comes from the words for hit (adi) and block (thadu). Unlike the exercises mentioned above, adithada requires two or more practitioners. When one exponent attacks, the other blocks and then counter-attacks.

>> Ottotharam

Ottotharam teaches how to use attacks as a form of defense. As with adithada, it is practiced by two exponent but the number can be increased as the students gain experience.

::.. Stages

@ Meithari
@ Kolthari
@ Ankathari
@ Verumkai