::.. 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