Kalaripayattu in Kerala

Kalaripayattu in Kerala

Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts traditions in the world. Over the centuries, it has expanded and developed, and become the basis for Kung Fu and other martial arts. 'Kalari' means school or arena, and 'payat' is skill training, exercise or practice.

Kalaripayattu aims to create the most proficient warrior and prepare the mind and body with an elaborate sequence of movements and exercises.

A special feature of Kalaripayattu is training in 'Marma', the art of knowing and activating the 107 energy points in the body. Theses are vital points for correcting the body's energy flows and replenishing its resources. Kalari therefore aims to make the practitioner not just a warrior but a self-healer.

There are four basic types of Kalari training - body control exercises, training with wooden staffs, the use of weapons such as swords and shields, and unarmed combat. 

Stay at the traditional Kerala-based Ayurveda Mana, a family-run charitable trust which offers comfortable accommodation and lessons in Kalaripayattu. A 2-hour drive from Cochin airport, the property runs a professional Kalaripayattu centre which is used by local villages as well as professionals. Here you can learn and practice the art with the teacher.