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Kalari History...Kalarippayatt, the Traditional Martial Art of Kerala The ancient scholars have divided the various art forms into 64 different categories. The art of war or combat with weapons is considered to be one among those 64 art forms. Our ancient culture contains very valuable treasures of knowledge dealt with in VEDAs and UPANISHADs. The Dhanurveda, a branch of Yajurveda, describes various techniques of Martial Art, which is considered to be an integrated science for defense and attack. The basic science of Kalarippayatt is based on Dhanurveda. Hence historians say that the Kalarippayatt must have originated even before 2000B.C. Lord SIVA is considered as the father of Kalarippayatt. He transferred this valuable knowledge to Lord Parasurama and Sage Agasthya. The elder generations still believe that the Kalari Guru is the sage Parasurama himself, who after creating the land of Kerala, taught Kalarippayatt to 21 disciples in order to protect and maintain peace. Parasurama has propagated in Northern style and Sage Agasthya in Southern style. It is believed that Lord Parasurama selected four of the most efficient Brahmin families (named- ONAMBILLY, VATTETHIRUP, PILLATHANGHI, and ARAPUKAI) to safeguard the land, Kerala, he retained from the sea. If we see the ancient India, it was disintegrated into small Regional Kingdoms under the ruling of Kings. This was the case in Kerala too and the kingdom was further divided under local Lordships known as “Naaduvazhi”. And it was common in those days, the wars between these local Lords. In such a setup each power centre was forced to maintain an army of fighters. Systematic training and strict rules of discipline for fighters were indispensable for an effective working of this system. These fighters were the product of “Kalari” where rigorous training was given to them to be alert and vigilant in order to face any circumstances in war situations. Kalari In Sanskrit, the word KHALOORIKA denotes a place where weapon training is practiced. It is believed that the word KALARI came into use in Malayalam from the Sanskrit term Khaloorika, for similar institution imparting training in Martial Arts. The term KALARI denotes a gymnasium for proper training or exercise. This was the first educational centre in Kerala for all sorts of education till the middle of this century. The master of Kalari known as ASHAN in southern Kerala or GURUKKAL in the northern Kerala was one of the most respected man of the society. Apart from physical training, he taught his disciples LANGUAGES, SCIENCE and ART. He was the local physician, especially for the treatments for nerves and bones. Kalari has a separate system of medicines & treatments of itself. We can see this is the only Martial Art form where spirituality too combines to the perfection of a martial art performer In olden days at the age of seven the student was recruited for his training under a GURUKKAL, the master. Oil massage or Uzhichil is an essential part of the training to make the body flexible at the same time strong. The verbal commands of the Gurukkal known as VAYTHARI are obeyed and repeated to learn the body movements. Each of them helps to recollect memory and leads to correct movements. The regular practice makes the body so vigilant as the eyes. Kalarippayatt is divided geographically into two major styles as the Nothern System and Southern System. Although the Northern and Southern styles are obviously closely related, significant distinctions can be made between these systems Northern System Lord Parasurama one of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu is considered as the Master of Northern style of Kalarippayatt. The Northern style Kalarippayatt is divided into four parts of training. They are Maithari, Kolthari, Ankathari, and Verum kaithary. Maithari [Body Control Training] This involves 12 graded body exercise sequence, which includes twists and turn of the body, leaps and poses. A single sequence constitutes a Payatt. In advanced stages, one attains various 'SIDHIS' [Skills], Viz. Speed, Accuracy, Force, Stamina, Co-ordination, Mastering balance, Flexibility and Principles of movement in space as well as understanding the continuous flow of energy in the body. Kolthari [Training with Stick] This is the second stage of Kalarippayatt. It involves training in wooden weapons like 'KETTUKARI' [12 span staff], 'MUCHAN' [ 3span stick], and 'OTTAKOL' ['S' curved stick]. Training in Ottakol is a stepping-stone towards to proper execution of advanced Kalarippayatt. Long practice with this stage enables a student to gain control over the weapon. Even a small wooden staff can become a weapon in the hands of a practitioner with dazzling power even against a heavily armed adversary Ankathari [Fight with Metallic Weapons]
It involves combat training in weapons like KADARA [Daggers], VAL & PARICHA [Sword & Shield], KUNTHAM [spear], GADA [Mace], MAZHU [Axe], KATHI [Knife] and URUMI [Long flexible sword]. Verum Kaithari [Bare Hand Fights]
Bare hand fights can be considered as the post-graduate course in Kalarippayatt. Here an unarmed combatant fights with an armed enemy and puts him down. Various activities like OZHIVUKAL [skipping], IRAKKAM [stepping back], KAYATTAM [stepping forward], THADA [blocking], PIDUTHAM [catching] and blows and hitting at the MARMMAM [Vital points of the body] are the main features to this practice. The Southern System
Sage Agasthya is considered as the GURU of the Southern System. This system gives more importance to footwork [Chuvadukal] and attack with hands. The special feature of the southern system is ADIMURA - 64 [64 types of attacking blows & locks]. The bare hand has more importance in Adimura, Thattumura, Pidimura, Marmmamura, and Marmma Adi. Locks and release of locks are also important. In the foot work systems there are 84 types of movements. They are ANKACHERY CHUVAD [basic footwork], BALIVAZHI [monkey type footwork], ANKAM VETTU CHUVAD [bare hand & footwork], NAALANNI CHUVAD[heavy-footwork], KARINADA CHUVAD[elephant footwork], CHEENA YADI CHUVAD[drunken monkey footwork], and THATTUMARMMA CHUVAD [movement with hitting vital points]. Ner-Chuvad, Pirivu-Chuvad, Vatta-Chuvad, Charivu-Chuvad, Otta-Chuvad, and Panchavarna-Chuvad are also included in the 84 types of movements. |
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