Kalaripayattu is the oldest martial art in the world, a discipline that is essentially a form of warfare. It originated in Kerala as a defensive art, and later travelled abroad and influenced other martial art forms, giving rise to Karate, Kung-Fu, and the original form of Jiu-Jitsu.
Kalaripayattu is practised inside a ‘Kalari’ specially made by removing the topsoil to a depth of approximately three to four feet. In one corner sits a presiding deity known as “Puttara” and another is earmarked as a “Guruttara”, a space dedicated to the preceptors of the discipline.
The practice of Kalaripayattu is divided into four parts:
The first is the “Maipayat” that means body conditioning exercises to maximize the use of all the joints and muscles.
Second comes “Koltharipayattu” which is about wooden weapons : long canes, short staffs, bent staffs. and otta – a horn like weapon. It starts with the long staff – “Kettukeari”, followed by ten series in which each set is practiced to well balanced “Vaiitharis” or oral commands.
The third part is the “Ankatharipayattu” in which sharp weapons like the sword and shield, spear, dagger and a flexible sword “Urumi” are used. Once upon a time the Urumi was worn around the waist so as to be unnoticeable, yet easily accessible in an emergency.
The fourth and last part is the “Verumkai” which is barehanded defense and attack.
After mastering all four parts of Kalaripayattu, one is equipped with the skills and the reflexes to defend oneself from any attack, from any quarters, with any kind of weapon.
