Kalari History

A short History….

Martial Arts have been in existence in India for over 3000 years now. Even the age old Vedas mention about Martial Art forms. It has been suggested that Parasurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and a disciple of Lord Shiva, is the founder of Kalaripayattu. Among the various martial arts practiced in India , the most famous one comes from the state of Kerala and is known as Kalaripayattu. The word Kalaripayattu originated from the amalgamation of two words – ‘Kalari’ which means ‘training ground’ and ‘Payattu’ which means ‘fight’. Kalaripayattu is a traditional art form and is one of the oldest forms of Martial Arts in the world. Kalaripayattu was used as a code of combat by the rulers of Southern India , a time Kalari was at its peak. During the later period, fighting techniques were refined into a martial arts form and became a part of education system. Kalaripayattu resolves around many fields of study that include Arts, Science, and Medicine. Kalari Payattu had a set-back during the British rule. The British objected to the traditional system of carrying arms and training. Though Laws were passed against practicing Kalari, the art form was secretly kept alive. Post independence KalariPayattu slowly regained its lost glory. Legend has it that Kalaripayattu was inspired by the raw power of animals such as elephants, lions, horses, fishes, cats, wild boars, cocks and snakes. In fact, many of the stances and movements are named after the animals from which they are inspired. Over the years, Kalari has influenced various other Martial Arts. It is believed that an Indian Monk traveled to China to spread Buddhism and on finding that Monks there were weak, taught them the exercise which evolved into Shaolin boxing and was later adopted in various Martial Arts.

TYPES OF KALARI

KUZHI KALARI OR DUG OUT KALARI

Kuzhi Kalari has a 42 X 21 feet dimension and is dug to 4 feet below ground level. The removed earth is used to build 3 feet high wall upon which the roof is constructed. The cave-like construction maintains an ambient temperature that allows practitioners to do tough physical work

NILA KALARI OR THARA KALARI (GROUND FACE KALARI)

Nila Kalari is also of 42 X 21 feet dimension. But it is situated above ground level, often a result of bad digging circumstances.

ANKA KALARI OR DWELLING KALARI

Anka Kalari is 42 X 21 dimension. In days when conflicts were solved by duels between the best warriors from either parties, such Kalari were used as the place of the duel.

CHERU KALARI

Cheru Kalari is small and is a square of 12 X 12 feet dimension. Cheru Kalari is popular in the Southern style of Kalari Payatttu. Instructions in Cheru Kalari mainly focus on unarmed combat that includes teaching of foot work and Marmas.