Sword fighting in Kalarippayattu

Kalarippayattu (Malayalam: കളരിപയററ്) is a martial art practiced in Kerala a small state in South India. and the Kodagu district of neighboring state Karnataka. It combines self-defense techniques, religion, and has elements of "martial dance" as in Capoeira. Note: Malayalam is not the Malay language, which is spoken in Malaysia. ... Hawaiian State Grappling Championships. ... ... A coffee plantation in Coorg Kodagu (previously called Coorg) is a district of Karnataka state, India. ... Karnataka (ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ in Kannada) is one of the four southern states of India. ... Capoeira or the Dance of War by Johann Moritz Rugendas, 1835 Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art developed initially by African slaves in Brazil, starting in the colonial period. ...

The word "Kalarippayattu" literally means 'combat training inside the gymnasium'. The word Kalari has been derived from the Sanskrit "Khaloorika" meaning a military training ground. Kalari in common terms means "gymnasium."

Kalari Puttara

The traditional training of Kalarippayatt is always done inside the Kalari which is specially constructed practicing area. You will see Puttara (Seven tired platform) in the South-West corner of every Kalari. Here is where the guardian deity is located. Flowers, incense and water is given to the deity everyday. Before each person starts practicing they prey to the deity. Not only is the Kalari a temple of learning, it is also a temple of religious worship with a cult and ritual of its own. You can read more about construction of a kalari in the article Kalari. In religion and sociology, a cult is a relatively small and cohesive group of people (often a new religious movement) devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture or society considers to be far outside the mainstream. ...

The Kalarippayatt training aims at something more at the ultimate co-ordination of mind and body. The weapon is only an extension of the body, controlled by the mind and the use of these both in attack and defence attain a very high degree of perfection.

Main divisions of Kalarippayattu

• Vadakkan Kalarippayattu (Northern style), which is associated with Malayalam-speaking Nairs.
• Thekken Kalarippayattu (Southern style), which is associated with Tamils.

Vadakkan style involves more elaborate graceful body movements and southern style involves very rapid economical and yet powerful movements. Nair (Malayalam: നായ൪) is the name of a Hindu caste in the Southern Indian state of Kerala. ... Tamil girls in Tiruvannamalai The Tamil people are an ethnic group from South Asia with a recorded history going back almost two millennia. ...

Thekken style are the Tamil martial arts practiced in the Travancore district of Kerala and the Kanyakumari district of neighboring Tamil Nadu that variously go by the names ati tata (hit/defend), ati murai (law of hitting), varma ati (Tamil)/marma ati (Malayalam) (hitting the vital spots), or chinna ati (Chinese hitting) (Zarrilli, 1992). These arts claim descent from the rishi Agastya and, compared to kalarippayattu, place more emphasis on empty-hand techniques and less on weapons. Travancore (originally called Thiruvithaamcoore or Thiruvitankur in Malayalam) was a princely state in India whose capital was Thiruvananthapuram. ... Swamithoppe pathi Thiruchendur Temple The Tiruvalluvar statue The Vivekananda memorial The Gandhi Mandepam Kanyakumari is a town and a cape at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula. ... Tamil Nadu (தமிழ் நாடு, Land of the Tamils) is a state at the southern tip of India. ... In Hinduism, the Rishis are sages and/or seers who heard the hymns of the Devas; and then wrote them down as Vedic scriptures. ... In Hinduism, Agastya is a legendary sage or rishi. ...

Etymology

The term "Kalarippayattu" is a bahuvrihi (compound word) formed from the words kalari (Malayalam: കളരി) meaning "place, open space, threshing floor, battlefield" and payattu (Malayalam: പയററ്) derived from "payttuka" meaning "to exercise in arms, practice".

Kalari is derived from the Tamil root "kalam" meaning "arena, area for dramatic, gladiatorial, or gymnastic exhibitions, assembly, place of work or business." Payattu is derived from the Tamil root "payil" meaning "to become trained, accustomed, practice" (Zarrilli, 1992). Together these two words in Tamil mean "Practice of arts of the battlefield". Most words related to Kalari are originally from Tamil, including words like "suvadi" (footprint), "vadivu" (stance/pose), "verum kai" (weaponless hand), "mei payattu" (mei=body). Tamil is a classical language and one of the major languages belonging to the Dravidian language family. ... The bayonet, still used in war as both knife and spearpoint. ...

History of Kalaripayattu

The earliest reference to kalarippayattu occurs in A Description of the Coasts of East Africa and Malabar in the Beginning of the Sixteenth Century CE by Duarte Barbosa, indicating that kalarippayattu had already developed by this time. Africa is the worlds second-largest continent and second most populous after Asia. ... Bekal Fort Beach Malabar is a region along the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula, which forms the northern part of present-day Kerala state. ... (15th century - 16th century - 17th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century was that century which lasted from 1501 to 1600. ... Duarte Barbosa was a Portuguese writer and trader. ...

Phillip B. Zarrilli, University of Exeter professor and one of the few Western authorities on kalaripayattu, estimates that kalarippayattu dates back to at least the 12th century CE.[1] (11th century - 12th century - 13th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 12th century was that century which lasted from 1101 to 1200. ...

The historian Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai hypothesizes that kalarippayattu was a product of the battles between the Cheras and the Cholas during the 11th century CE. This theory was reiterated by later writers without question. Today, as the concept of the war has been questioned and rejected, the theory of the origin of Kalari during this war has lost its ground. The Cheras were one of the three ancient Tamil dynasties who ruled the southern peninsula of India at the beginning of its recorded history. ... The Cholas were the most famous of the three dynasties that ruled ancient Tamil Nadu. ... As a means of recording the passage of time, the 11th century was that century which lasted from 1001 to 1100. ...

As stated earlier, the oldest suggested existence of Kalaripayattu date back to the 13th century CE. The earliest recorded evidence of Kalaripayyattu date from Portuguese descriptions during the latter 16th-17th centuries and becoming less prominent after the British outlawed it during the 18th and 19th centuries CE. It has recently been reinvigorated in the last few decades due to the general worldwide interest in martial arts. (12th century - 13th century - 14th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 13th century was that century which lasted from 1201 to 1300. ... (15th century - 16th century - 17th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century was that century which lasted from 1501 to 1600. ... (16th century - 17th century - 18th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 17th century was that century which lasted from 1601-1700. ... (17th century - 18th century - 19th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 18th century refers to the century that lasted from 1701 through 1800. ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ...

There have been recent theories attempting to connect kalaripayattu with Shaolin Kung Fu through the legend of Bodhidharma, considered in Shaolin mythology as the founder of the Shaolin temple. This is not accepted by contemporary historians as the legends of Bodhidharma are conflicting and evidence exists for the existence of martial arts in the Buddhist temples in China prior to the purported arrival of Bodhidharma. Please read the article Disputed history of Kalarippayattu for more details about these topics. Shaolin kung fu (Chinese: 少林功夫; pinyin: ; literally Shaolin skills), or to use more exact terms, Shàolínquán (Chinese: 少林拳; literally Shaolin fist) or Shàolín wǔshù (Traditional Chinese: 少林武術; literally Shaolin martial arts), are those Chinese martial arts that trace their origins to Shaolin, be it the Chan Buddhist... Bodhidharma, woodblock print by Yoshitoshi, 1887. ... Please read the article Kalarippayattu for more information about this martial art practiced in Kerala a small state in south India. ...

Legends

Oral tradition attributes kalarippayattu and indeed Kerala itself to Parasurama, sixth avatar of Vishnu. In Hinduism, Parashurama (axe-wielding Rama) is the sixth avatar of Vishnu, and a son of Jamadagni. ... In Hinduism, an avatar is the incarnation (bodily manifestation) of an Immortal Being, or of the Ultimate Supreme Being. ... Vishnu (Sanskrit: (विष्‍णु) is a form of God, to whom Hindus pray. ...

"Long ages ago, the sage Parasurama brought one hundred and sixty- six katam [one katam equals five miles, i.e., this land mass was brought up from the ocean, thereby "founding" the Malayalam- speaking readion known today as Kerala State] from the sea and consecrated 108 idols. Then in order to defeat his enemies he established forty-two kalari, and then brought some adhyanmar [high caste brahmins] in order to conduct worship (puja) at the kalari. Then he taught twenty one masters of the kalari how to destroy their enemies."

Cultural influence

Kalaripayattu also shows a strong influence of Ayurveda and major classical dance forms of Kerala, namely Kathakali. Kalarippayyattu teachers often provide massages with traditional medicinal oils to their students in order to increase their physical flexibility or to treat muscle injuries encountered during practice. Such massages are generally termed "Thirumal" and the unique massage given to increase physical flexibility is known as "Katcha thirumal". Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद Sanskrit: ayu—life; veda—knowledge of) or ayurvedic medicine is a comprehensive system of medicine, more than 2,000 years old and based on a holistic approach rooted in Vedic culture. ...

Training

A student begins his Kalarippayatt training at the very early age of 7 & 8 with a formal intimation ritual performed by the Master usualled as Gurukkal. The training is mainly divided into 3 parts consisting of Meythari, Kolthari and Angathari apart from these trainings at last one more stage is there called Verumkai (Please read these training stages in detail below).

Kalarippayattu training differs from most other martial arts training. Bare hand fighting skills are taught in the end. Since it was originally the martial training given to warriors, the martial art teaches the practitioner to become adept in several different forms of weapons. The stages in which this training is imparted is:

• Meythari

Kalarippayattu trainer practicing Meythari

This is the beginner stage where rigorous body sequences comprising of twists, stances and complex jumps and turns are to be mastered. After the basic postures of the body twelve sequences of body control exercises are practiced, these exercises are termed as Meyppayattu and they impart excellent neuro muscular co-ordination in the practitioner. This is the stage of training leading to balance and flexibility. kalari picture File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... kalari picture File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...

After this training the students can controll flow of energy through there body.

• Kolthari

Kolthari using Kettukari

Once the student is physically competent enough, he/she is introduced to fighting with a long wooden weapons. Image File history File links Neduvati. ... Image File history File links Neduvati. ...

The first weapon taught is cane staff which is usually 5 feet in length or up to the forehead of the student from the ground level called "Kettukari".

The second weapon taught is a short wooden stick of about two and a half feet or three palm spans. This is called the "Cheruvadi" or "Muchan".

The third weapon taught is "Otta" which is a wooden staff curved to resemble the trunk of an elephant. The tip is rounded and is used to strike the vital spots in the opponent's body. This wepon is considerd as the master weapon. The training in 'Otta' consists of 18 sequences. This tool remains the fundamental tool of practice to develop stamina, agility, power and skill.

• Ankathari combat training with metallic weapons

Angathari using Val and Parija

Ankathari means training in warfare. Once the practitioner has gained confidence with all the wooden weapons, he/she is introduced to metal weapons, which require superior concentration due to the lethal nature of such weapons. File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...

The first weapon taught is the metal dagger called "Kadhara" which has a curved blade. A dagger (from Vulgar Latin: daca - a Dacian knife) is a blade weapon (essentially a double-edged knife) used for stabbing, thrusting or as a secondary defense weapon in close combat. ...

The second weapon taught the master weapon of Kalarippayattu ; the sword and shield is taught to deserving students. The sword is called "Val" and the shield is called "Paricha" This is probably the most beautiful sequence to be seen in the demonstration of this martial art. Swiss longsword, 15th or 16th century A sword (from Old English sweord; akin to Old High German swerd lit. ... Indo-Persian Dhal Shield A shield is a protective device, meant to intercept attacks. ...

There are more weapons taught including a wooden spear and the famous flexible sword called "Urumi" which is an extremely dangerous weapon taught to the rarest of students. Hunting spear and knife, from Mesa Verde National Park. ...

In olden days after the completes his training in 'Ankathari' a student will specialize on one weapon of his choice, to become an expert swordsman or stick fighter.

• Verumkai

Varumki fighting in Kalarippayattu

After all the weapons have been mastered, the practitioner is taught how to defend his/her person with bare hand techniques. These include strikes to vital pressure points of the body called Marmam, grapples and arm locks. The knowledge about marmas will be taught by the "Kalari Gurukkal" only to the students whom he trusts. Presently only very rare people knows about the marmam.

A complete Kalarippayattu training is incomplete without learning the medical aspects. The practitioner who has completed martial training will be taught how to treat physical injuries with traditional medicines. A person who is well versed with all these aspects becomes a complete master and is called Kalari Gurukkal or simply Gurukkal.

Vativu (Postures) and Chuvatu (Foot movements)

Atavu which is a combination of Vativu and Chuvatu.

Vativu: There are nine Vativus or postures in Kalarippayattu they are:

• Gaja Vativu or elephant pose
• Aswa Vativu or horse pose
• Simha Vativu or Lion pose
• Varaha Vativu or boar pose
• Matsya Vativu or Fish pose
• Marjara Vativu or Cat pose
• Kukkuta Vativu or Cock pose
• Sarpa Vativu or Serpant pose
• Mayura Vativu or Peacock pose

Each postures has its own style, power combination, usefulness and effectiveness.

Chuvatu: There are five Chuvatus or foot positions and movements they are:

• Vatta Chuvatu
• Aakka Chuvatu
• Neekka Chuvatu
• Kon Chuvatu
• Ottakkal Chuvatu

One should be master in there foot movements if they relay wants to master Kalarippayattu.

AnkaKalari and Ankathattu

Ankathattu is a four to six feet high platform constructed temporarily for the purpose of fighting duels. Ankam means war in Malayalam language. This platform will be constructed as per the tradition and will be in the center of the ground from where all peoples can watch the fight. This place altogether is called AnkaKalari. For an account of the Steven Spielberg film, see Duel (movie). ... Kalari Puttara The traditional training of Kalarippayattu a martial art of Kerala a small state in south India, is always done inside the Kalari which is specially constructed practicing area. ...

Few centuries back if there is a quarrel between the local rulers, its finally solved by fixing an Ankam. Each ruler will be represented by an Ankachekavar meaning the person who is fighting for the ruler. The ruler of the Ankachekavar who wins the fight is considered as a winner. Sword fighting in Kalarippayattu Kalarippayattu (Malayalam: കളരിപയററ്) is a martial art practiced in Kerala a small state in South India. ...

Weapons used by Kalarippayattu warriors

Kalarippayattu using Kadhara

1. Long staff or pirambu or neduvati ( means rattan stick)
2. Kurunthadi (short stick)
3. Knife / dagger
4. Vettukathi ( a form of machete or Kukri)
5. Valum parichayum ( sword and round shield)
6. Churika
7. Chuttuval (flexible sword)
8. Kottukampu or Thavikkana

Image File history File links Kadhara. ... Image File history File links Kadhara. ...

Relation between Kalarippayattu and other performing arts in Kerala

Many of the traditional performing art forms of Kerala like, Kathakali, Kolkali, Velakali etc have drawn elements from Kalarippayattu during their stages of evolution. Kathakali has borrowed much from Kalarippayattu in its basic body preparative training of the actor not only in terms of technique in practice but also from the body massage for the trainee. Many of the body postures, choreography and foot work of the Kathakali characters are taken directly from Kalarippayattu. Kathakali (katha for story, kali for performance or play) is an expressive form of Indian dance-drama. ...

References

Zarilli, P (1999). When the Body Becomes All Eyes: Paradigms, Discourses and Practices of Power in Kalarippayattu, a South Indian Martial Art (Hardcover). Oxford University Press. ISBN: 0195639405.

Zarrilli, P. (1992). "To heal and/or harm: The vital spots (marmmam/varmam) in two south Indian martial traditions--Part I: Focus on Kerala's kalarippayattu". Journal of Asian Martial Arts 1 (1)

Pillai, E.K. (1970). Studies in Kerala history. Kottayam: National Book Stall

Broughton, Jeffrey L. (1999) The Bodhidharma Anthology: The Earliest Records of Zen, Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN 0520219724

Additional readings

• Aspects of Kalarippayattu - Phillip B. Zarrilli
• What Kalari Payyattu Means To Me, Spiritually! - V.R.Manoj

Movies on Kalarippayyattu

• Oru Vadakkan Veera Gaatha - a movie based on Kalarippayyattu warrior called Chandu.

External links

• http://www.kalariworld.com
• http://www.kalaripayattu.org/
• http://narthaki.com/shaji_kalari/
• http://kalari-koeln.de/
• http://www.altaghat.com/kalari/
• http://www.artkerala.com/art_forms/kalaripayattu.asp
• http://www.ayurjeeva.com/kalari/index.htm
• AnyMartialArt.org Kalari-Payat Over view