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{{Infobox Martial art
{{Infobox Martial art
| image = Vaalum-parichayum.jpeg
| image = Vaalum-parichayum.jpeg
| imagecaption =
| imagecaption =
| name = Kalaripayattu
| name = Kalaripayattu
| aka = Kalari
| aka = Kalari, Kalari Payat
| focus = [[Hybrid martial arts|Hybrid]]
| focus = [[Hybrid martial arts|Hybrid]]
| hardness = [[Full-contact]], [[semi-contact]]
| hardness = [[Full-contact]], [[semi-contact]]
| country = [[India]]
| country = [[India]]
| creator = Traditionally believed to be [[Parashurama]].<ref name="ReferenceA">Edgar Thurston, K. Rangachari : Castes and tribes of Southern India: Volume 1 :2001 :Page 178</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Indian Kalaripayattu Federation - Kalaripayattu |url=https://www.indiankalaripayattufederation.com/kalaripayattu.php}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kalaripayattu Federation of India - Official Website - About Us|url=https://www.indiankalaripayattufederation.com/kalaripayattu.php}}</ref>
| creator = [[Parashurama]] (as per legend).<ref name="ReferenceA">Edgar Thurston, K. Rangachari : Castes and tribes of Southern India: Volume 1 :2001 :Page 178</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Indian Kalaripayattu Federation - Kalaripayattu |url=https://www.indiankalaripayattufederation.com/kalaripayattu.php}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kalaripayattu Federation of India - Official Website - About Us|url=https://www.indiankalaripayattufederation.com/kalaripayattu.php}}</ref>
| formation =
| formation =
| famous pract = [[Parashurama]], [[Unniyarcha]]
| famous pract = [[Parashurama]], [[Unniyarcha]]
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'''Kalaripayattu''', also known simply as ''Kalari,'' is an [[Indian martial art]] that originated in modern-day [[Kerala]], a state on the southwestern coast of [[India]].<ref name="A handbook on Kalaripayattu , which is aimed at providing the introductory level knowledge on Kalaripayattu.">https://archive.org/details/ahandbookonkalaipayattuorg</ref> Kalaripayattu is held in high regard by martial artists due to its long-standing history within [[Indian martial arts]]. It is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India. It is also considered to be among the oldest martial arts still in existence, with its origin in the [[martial arts timeline]] dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE.<ref>{{cite book|last=Deleury|first=Guy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gIDuAAAAIAAJ|title=India: The Rebel Continent|date=2005|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=1403924880|page=89}}</ref>
'''Kalaripayattu''', also known simply as ''Kalari,'' is an [[Indian martial art]] that originated in modern-day [[Kerala]], a state on the southwestern coast of [[India]].<ref name="A handbook on Kalaripayattu , which is aimed at providing the introductory level knowledge on Kalaripayattu.">https://archive.org/details/ahandbookonkalaipayattuorg</ref> Kalaripayattu is held in high regard by martial artists due to its long-standing history within [[Indian martial arts]]. It is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India. It is also considered to be among the oldest martial arts still in existence, with its origin in the [[martial arts timeline]] dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE.<ref>{{cite book|last=Deleury|first=Guy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gIDuAAAAIAAJ|title=India: The Rebel Continent|date=2005|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=1403924880|page=89}}</ref>


Kalaripayattu is also mentioned in the [[Vadakkan Pattukal]] ballads written about the [[Chekavar]] from the Malabar region of Kerala. The author Arnaud Van Der Veere confers the origin of martial arts to India (the roots of which are thought to be in Kalaripayattu), to which he refers to Kalaripayattu as "The Mother of All Martial Arts".<ref name="Veere">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6KSJErjsjUoC&q=mother+of+all+martial+arts|page=8|first=Arnaud|last=van der Veere|publisher=Meyer & Meyer Verlag|year=2012|title=Muay Thai|isbn=9781841263281}}</ref> Kalaripayattu is a martial art designed for the ancient battlefield (the word "Kalari" meaning "battlefield"), with weapons and combative techniques that are unique to India.
Kalaripayattu is mentioned in the ancient [[Vadakkan Pattukal]] ballads written about the [[Chekavar]] from the Malabar region of Kerala. The author Arnaud Van Der Veere confers the origin of martial arts to India (the roots of which are thought to be in Kalaripayattu), to which he refers to Kalaripayattu as "The Mother of All Martial Arts".<ref name="Veere">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6KSJErjsjUoC&q=mother+of+all+martial+arts|page=8|first=Arnaud|last=van der Veere|publisher=Meyer & Meyer Verlag|year=2012|title=Muay Thai|isbn=9781841263281}}</ref> Kalaripayattu is a martial art designed for the ancient battlefield (the word "Kalari" meaning "battlefield"), with weapons and combative techniques that are unique to India.


Like most other [[Indian martial arts]], Kalaripayattu draws heavily from [[Hinduism]], and is based on Hindu medicinal concepts found in [[Ayurveda]].<ref>Luijendijk, D.H. ''Kalarippayat: India's Ancient Martial Art'', Paladin Press: 2005.<br/>- Luijendijk, D.H. ''Kalarippayat: The Essence and Structure of an Indian Martial Art'', Oprat, 2008</ref><ref name="Zarrilli1" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Indian Kalaripayattu Federation - Official Website|url=https://www.indiankalaripayattufederation.com/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-12-01|website=Indian Kalaripayattu Federation - Official Website}}</ref> Practitioners of Kalaripayattu possess intricate knowledge of pressure points on the human body and healing techniques that incorporate the knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga. Students are taught the martial art as a way of life, with a sense of compassion, discipline, and respect toward the master, fellow-students, parents and the community. Particular emphasis is placed on avoiding confrontational situations and using the martial art only as a means of protection, when no other alternative is available.
Kalaripayattu has rituals based on [[Hinduism]], and therapy and massages are based on [[Ayurveda]].<ref>Luijendijk, D.H. ''Kalarippayat: India's Ancient Martial Art'', Paladin Press: 2005.<br/>- Luijendijk, D.H. ''Kalarippayat: The Essence and Structure of an Indian Martial Art'', Oprat, 2008</ref><ref name="Zarrilli1" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Indian Kalaripayattu Federation - Official Website|url=https://www.indiankalaripayattufederation.com/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-12-01|website=Indian Kalaripayattu Federation - Official Website}}</ref> Kalaripayattu is a martial arts incorporated with [[Hindu]] philosophy of [[Yoga]] [[Sthiti]] or [[enlightenment]] through awakening of 7 [[chakras]], by the movement of [[Kundalini]] from [[Muladhara]] [[chakra]] to [[Sahasrara]] [[chakra]].The Kalari Poothara found in Vadakkan Kalari with 7 steps and [[Lingam|Shiva Linga]] at the top represents this philosophy.<ref>https://www.traditionalsports.org/traditional-sports/asia/kalaripayatu-or-kalarippayattu-or-kalari-kerala-india.html</ref><ref>https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09584931003674976?scroll=top&needAccess=true&journalCode=ccsa20</ref><ref>https://www.martialartsthailand.com/kalarippayattu-the-mother-of-all-martial-arts/</ref><ref>https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/wisdom/article/how-kalaripayattu-was-born</ref><ref>https://www.oldest.org/sports/martial-arts/</ref><ref>https://kadathanadankalari.in/kalaripayattu-spirituality/</ref><ref>https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233296958_Kalari_and_Kalarippayattu_of_Kerala_South_India_Nexus_of_the_celestial_the_corporeal_and_the_terrestrial</ref><ref>https://neuronerdz.com/about-kalarippayattu-the-worlds-first-martial-art/amp/
</ref><ref>https://www.keralatourism.org/kalaripayattu/kolthari/ottappayattu</ref><ref>http://www.kalaripayattubangalore.com/about/kalaripayattu-history/</ref><ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/grand-ole-rathore/kalari-yoga-foundation-to-the-worlds-oldest-and-complete-form-of-self-defence-22751/</ref><ref>https://kadathanadankalari.in/kalari-meditation-at-kerala-wayanad/</ref><ref>https://www.softpowermag.com/breath-by-breath-the-way-of-the-kalari-warrior/</ref><ref>https://www.lifepositive.com/an-article-on-the-technique-of-kalari-massage/</ref><ref>https://www.keralatourism.org/kalaripayattu/training/poothara</ref> Practitioners of Kalaripayattu possess intricate knowledge of pressure points on the human body and healing techniques that incorporate the knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga. Students are taught the martial art as a way of life, with a sense of compassion, discipline, and respect toward the master, fellow-students, parents and the community. Particular emphasis is placed on avoiding confrontational situations and using the martial art only as a means of protection, when no other alternative is available.


Unlike other parts of India, warriors in Kerala belonged to all castes.<ref name="Zarrilli1992">{{cite journal|author=Zarrilli, Phillip B.|year=1992|title=To Heal and/or To Harm: The Vital Spots (Marmmam/Varmam) in Two South Indian Martial Traditions Part I: Focus on Kerala's Kalarippayattu|url=http://www.spa.ex.ac.uk/drama/staff/kalari/healharm.html|journal=[[Journal of Asian Martial Arts]]|volume=1|issue=1}}</ref> Women in Keralite society also underwent training in Kalaripayattu, and still do so to this day. Keralite women such as [[Unniyarcha]] are mentioned in a collection of ballads from Kerala called the [[Vadakkan Pattukal]], and are praised for their martial prowess.
Unlike other parts of India, warriors in Kerala belonged to all castes.<ref name="Zarrilli1992">{{cite journal|author=Zarrilli, Phillip B.|year=1992|title=To Heal and/or To Harm: The Vital Spots (Marmmam/Varmam) in Two South Indian Martial Traditions Part I: Focus on Kerala's Kalarippayattu|url=http://www.spa.ex.ac.uk/drama/staff/kalari/healharm.html|journal=[[Journal of Asian Martial Arts]]|volume=1|issue=1}}</ref> Women in Keralite society also underwent training in Kalaripayattu, and still do so to this day. Keralite women such as [[Unniyarcha]] are mentioned in a collection of ballads from Kerala called the [[Vadakkan Pattukal]], and are praised for their martial prowess.

Revision as of 16:28, 2 December 2020

Kalaripayattu
File:Vaalum-parichayum.jpeg
Also known asKalari, Kalari Payat
FocusHybrid
HardnessFull-contact, semi-contact
Country of originIndia
CreatorParashurama (as per legend).[1][2][3]
Famous practitionersParashurama, Unniyarcha
Olympic sportNo
Meaning"Practice in the arts of the battlefield"

Template:Indian martial arts sidebar

Kalaripayattu, also known simply as Kalari, is an Indian martial art that originated in modern-day Kerala, a state on the southwestern coast of India.[4] Kalaripayattu is held in high regard by martial artists due to its long-standing history within Indian martial arts. It is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India. It is also considered to be among the oldest martial arts still in existence, with its origin in the martial arts timeline dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE.[5]

Kalaripayattu is mentioned in the ancient Vadakkan Pattukal ballads written about the Chekavar from the Malabar region of Kerala. The author Arnaud Van Der Veere confers the origin of martial arts to India (the roots of which are thought to be in Kalaripayattu), to which he refers to Kalaripayattu as "The Mother of All Martial Arts".[6] Kalaripayattu is a martial art designed for the ancient battlefield (the word "Kalari" meaning "battlefield"), with weapons and combative techniques that are unique to India.

Kalaripayattu has rituals based on Hinduism, and therapy and massages are based on Ayurveda.[7][8][9] Kalaripayattu is a martial arts incorporated with Hindu philosophy of Yoga Sthiti or enlightenment through awakening of 7 chakras, by the movement of Kundalini from Muladhara chakra to Sahasrara chakra.The Kalari Poothara found in Vadakkan Kalari with 7 steps and Shiva Linga at the top represents this philosophy.[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Practitioners of Kalaripayattu possess intricate knowledge of pressure points on the human body and healing techniques that incorporate the knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga. Students are taught the martial art as a way of life, with a sense of compassion, discipline, and respect toward the master, fellow-students, parents and the community. Particular emphasis is placed on avoiding confrontational situations and using the martial art only as a means of protection, when no other alternative is available.

Unlike other parts of India, warriors in Kerala belonged to all castes.[25] Women in Keralite society also underwent training in Kalaripayattu, and still do so to this day. Keralite women such as Unniyarcha are mentioned in a collection of ballads from Kerala called the Vadakkan Pattukal, and are praised for their martial prowess.

History

The word Kalaripayattu is a combination of two Malayalam words—kalari (gym) and payattu (exercises practiced), which is roughly translated as “as exercises practiced in a gym.” The name “Kalaripayattu,” is also said to be derived from the name of Hindu deity Khaloorika Bhagavathy.[26] The word Kalari is also found in Sangam literature. The Akananuru and Purananuru describe the use of spears, swords, shields, bows and silambam in the Sangam era. The word kalari also appears in the Puram (verses 225, 237, 245, 356) and Akam (verses 34, 231, 293) to describe both a battlefield and combat arena. The word kalari tatt denoted a martial feat, while kalari kozhai meant a coward in war. Each warrior in the Sangam era received regular military training[27] in target practice, horse and elephant riding. In that period and during later periods, the word used for military and military service was chevam. The warriors or soldiers in military service were called Chekavar. They specialized in one or more of the important weapons of the period including the spear (vel), sword (val), shield (kedaham), and bow and arrow (vil ambu). The combat techniques of the Sangam period were the earliest precursors to Kalaripayattu.[8] References to "Silappadikkaram" in Sangam literature date back to the 2nd century. This referred to the silambam staff which was in great demand with foreign visitors.[28][29]Other sources state that the word Kalari is derived from first three letters of Sri Vidhya Mantra.[4]

Elements from the yoga tradition as well as finger movements in the nata dances, were incorporated into the fighting arts.[30] A number of South Asian fighting styles remain closely connected to yoga, dance and performing arts. Some of the choreographed sparring in Kalaripayattu can be applied to dance[31] and Kathakali dancers who knew Kalaripayattu were believed to be markedly better than other performers. Until recently, only martial artists performed the Chhau dance. Some traditional Indian classical dance schools still incorporate martial arts as part of their exercise regimen.[32] Dancers in Kerala who had experience with Kalaripayattu were noted to be markedly better than the other performers. Some traditional Indian dance schools still incorporate Kalaripayattu as part of their training regimen.[citation needed]

According to legend, Parashurama is believed to have created the art shortly after bringing Kerala up from the ocean floor. Other theories postulate that certain tribal groups inhabiting ancient Kerala founded Kalaripayattu in order to defend themselves against threats from similar groups, such as the Thiyyar of the Malabar region of Kerala. During the medieval period, modern-day Kerala was divided into a number of principalities. Feuds and duels were common at the time, and Kalaripayattu was widely used for warfare and settling disputes. The accounts of that period are described in the Vadakkan Pattukal, a collection of ballads from Kerala. Kalaripayattu is said to have peaked during the days of the Vaddakan Pattukal, with a great deal of respect being attributed to experts in the martial art. Kalaripayattu began losing prominence beginning with the European invasions of Kerala.[33] Once European colonization began, the usage of firearms began to surpass the usage of traditional weaponry such as swords, and spears. The resurgence of public interest in Kalaripayattu began in the 1920s in Thalassery, as part of a wave of rediscovery of the traditional arts throughout southern India[31] and continued through the 1970s surge of general worldwide interest in martial arts.[34]

Kalaripayattu includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods.[31] Regional variants are classified according to geographical location in Kerala; these are the Northern style from the Malabar region in northern Kerala, and the Southern style from southern Kerala. Northern Kalaripayattu, or "Vadakkan Kalari" is based on elegant and flexible movements, evasions, jumps and weapons training, while the southern "Thekkan Kalari" style specializes in hard, impact based techniques with priority on hand-to-hand combat and pressure point strikes. Both systems make use of internal and external concepts. Warriors trained in Kalaripayattu would use very light, and basic body armor, as it was difficult to maintain flexibility and mobility while in heavy armor. Some of the methods used to enhance flexibility in Kalaripayattu are also utilized in Keralite dance forms such as Kathakali.[31]

Practice

Jasmine Simhalan demonstrating Meypayattu.
File:Kalaripayattu Vidhyarambham.jpg
Ritualistic ceremony by which a Guru welcomes a new child to the Kalari on Vidyāraṃbhaṃ.
File:Kalari Poothara Pooja.jpg
Kalari Poothara Pooja is a ritual performed in every kalari during the Navaratri festival to honour the Hindu deity Shiva.

Traditions and methods of teaching of Kalaripayattu varied between different regions of Kerala. Kalaripayattu is taught in a specialized training ground known as a Kalari. Each kalari is built in accordance to Hindu architectural treatises such as the Vastu Shastras and Shilpa Shastras, along with various religious traditions and customs native to Kerala. The presiding deity of Kalaripayattu is said to be Shiva as well as Bhadrakali. Before every training session in the Kalari, salutations are provides to the presiding deities in the form of a mantra, or prayer.

Historically, all Keralites of the Hindu community, men and women alike, would undergo mandatory training in Kalaripayattu beginning at the age of 7 or 9 and lasting until the end of their education.[35] Warriors, soldiers and others who wanted to pursue a martial career would continue their training for the rest of their lives. Generally, two styles of Kalaripayattu are acknowledged among Kalari practitioners: the Northern Style and the Southern Style.[36] These two systems are quite similar, but their training methods begin to diverge to specialize in either weapons or hand-to-hand combat. The styles are variations that various masters have adapted and modified according to their understanding of the art. Development and mastery of Kalaripayattu comes from the tradition of constantly learning, adapting and improving the techniques by observing what techniques are practical and effective. There is a great amount of respect and observation of tradition which allows the preservation of the art. The knowledge and experience gained by the practitioners is improved upon by subsequent masters who utilize keen observation, research of various techniques and variations to update the knowledge. The adaptability of Kalaripayattu is largely due to Kalaripayattu being designed for use in warfare and combat. A Kalari practitioner might encounter new fighting techniques from an enemy combatant. The Kalari practitioner would need to learn how to anticipate, adapt to and neutralize these new techniques. This is especially seen in the Southern style of Kalaripayattu, which is believed to have been adapted and modified during wars with Tamil kingdoms to counter martial arts like Silambam, which was one of the main martial art forms practiced by Tamil soldiers at the time.[37] Kalaripayattu is ultimately taught not just as a martial art, but as a way of life that epitomizes respect, compassion and duty over all else.[38]

Styles

There are two major styles that are generally acknowledged within traditional Kalaripayattu. They are the Northern style, or Vadakkan Kalari, and the Southern style, or Thekkan Kalari.[36][39][40][41][42][43]

A smaller, regional style of Kalaripayattu called Tulunadan Kalari, is referenced in texts such as the Vadakkan Pattukal, but it is largely restricted to the Tulu Nadu region in northern Kerala and southern Karnataka. Other smaller, regional styles are also said to exist in isolated regions of Kerala, but these styles are becoming increasingly rare, and difficult to find. Examples include Dronamballi, Odimurassery, Tulu Nadan Shaiva Mura, and Kayyangali.[44][45][46][47][48][49][50]

Northern style

The Northern style is also known as, Vadakkan Kalari, and is generally regarded as the "original," form of Kalaripayattu. This system places more emphasis on physical flexibility exercises and strength training rooted on the slogan Meyy kanavanam, meaning, "make the body an eye." These exercises are done individually, as well as in combinations. After that meypayattu (a concept similar to kata in Karate) is taught. These are a combination of flexibility exercises with offensive and defensive techniques, however, the actual techniques are taught very much later. Traditionally, the number of meypayattu may differ as per the teaching methods of the Guru. After the student learns meypayattu, stick fighting is taught. Generally, the majority of the Kalaris (schools that teach Kalaripayattu) start training with weapons within 3 to 6 months. Some Kalaris only allow one weapon to be learned per year. After long stick and small stick fighting, iron weapons are introduced. Training begins with the dagger, sword and then the spear. Not all modern schools use specialized weapons. Traditionally, bows and arrows were commonly used in Kerala and students were trained in these techniques, but is rarely taught today.[51]

Kalaripayattu has three forms, which are distinguished by their attacking and defensive patterns. They are Arappa Kayy, Pilla Thangi, and Vatten Thiripp.[52]

Southern style

The Southern style is also known as Thekkan Kalari. The origin of Thekkan Kalari is a subject of much debate and controversy. It is a style of Kalaripayattu that is said to have been altered and influenced by Sage Agastya. It may have been altered from the Northern style of Kalaripayattu to fight combatants trained in Adi Murai and Silambam from Tamil Nadu during various wars and skirmishes with Tamil kingdoms. It is essentially a style which combines Kalaripayattu with certain elements of Adi Murai and Silambam. Other sources suggest that martial arts such as Varma Kalai and Adi Thadi may also have influenced the Southern style. While the Southern style is less commonly practiced in Kerala compared to the Northern style, it is revered in Kerala as a combination of the teachings of both Parashurama and Agastya. It is predominantly practiced in some regions of the southern parts of Kerala, particularly in areas near Kanyakumari. While many of the exercises of the Southern style are identical to the Northern Style, it places heavy emphasis on hand-to-hand combat and hard impact techniques, and places less emphasis on weapons and combinations. It starts with the training in Chuvadu, a system of various combinations of fighting techniques similar to Muay Thai and shadow boxing. Immediately after that, sparring with a partner is introduced as part of the training. These pre-determined techniques are repeatedly trained. After a basic proficiency in unarmed combat is established, weapons training begins with a small stick. Small stick training is usually done with two combatants, armed with a stick or dagger. These are primarily defensive techniques. Fighting techniques with two combatants having the same weapons include sparring with long stick, sword, etc. During the duration of this training, the refining of un-armed combat also progresses. As the student gains more experience, a small amount of knowledge pertaining to the Marma points (pressure points) is also taught to the student if deemed appropriate by the Gurukkal.[53]

Kalaripayattu techniques are a combination of steps (Chuvadu) and postures (Vadivu). Chuvadu literally means 'steps', the basic steps of the martial arts. Vadivu literally means 'postures' or stances which are the foundations of Kalaripayattu training. They are named after animals, and are usually presented in eight forms. Styles differ considerably from one tradition to another. Not only do the names of poses differ, but their utilization and interpretation vary depending on the Gurukkal's preference, and the traditions of the Kalari. Each stance has its own style, combination, and function. These techniques vary from one style to another.[31][page needed]

Kalaripayattu Demonstration
Kalaripayattu Demonstration using flaming torches
Kalaripayattu Training Stances

Marmashastram and massage

Main article: Marmam
File:Chavittithirumal.jpg
Chavittithirumal massage

It is claimed that experienced Kalari warriors could disable or kill their opponents by merely striking the correct marmam (vital point) on their opponent's body. This technique is taught only to the most promising and level-headed students so as to discourage misuse of the technique. Marmashastram stresses on the knowledge of marmam and is also used for marma treatment (marmachikitsa). This system of marma treatment originated from Ayurveda, as well as Siddha medicine. Critics of Kalaripayattu have pointed out that the application of marmam techniques against neutral outsiders has not always produced verifiable results.

The earliest mention of marmam is found in the Rig Veda, where Indra is said to have defeated Vritra by attacking his marmam with a vajra.[54] References to marmam are also found in the Atharva Veda.[55] With numerous other scattered references to vital points in Vedic and epic sources, it is certain that India's early martial artists knew about and practiced attacking or defending vital points.[8] Sushruta (c. 6th century BC) identified and defined 107 vital points of the human body in his Sushruta Samhita.[56] Of these 107 points, 64 were classified as being lethal if properly struck with a fist or stick.[30] Sushruta's work formed the basis of the medical discipline Ayurveda, which was taught alongside various Indian martial arts that had an emphasis on vital points, such as Varma kalai and Marma adi.[30]

As a result of learning about the human body, Indian martial artists became knowledgeable in the fields of traditional medicine and massage. Kalaripayattu teachers often provide massages (uzhichil) with 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 flexibility is known as katcha thirumal. It is said to be as sophisticated as the uzhichil treatment of Ayurveda. Kalaripayattu has borrowed extensively from Ayurveda and equally lends to it.

Governing bodies

In India, the Indian Kalaripayattu Federation (IKF) in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the primary governing bodies of Kalaripayattu. It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India. It received affiliation as a regional sports federation in 2015.[57]

The Kalaripayattu Federation of India (KFI), based in Kozhikode, is another governing body of Kalaripayattu, as has been recognized by the Indian Olympic Association.[58]

The Kerala Kalaripayattu Association (KKA) in Thiruvanathapuram is also a governing body of the martial art which is recognised by the Kerala State Sports Council.[59]

Notable practitioners

In 2017, Sri Meenakshi Amma, a 73 year old gurukkal from Vadakara, was awarded the Padma Sri by the Government of India for her contributions to the preservation of Kalaripayattu.[60][61]

Main article: Kalaripayattu in popular culture

In the Indian graphic novels Odayan and Odayan II – Yuddham, the title character is a vigilante who is highly skilled in Kalaripayattu, with the story itself being set in 16th century feudal Kerala.[62] Little Kalari Warriors, a cartoon made by Toonz Animation India for Cartoon Network, features Kalaripayattu practitioners as the principal characters. Kalaripayattu is also seen in the Indian animated film Arjun: The Warrior Prince (2012). In the Indian role-playing game Ashwathama — The Immortal, which is based on Indian mythology, the fight scenes were choreographed using Kalaripayattu, with the movements of the characters being motion captured from real Kalaripayattu masters.

In 2019, a character of Indian origin was introduced for the first time in the Japanese manga, Agari. It features a character named Ravi, a Kalaripayattu master, as the protagonist.[63] The style is also used by Cyril Rahman, Ethan Stanley and Shō Kanō in the Japanese manga TV series Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple.

Kalaripayattu is used as a fighting style for the character Connie Maheswaran in the American animated television series Steven Universe.

Outside of Indian video games, characters in international games also use Kalaripayattu, such as Voldo in Soul Edge, Asura in Death Battle, and Zafina in the Tekken series among others.[64]

While numerous documentaries have been made about or referencing Kalaripayattu, one of the earliest known documentaries on the subject is a BBC documentary titled The Way of the Warrior.[65] Kalaripayattu was also documented in Season 2 of Fight Quest.[citation needed]

In film

Kalaripayattu has also featured in international and Indian films such as:

  1. Thacholi Othenan (film) (1964),
  2. Aromalunni (1972)
  3. Ondanondu Kaladalli (Kannada) (1978)
  4. Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989)
  5. Thacholi Varghese Chekavar (1995)
  6. Asoka (2001)
  7. The Myth (2005)
  8. The Last Legion (2007)
  9. Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (2009)
  10. Manasara (2010)
  11. Urumi (film) (2011)
  12. Commando (2013)
  13. Bajirao Mastani (2015)
  14. Baaghi (2016)
  15. Veeram (2016)
  16. Padmaavat (2018)
  17. Kayamkulam Kochunni (2018)
  18. Junglee (2019)

See also

References

  1. ^ Edgar Thurston, K. Rangachari : Castes and tribes of Southern India: Volume 1 :2001 :Page 178
  2. ^ "Indian Kalaripayattu Federation - Kalaripayattu".
  3. ^ "Kalaripayattu Federation of India - Official Website - About Us".
  4. ^ a b https://archive.org/details/ahandbookonkalaipayattuorg
  5. ^ Deleury, Guy (2005). India: The Rebel Continent. Macmillan. p. 89. ISBN 1403924880.
  6. ^ van der Veere, Arnaud (2012). Muay Thai. Meyer & Meyer Verlag. p. 8. ISBN 9781841263281.
  7. ^ Luijendijk, D.H. Kalarippayat: India's Ancient Martial Art, Paladin Press: 2005.
    - Luijendijk, D.H. Kalarippayat: The Essence and Structure of an Indian Martial Art, Oprat, 2008
  8. ^ a b c Zarrilli, Phillip B. A South Indian Martial art and the Yoga and Ayurvedic Paradigms. University of Exeter.
  9. ^ "Indian Kalaripayattu Federation - Official Website". Indian Kalaripayattu Federation - Official Website. Retrieved 1 December 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ https://www.traditionalsports.org/traditional-sports/asia/kalaripayatu-or-kalarippayattu-or-kalari-kerala-india.html
  11. ^ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09584931003674976?scroll=top&needAccess=true&journalCode=ccsa20
  12. ^ https://www.martialartsthailand.com/kalarippayattu-the-mother-of-all-martial-arts/
  13. ^ https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/wisdom/article/how-kalaripayattu-was-born
  14. ^ https://www.oldest.org/sports/martial-arts/
  15. ^ https://kadathanadankalari.in/kalaripayattu-spirituality/
  16. ^ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233296958_Kalari_and_Kalarippayattu_of_Kerala_South_India_Nexus_of_the_celestial_the_corporeal_and_the_terrestrial
  17. ^ https://neuronerdz.com/about-kalarippayattu-the-worlds-first-martial-art/amp/
  18. ^ https://www.keralatourism.org/kalaripayattu/kolthari/ottappayattu
  19. ^ http://www.kalaripayattubangalore.com/about/kalaripayattu-history/
  20. ^ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/grand-ole-rathore/kalari-yoga-foundation-to-the-worlds-oldest-and-complete-form-of-self-defence-22751/
  21. ^ https://kadathanadankalari.in/kalari-meditation-at-kerala-wayanad/
  22. ^ https://www.softpowermag.com/breath-by-breath-the-way-of-the-kalari-warrior/
  23. ^ https://www.lifepositive.com/an-article-on-the-technique-of-kalari-massage/
  24. ^ https://www.keralatourism.org/kalaripayattu/training/poothara
  25. ^ Zarrilli, Phillip B. (1992). "To Heal and/or To 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).
  26. ^ "A Handbook on Kalaripayattu".
  27. ^ Subramanian, N. (1966). Sangam polity. Bombay: Asian Publishing House. (Wayback Machine PDF)
  28. ^ Raj, J. David Manuel (1977). The Origin and the Historical Development of Silambam Fencing: An Ancient Self-Defence Sport of India. Oregon: College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Univ. of Oregon. pp. 44, 50, & 83.
  29. ^ Sports Authority of India (1987). Indigenous Games and Martial Arts of India. New Delhi: Sports Authority of India. pp. 91 & 94.
  30. ^ a b c J. R. Svinth (2002). A Chronological History of the Martial Arts and Combative Sports. Electronic Journals of Martial Arts and Sciences.
  31. ^ a b c d e Zarrilli, Phillip B. (1998). When the Body Becomes All Eyes: Paradigms, Discourses and Practices of Power in Kalarippayattu, a South Indian Martial Art. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19563-940-7.
  32. ^ Luijendijk, D.H. (2008) Kalarippayat: The Essence and Structure of an Indian Martial Art, Oprat, ISBN 978-1-4092-2626-0
  33. ^ Doctor, Fali E. (July 1973). "Kalari Payat – Ancient Art of India". Black Belt. pp. 23–25. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  34. ^ Zarrilli 1992
  35. ^ "....#CVN KALARI#..." cvnkalari.in. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  36. ^ a b "About Kalaripayattu". Kalaripayattu Class. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  37. ^ Association (WSA), World Silambam (5 June 2019). "Indian Traditional Arts". World Silambam Association (WSA). Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  38. ^ "Kalaripayattu: Original Martial Art from Kerala, India". Blog. 21 March 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  39. ^ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327016876_Exploring_the_Relevance_of_Cultural_Resource_Management_A_Case_Study_of_Kalaripayattu
  40. ^ https://www.keralakaumudi.com/news/mobile/news-amp.php%3fid=219846&u=local-news-idukki
  41. ^ http://www.deshabhimani.com/amp/news/kerala/news-kozhikodekerala-11-12-2017/692033
  42. ^ https://www.starofmysore.com/fifth-national-kalaripayattu-championship-in-city-on-dec-29-30/
  43. ^ https://www.news18.com/news/india/kalaripayattu-to-have-a-mixed-syllabus-soon-463521.html
  44. ^ http://kalaripayattufedindia.org/about_us.php
  45. ^ https://www.indiankalaripayattufederation.com/services.php
  46. ^ http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/45120/8/08_introduction.pdf
  47. ^ https://kalaripayattuclass.com/manoeuvre-tryst-with-kalaripayattu-veteran-sri-srd-prasad-gurukkal-of-bharat-kalari/
  48. ^ https://www.indiavideo.org/kerala/arts/onathallu-marital-art--2985.php
  49. ^ http://www.varmam.org/workshops/defensevarmalogy.php
  50. ^ https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/mysore-palace-organises-vajramusti-kalaga-during-dasara-celebrations.html
  51. ^ "Kalaripayattu | Art & Culture of Kerala | Kerala | Kerala". Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  52. ^ Karunan, Valappil. "Kalarippayattile Kanakkukal Kalariprayogaprakaram". Retrieved 4 January 2020.
  53. ^ "Agasthya Kalari - for Siddha Treatments, Kalari Marma Treatments and offers training in Kalari strictly based on ancient scripts - located in Cochin, Kerala, India". agasthyakalari.org. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  54. ^ Mariana Fedorova (1990). Die Marmantheorie in der klassischen indischen Medizin.
  55. ^ Subhash Ranade (1993). Natural Healing Through Ayurveda (p. 161). Passage Press. Utah USA.
  56. ^ G. D. Singhal, L. V. Guru (1973). Anatomical and Obstetrical Considerations in Ancient Indian Surgery Based on Sarira-Sthana of Susruta Samhita.
  57. ^ Special correspondent (23 May 2016). "Kalaripayattu eyes Olympics berth". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 November 2020. {{cite news}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  58. ^ Express Features (15 July 2013). "Kacha Grading System to be introduced for Kalaripayattu". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  59. ^ Express News Service (30 June 2014). "Kalari Training by Fake Bodies Alleged". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  60. ^ https://www.bbc.com/news/av/magazine-37038134/the-sword-fighting-granny-showing-the-young-how-it-s-done
  61. ^ https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/meenakshi-amma-the-grand-old-dame-of-kalaripayattu/article25307782.ece
  62. ^ Chhibber, Mini Anthikad (24 August 2014). "An equal music". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  63. ^ TNN (25 May 2019). "Kalaripayattu warrior Ravi to be the first Indian character in Manga comic". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  64. ^ Nair, Shreejaya (12 September 2015). "Comics go the Kalari way". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  65. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmt0WTZfKI0

Further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kalarippayattu.

Kalaripayattu: The First Martial Art

(Wayback Machine copy)

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