Originally a traditional form of martial art that started in Kerala, Kalaripayattu is believed to be one of the oldest existing martial art in the world.

Over the last decade this martial arts form has conquered the minds of fitness conscious people in urban cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Bombay and Chennai.

Kalaripayattu is witnessing a revival in recent times due to the beauty of the form and its immense physical benefits. It incorporates powerful leg swings, swift jumps and kicks and exhibits the intense energy and extreme physicality of its practitioners. It is basically a philosophical system aiming to nurture a precise way of 'non-violent life', structured more towards introspective self-analysis and self-control.

The philosophy of this intense martial art stretches the limits of the human body to a degree where non-ballistic weapons from wooden staff to spear, sword and shield become extensions of the body thus making the entire body a weapon. It is closely interwoven with the rich social and cultural history of the Malabar and its people. Much of its choreographed sparring is now also applied to dance and it is used extensively in the physical training of contemporary and traditional performing artistes.

Traditional Kalari training involves mastering strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry, as well as healing techniques, including special Kalari massages with medicinal herbs. There are two styles "The Northern (Vadakkan) and Southern (Thekkan).

Dil Sagar, Kalaripayattu choreographer and movement artiste and his group recently put up a flamboyant 45 minute performance in Bangalore. The performance was accompanied by strong percussive beats and rhythms by well known musicians from Bangalore and Kerala.

Source: India Syndicate

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