Fighting fit: The five layers of Kalarippayattu

Kalarippayattu, considered the inspiration for many popular Asian martial art forms – Silambam in India, Kung Fu in China and Karate in Japan – enhances your physical prowess and redefines your state of being, say experts. Originating in Kerala, Kalari has garnered global acclaim and following.   

Kalari’s movements and defensive techniques have a distinct style and aura. Like any Indian classical dance form, the movements are graceful, yet powerful. Kalarippayattu, during its early evolutionary period, embodied elements that celebrated the human body and spirit in its entirety – artistic beauty and strength incorporated into an efficient martial form. 

Kalarippayattu: Influence and impact

Kalarippayattu has influenced not just martial arts traditions, but many other South Indian art forms. Elements of Kalari can be seen in the physical conditioning regimen of Kathakali artists and many movements inspire contemporary dance choreographers. These exchanges validate the cultural importance of Kalari, says Baiju Mohandas, a Kalari guru (trainer), and founder of Bodhi Kalarippayattu and Siddha Marma Academy, Palakkad, Kerala.  

“People from many professions, including dancers, yoga instructors, and fitness trainers attend my Kalari classes,” adds Mohandas. “I’ve often heard that certain Kalari movements are extremely similar to the form in which they are trained. All these reveal how Kalarippayattu has influenced other art forms and fitness activities.” 

Common perception about Kalari revolves around how it is great for self-defence with emphasis on fitness – body flexibility and strength. But this is only the tip of the iceberg.  

“Today, it is common to see popular people like celebrities and influencers promote Kalarippayattu as a martial art that enhances body flexibility,” says Mohandas. “But it is just one aspect of it. Kalari is a deep subject and one must devote time, patience, discipline, and dedication to train properly and understand what it is.” 

Kalari movements inspired by nature 

The Kalarippayattu postures or movements are derived from nature. Its conditioning regimen has elements of yoga. 

“When people used to live in forests, they observed the postures and movements of the forest animals,” says Ranjan Mullaratt, founder of Kalari Gurukulam, Bengaluru. “The stances and attitudes of animals serve as the basis for postures in Kalari. That is why the basic postures in Kalari are named after animals, such as Gaja Vadivu (posture of an elephant), Simha Vadivu (posture of a lion), Ashwa Vadivu (posture of a horse) and so on.” 

He adds that the stances and movements of Kalarippayattu offer improved hip mobility, hamstring flexibility, and strengthen core and the muscles in the back and legs. The art fuses with the physical movements and synchronises with breathing, the life force within the practitioner. Breath control is crucial for anyone to sustain the movement and apply them with strength and balance. 

The five stages of learning in Kalarippayattu  

The learning process of Kalarippayattu starts with Meithari (body conditioning), which provides the base. This is followed by Kolthari. The second stage involves the use of a variety of sticks. Sharp weapons like sword and shield, spear, dagger and urumi (sword with a flexible blade resembling a whip) are the focus in Angathari, the third stage. The fourth stage – Verumkai [bare hand] – teaches an individual how to physically dominate and defend themselves from attackers without using a weapon.  

The fifth and final stage in Kalari training is Kalari Chikitsa [Kalari treatment], the traditional musculoskeletal treatment system. Learning several types of massages, using ayurvedic oils, and gaining a larger understanding of the human body and pressure points, are essential components of this stage. 

Kalari and body flexibility 

The movements of Kalari and the systematic massaging and oil application before training enhances body flexibility. “The majority of people who engage in fitness training struggle with muscle stiffness; the practice of applying oil in Kalari before sessions alleviates this problem,” says Mohandas. 

Martial arts tradition that upholds respect 

Respect is the cornerstone of Kalari discipline. The regular Kalari routine starts by bending and touching the ground, the teacher’s feet, and so on.  

“Kalarippayattu is an internal journey for both the teacher and the student. The ethics of Kalari depends on the basic respect between the teacher, student and towards other human beings,” says Mohandas.   

A lot of quick movements used in the martial art of Kalarippayattu improves focus, concentration and provides a peaceful state of mind.  

“More than the physical benefits, Kalarippayattu has many psychological benefits,” says Mullaratt, “When I first started learning Kalari, I had no idea of its significance or how it could have a positive impact on an individual. Years later, I was able to personally see the positive impacts Kalari had on me. Kalarippayattu is an internal journey for me, a journey that shows a clear perspective on life.” 

Takeaways

• The core postures and techniques of Kalarippayattu are inspired by the stances and movements of animals. 
• There are five steps in the Kalarippayattu learning process – body conditioning, stick training, metal weapon training, bare-hand training, and Kalari treatment.  
• The psychological benefits of Kalari involve better focus, concentration, and an exalted state of mind.