Kalaripayattu is a martial art that originated from Kerala in India. The art originally bases its medical treatments on teachings found in the classic Indian medical text, the Ayurveda. Its practitioners also have complex knowledge of muscles, pressure points and different healing techniques which incorporate both traditional yoga and Ayurveda in their approach. The aim is not just to defeat an opponent, but rather to ensure that the body is physically as well as mentally prepared for that battle. Kalaripayattu practitioners are masters in the use of joint manipulation, speed, strength and balance and are often called “God’s Own servants” due to their ability to subdue opponents without causing much damage to themselves.
Though the Ayurveda system of medicine and the holistic approach of Ayurveda have had much influence on the medical practices of India, especially in Kerala, the traditional form of kalaripayattu was brought about by Kerala social classes who brought together many aspects of these systems to make a martial art. The first practitioner of this form of martial arts was a Brahmin who taught at a temple near the southernmost tip of Kerala. This form of martial arts was known as “Maharishi” or “God’s Own servants” and was taught mostly in evening sessions. The concept of mahabarapoori was adopted from Hinduism and soon spread all over India.
The word “kalaripayattu” refers to two things. One is “contemplating the body while in motion,” and the other being “maraipayattu” or “eight limbs training.” The original form of kalaripayattu was based upon the Sanskrit term, “marma.” This word was borrowed from the Sankrit language (and thus the concept of maraipayattu) and means, “eight limbs training.”
The idea of kalaripayattu training meant that the gymnasts or the soldiers in the army were taught to fight with their enemies on the battlefield using all their weapons like the bow and arrows, knives, swords, spears and shields. It also required them to perform a variety of different exercises that would strengthen the muscles of their bodies, especially the legs and thighs. These were called “rudeha” and were very similar to the stretching exercises that are included in kundalini yoga and other forms of spiritual fitness training.
Although it was practiced in conjunction with other forms of martial arts, kalaripayattu training often began and ended with simple, straightforward stretches and exercises. These exercises became the basis for a rigorous daily routine that would stretch and strengthen the body without the use of weapons like the bow and arrow or even firearms. The exercises themselves were not overly complicated and could be performed by anybody who had basic skill sets. However, they did require great dedication and discipline. It took months to years of practice before you would be able to master the intricacies of this ancient art form.
Today, it is not unusual for people who have been practicing these ancient self-defense techniques to compete in Kalaripayattu contests held all over India and even around the world. In fact, there are quite a few such kalaripayattu events that you may wish to watch if you are traveling in India. However, the real challenge in this martial art form will come when you begin trying to perfect your technique so that you can learn to use your body in such a way that you are less likely to be injured during a real fight.
There are many different styles that are practiced in Kalaripayattu. Most practitioners will focus on delivering a powerful blow to their opponent using their right foot, but others will use left feet as well in order to get a better angle in which to strike. After striking, most kalaripayattu baristas will immediately apply a pressure point relief using the various techniques that they have mastered. This can be done using oils such as Mahanarayani oil and Vishwa oil, which are a highly prized commodity in Kerala.
Interestingly enough, kalaripayattu is practiced not only in Kerala India, but it has been practiced for thousands of years all over the world. There is even an ancient tradition of pressing a sweet coconut on the inside of your hand after eating meals in order to ward off hunger and keep you energized throughout the day. In addition to using the various types of fighting techniques in this combat sport, the winner is also believed to gain favor with the gods. It is believed that the winner is rewarded with the eye of the sun, life after death, and good fortune.