Without any gender prejudice, boys and girls would be taken to the Kalaris as children to practise, know about the martial arts game in Kerala Kalaripayattu, training and it being inducted in Khelo India
The standing of Kalaris and their influence varied as social life changed.
This is one of Kerala’s martial art styles called kalarippayattu. The impact of Kalaripayattu may be traced in almost all of Kerala’s art forms. Kalaris (fighting arena or war field) used to be an important aspect of people’s life. Today, Kalaripayattu is performed as a showcase at festivals and other events. People are becoming more interested in Kalari therapy (as a medical system) and Marmachikitsa (treatment of vital parts).
Kalaripayattu Kerala Martial Art Game History, Rules, Format, Points Scoring, Training, Meaning Explained, State, Khelo India Youth Games Inclusion
Kalaripayattu includes practises such as meipayattu (physical body workout), vadipayattu (stick fighting), valpayattu (sword fighting), and verumkaiprayoga (bare hand exercise). Kalari therapy is included in the curriculum. The first exercise in Kalaripayattu is body exercise. Oil massage is an essential component of bodywork. The body is properly lubricated. This is done to prepare the body for the following phase, payattu (fight). Body motions are done with oral instructions.
During each stage, there are 8 to 16 payattu (fights). Physical activity is followed by kolpayattu, which involves the use of sticks of varying lengths. This includes both defensive and attacking strategies. Oral instructions are also offered here.
Kalaripayattu Styles
There are two basic types of Kalarippayattu: – Vadakkan or Northern style and Tekken or Southern Style
- The Vadakkan Kalarippayattu is mostly performed in Kerala’s Malabar area. The Vadakkan style focuses on beautiful body movement and weapons.
- Tekken or Southern Style- Thekken Kalarippayattu or Adi Murai is mostly performed in the Travancore region, and it incorporates more free-armed techniques and forceful motions.
The sword, shield, urumi (flexible sword), kuntham (spear), and kattari are used in the following level (dagger). This activity involves two or more people. Angathari targets the head, chest, back, stomach, and the region below the knee.
Verumkaiprayoga (bare hand exercise) is a practice that does not include the use of weapons. This activity prepares a person’s mind and body to deal with armed opponents. This approach improves concentration and flexibility.
The most crucial step in Kalaripayattu training is vaythari (oral orders). Through Vaythari, the Kalari Asan directs the motions of the performers. Vaythari has its unique beat. Vaythari is sometimes given by older pupils and others.
Kalaripayattu Learning Stages
At Kalari, combat training is provided. The essential idea behind Kalari training is that it begins with an oil massage and continues until the body is nimble and supple.
The Kalaripayattu practice is broken into four phases.
- Maithari – Body Control Workouts
- Kolthari — Wooden weapon practise
- Ankathari- Metal weapon practise
- Verumkai — Hand-to-hand combat tactics
Treatment
The practitioner who has completed all four phases of martial training will be guided on Kalari Chikitsa or traditional medicine therapy. The healing approach is founded on the understanding of Marmas (Vital points) and the body’s energy channels.
Kalari Gurus mostly created medical treatments to treat injuries sustained during fighting. This also helps kids enhance their fighting ability. Traditionally, a pupil is allowed to Kalari practice after receiving Kalari Uzhichil, which is a complete body oil massage with hands and feet that is specific to Kalaripayattu. The procedure promotes flexibility, mental clarity, and the flow of essential energy.
Kalaripayattu’s Influence On Other Art Forms
Other traditional art forms, like kathakali, Kolkali, classical dance styles, and so on, have always been inspired by Kalaripayattu motions. Kalari’s body control techniques, which require flexibility and elegance, improve performance in other art disciplines. The body massage or Uzhichil, which is part of the Kalari technique, is also sought after by artists to increase their physical agility in performance.
Kalaripayattu Health Benefits
- The practice of Kalari has several advantages for the practitioner. Combat traditions are practised for a variety of purposes, including self-defence, mental and spiritual growth, performance, and the preservation of a nation’s intangible cultural legacy.
- Improves physical strength and flexibility, which aids in fighting and protecting yourself.
- Improves core speed and reflexes
- raises the amount of concentration
- One’s patience is enhanced.
- Aids in surviving an assault
- Increases immunity and keeps illnesses at bay.
- Maximum activation of physical and spiritual forces