Kalaripayattu Training in Kerala: Indian Martial Arts Travel Guide

Our guide will dive into Kalaripayattu training in Kerala to unlock your spiritual potential with traditional healing systems.

India—the enriching land of diverse ancient sciences and art forms is globally eulogized as the begotten ground of the natural healing systems of Yoga and Ayurveda. We’ve already gone into planning a Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh, but there’s so much more in the realm of healing in the majestic subcontinent of India.

India is also the homeland of Kalaripayattu—the Indian martial arts that is the most ancient and among the greatest gifts of India to the globe. The harmonious synergy of art, science, and medicine, Kalaripayattu is one art form that makes a practitioner valiant and sensuous and lets them experience the pleasure of being mentally, physically, and spiritually powerful. It’s a very important form of Indian martial arts!

The Legacy of Kalaripayattu

The history of Kalaripayattu, often shortened to Kalari, spans a meaty 3,000 years. It is considered the oldest Indian martial art that survives to this day.

“Kalari” means “battlefield.” So as you might expect, the Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu emerged in ancient times on the battlefield. Kalaripayattu employs combative techniques and weapons iconic of the Indian state of Kerala, a beautiful ecological state delving into perfect harmony with nature and preserved by the haven of ancient sciences.

A feature of Kerala’s enduring legacy, the Indian martial arts of Kalaripayattu is recreated in the peaceful environs of the Kalari—a place of knowledge and training.

As a holistic teaching with influences from Ayurveda and Yoga, Kalaripayattu training in Kerala will teach you the science of body strengthening and a doctrine of complete well-being.

Read on to find why one should try Kalaripayattu training in Kerala!

This is a guest post by Manmohan Singh of 200hrsyogattc.com

Photo Above: Rajib Ghosh

Photo Credit: Yogendra Joshi

Kerala: The Motherland of Kalaripayattu

India’s most scenic and soul-refreshing state of Kerala is the fostering land of several traditional disciplines including Ayurveda and the oldest Indian martial arts of Kalaripayattu.

As a mother is a nurturer of her child, similarly, Kerala is the nourishing land of Kalaripayattu, preserving this Vedic culture since ancient times.

The foundation of Kalaripayattu is attributed to Agastya Muni—the legendary saint of ancient times.

In Kerala, this art form is not just about performing impressive movements with the swords but about achieving a state of consistent agility and flexibility.

READ MORE| If you’re interested in martial arts, check out our guide to the Thai martial art of Muay Thai!

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Photo Credit: OXLAEY

Prestigious Kerala Indian Martial Arts Institutes

Being the birth land of Kalaripayattu, Kerala is home to many institutes and schools imparting the wisdom of Kalaripayattu inspired from its origin. The best Kalaripayattu classes in Kerala immerse the students in practical teachings of weapons like cheruvadi ( a sturdy wooden staff), otta (curved staff), Gadha (mace), Kattari (daggers), etc.

The learners in Kalaripayattu classes in Kerala are also provided lessons of:

•  Mei Payattu (the techniques of attack and defense)
• Kothari (usage of sticks)
• Angathari (usage of metal weapons)
• and Verum Kai (An unarmed combat).

The ancient knowledge is imparted by the greatest masters of the game helping the future talent spread the message of this exceptional Indian martial arts form.

Comprehensive Kalaripayattu Training in Kerala

The comprehensive Kalaripayattu training in Kerala can truly be learned because Kerala is its original land.

The students are facilitated with the teachings of static physical and extreme dynamic movements. They are also encouraged to extend their knowledge beyond the training of weapons to the wisdom of their own body and self-perception, the basic element of this Indian martial arts form. The fighters are trained to handle their emotions and aggression in a controlled manner which, as a non-violent and balanced art-form, is the prime focus of traditional Kalaripayattu.

Photo Credit: Elroy Serrao

Uncover the Technique of Kalari

Kalaripayattu classes in Kerala involves a special kind of body healing massage known as “Kalari,” benefiting the patients suffering from back pain, muscular problems, agitation, etc. The massage improves the self-defense mechanism and enhances the immunity of the practitioner granting them poise and willpower.

Living a modern lifestyle, we have forgotten that our body is capable of doing so much if treated holistically. Kalari training in Kerala is a golden chance to restore the health and well-being through the traditional understanding and application of Kalaripayattu.

Photo Credit: OXLAEY

Learn the Art of Living

Heal and transform your whole being with the learning and understanding of Kalaripayattu in the most breathtaking location of India: Kerala.

The schools in Kerala expose the students to a very versatile and strict training regimen. The learners of Kalaripayattu in Kerala are provided lessons of whole body movement with tendon strengthening and strong evolution of senses. They are taught to expand their sensory awareness. They are given an understanding of how to encounter each movement with open eyes, posture and tenacity making the Indian martial arts form of Kalaripayattu a perfect foundation for self-determination and healthy life in the modern world.

Embark on a Spiritual Path

The traditional Indian martial arts form of Kalaripayattu is not just the technique to achieve physical fitness but it is a means to explore our own body and mind.

This special Indian martial arts form is founded on the similar assumptions underlying the system of yoga and Ayurveda—health, wellbeing, and mind-body relationship.

Kalaripayattu is a philosophy of synchronizing the mind with the body and the concept of activating the 107 points within the body to correct the flow of energy.

†The roots of Kalaripayattu are firmly planted in the knowledge of healing powers making a practitioner a self-healer invoking psycho-spiritual experiences transformative to a being. Learn the spiritual aspect of Kalaripayattu in its revered home, Kerala, India, and unlock your spiritual potential in unimaginable ways.

Hotels in Kerala India

If you’re looking for hotels in Kerala? Find the best Kerala hotel deals!

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Kalaripayattu is the richest, oldest, and priceless contribution of India to the world that is not to be forgotten or abandoned. Undergo a Kalaripayattu training in Kerala and honor yourself with insightful sessions, splendid beauty, and wholesome well-being.

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Photo Credit: Rajib Ghosh

Photo Credit:  Rajib Ghosh

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