Weapons are intended to become an extension of the body, to be used fluidly and skilfully in different fighting contexts. As a result of learning about the human body, Indian martial artists became knowledgeable in the fields of traditional medicine and massage. The Kadathanadan Sangam was established by Sreenivasan Gurukkal, Raghavan Gurukkal, Dhamu Gurukkal, and Valappil Karunan Gurukkal in 1949 in Vadakara, Kerala. Both systems make use of internal and external concepts. This system of marma treatment originated from Ayurveda, as well as Siddha medicine. It is essentially a style which combines Kalaripayattu with certain elements of Adi Murai and Silambam. Kalarippayat: The Essence and Structure of an Indian Martial Art, "Kalaripayattu: Original Martial Art from Kerala, India", "Kalaripayattu | Art & Culture of Kerala | Kerala | Kerala", "Kalarippayattile Kanakkukal Kalariprayogaprakaram", "Agasthya Kalari - for Siddha Treatments, Kalari Marma Treatments and offers training in Kalari strictly based on ancient scripts - located in Cochin, Kerala, India", To Heal and/or To Harm: The Vital Spots in Two South Indian Martial Traditions, Actualizing Power and Crafting a Self in Kalarippayattu, Kalarippayattu - one of the oldest martial arts, Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy, Thrissur, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kalaripayattu&oldid=985381564, Wikipedia pending changes protected pages, All Wikipedia articles written in Indian English, Wikipedia articles needing page number citations from April 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, "Practice in the arts of the battlefield. The use of weapons is integral to kalaripayattu and one of the more unusual aspects of the art, with some weapons that are used nowhere else, such as the otta (curved wooden weapon) and urumi (flexible sword). Both sides of the urumi are sharp, the metal is thin, strong and pliant, and the length is normally the same height as a human (the Gurukkal is normally used for height when making). This weapon also includes marma attack, meaning it attacks certain vital points on the body to overcome the enemy. Some of the choreographed sparring in Kalaripayattu can be applied to dance[27] and Kathakali dancers who knew Kalaripayattu were believed to be markedly better than other performers. In kalaripayattu there are four general stages of practice that students must become proficient in before becoming a master: Meythari, Kolthari, Ankathari and Verumkai. The kundam is used in the lion fighting form as is the muchan, and is the only weapon to be used in the snake fighting form. Other smaller, regional styles are also said to exist in isolated regions of Kerala, but these styles are becoming increasingly rare, and difficult to find. The cakra is a metal disc that has an orbicular blade that is thrown (maiming or decapitating its target on the way) and returns to the wielder by means of a rope held in the hand. The spear belongs to both groups. Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts forms in India and the world. [29] Warriors, soldiers and others who wanted to pursue a martial career would continue their training for the rest of their lives. Because of the flexible nature and long length of this weapon, it has great range and agility, and in the hands of an expert, it is said to be able to slice an enemy into seven pieces. The word kalari tatt denoted a martial feat, while kalari kozhai meant a coward in war. During the duration of this training, the refining of un-armed combat also progresses. Each new weapon is introduced at the Gurukkal’s discretion, and are listed here in order of teaching. The knowledge and experience gained by the practitioners is improved upon by subsequent masters who utilize keen observation, research of various techniques and variations to update the knowledge. Kathi training can use many different types of knives, and two can be used at once, one in each hand. This technique is taught only to the most promising and level-headed students so as to discourage misuse of the technique. [31], The Northern style is also known as, Vadakkan Kalari, and is generally regarded as the "original," form of Kalaripayattu. [4] Women in Keralite society also underwent training in Kalaripayattu, and still do so to this day. The combat techniques of the Sangam period were the earliest precursors to Kalaripayattu. Kalaripayattu weapons can be broadly split into two sections, Muktham and Amuktham. After long stick and small stick fighting, iron weapons are introduced. According to kalaripayattu, there are only five parts of the human body that can be properly attacked with weapons when the base protective stance, or amarcha, is engaged. [3] Kalaripayattu is a martial art designed for the ancient battlefield (the word "Kalari" meaning "battlefield"), with weapons and combative techniques that are unique to India. The advanced level deals with training in weapons: Practice with these weapons advances to a higher level, and the student learns traditional sword fighting. Marma points are only known by masters and senior students. Training begins with the dagger, sword and then the spear. Kalaripayattu, a personal combat training system includes exercises to develop sharp reflexes for unarmed combat and skillful fight using sticks, dagger, knife, spear, sword and shield, Urumi etc. Length is normally six angulam, or finger-lengths. Traditionally, bows and arrows were commonly used in Kerala and students were trained in these techniques, but is rarely taught today. A famously lethal weapon, the urumi is one of the most deadly of the Ankathari. A Chronological History of the Martial Arts and Combative Sports. In 2017, Sri Meenakshi Amma, a 73 year old gurukkal from Vadakara, was awarded the Padma Sri by the Government of India for her contributions to the preservation of Kalaripayattu. [26] A number of South Asian fighting styles remain closely connected to yoga, dance and performing arts. In an open field, the urumi will stir up dust from the ground as the rotations hit the earth, and make the fighters invisible. Traditionally, the number of meypayattu may differ as per the teaching methods of the Guru. Additionally, the student learns: As well as the basics of Rad & Neduvadi (long session staff/stick). [27] Dancers in Kerala who had experience with Kalaripayattu were noted to be markedly better than the other performers. Because it is flexible, the urumi can be also used as a belt, which means it is easy to move and travel with, and to disguise. Another aspect of the focus necessary for weapons practice is that it is like meditation: it trains the strength of the mind. The sword is the same sword and shield as described in valum parijaim. Because of this, this is one of the weapons where focus and concentration is required the most. Practitioners of Kalaripayattu possess intricate knowledge of pressure points on the human body and healing techniques that incorporate the knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga. The two middle practices, Kolthari and Ankathari, involve the use of different types of weapons. This weapon is 12 handspans longer, it should be a little longer than the kettu kaari. It is also considered to be among the oldest martial arts still in existence, with its origin in the martial arts timeline dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE.[2]. The thala is a piece of cloth traditionally worn in Kerala, usually as a belt but also slung over the shoulders or on the head. Weapons are all measured according to the ancient Indian measuring system, of fingerwidths (angulam), handspans (chan), and feet (adi: equal to 24 angulam). *It is worth noting that each Gurukkal is different and will have their own methods and sequences for teaching, and this information is specific to the method taught at the Kadathanadan Sangam. [32], Kalaripayattu has three forms, which are distinguished by their attacking and defensive patterns. Not only do the names of poses differ, but their utilization and interpretation vary depending on the Gurukkal's preference, and the traditions of the Kalari. These exercises are done individually, as well as in combinations. Muchan (short stick, sometimes called cheruvadi). They are named after animals, and are usually presented in eight forms. Copyright © 2019 kadathanadankalari.in All rights reserved. The syllabus of Kalaripayattu consists of five different levels. [22] References to "Silappadikkaram" in Sangam literature date back to the 2nd century. [20] The word Kalari is also found in Sangam literature. [35] References to marmam are also found in the Atharva Veda. As a very small weapon, the fighter needs to be very close to the enemy, and this requires attention, physical strength and agility. [30] Kalaripayattu is ultimately taught not just as a martial art, but as a way of life that epitomizes respect, compassion and duty over all else. [27][page needed]. It uses very fast movements and contrary to the kettu kaari, only one end is used, which is what allows for a larger area for defence. The thala was very useful for warriors to use when they could not take weapons with them, such as to marriage functions, or if they were disarmed, they would still have this somewhat disguised weapon. The best length for the val (sword) is 40 angulam (fingerwidths), approximately 70cm/2½ feet. The thala is mainly used in knife and barehanded combat, and is effective for blocking, and for tying up the enemy in a variety of ways and throwing them. One of the most unusual weapons of kalaripayattu, the Otta is long and curved with a handle at one end and a small club at the other.