Kalaripayattu - Kerala's martial art
 Kalaripayattu
is the traditional martial art form, which is ingrained in
the cultural heritage of Kerala. 'Kalari' means the
place of training whereas 'Payattu' means exercise
or training of martial arts. It is also one of the oldest,
most scientific and comprehensive system of martial training
existing in the world today. Though there is no clear evidence
about the origin of this art form. it is supposed to have
evolved between the 9th and 12th centuries A.D. Elamkulam
Kunjan Pillai gave the first historical interpretation
of the origin of the 'Kalari' system. He points out
that this fighting art emerged during the 12th century from
the military exigency of the "Hundred Years War"
between the Cheras and the Cholas.
 Kalaripayattu
is believed to be good for physical & mental development,
physical flexibility, neural strength. This also teaches
the art of self defence, eye control, sharp reflexes, skill
to handle weapons, destroy fear of weapon, patience, discipline,
obedience, and is helpful for regularisation of difficulties
due to arthritis, bronchitic diseases, strengthen immunity,
etc. This martial art will enable a person to be the master
of four powers namely Meikaruthu - power of the body,
Manakaruthu - power of the mind, Ankakaruthu -
power to combat and Ayudhakaruthu - power to wield weapons.
Kalaripayattu, is believed to have been brought to theworld
by Parashurama, the mythica l
creator of Kerala and the embodiment of Lord Shiva. He constructed
many kuzhikalries (place where Gurus train students
in Kalaripayattu) to teach this heavenly martial art to 21
disciples in Kerala. Kalaripayattu is of mainly two types,
Thekkan and Vadakken. Vadakken is the famous form and
it is known by different names like dronapalli, odimurisseri,
valla batta, madhya keralam, kadathanadan, thulunadan, pillathangi,
malanadan, etc. Thulunadan Kalaripayattu is the most famous
among them.
Construction of the kalari is an art by itself. It is constructed
according to Vaastu Shastra by digging to a depth of 3 feet,
an area of 42 feet (lengthwise in the East-West direction) and
to a breadth of 21 feet.
 Each
kalari has a Guru (teacher) to train the disciples. The
Guru shouldbe a multidisciplinary scholar and a role model for
the disciple who clears the ignorance without considering politics,
religion, caste or wealth. While disciples dedicate their mind
and body to learn the art form, they should not deviate from
the Guru's instructions. Earlier the techniques of Kalaripayattu
were used in the battlefields. But now it is used as a visual
art and a good exercise.
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