SCIENCE OF KALARIPAYATTU

World’s oldest martial art for a perfectly healthy human mind, body and soul that possesses extreme physical and mental strength.

Kalari is the Malayalam (language spoken in Kerala) word, for a special kind of gymnasium, where the martial art known as Kalari Payattu, is practiced. It had its origins in the 4th century A. D. A special feature of Kalari is training in 'Marma', the art of knowing and activating the 107 energy points in the body. These vital points (called marmas) are used for correcting the body's energy flows and replenishing its resources. Kalari therefore aims to make the practitioner not just a warrior but a self-healer, and one who can also help others with his healing powers. Kalaripayattu evolved through centuries and is based on the idea of a sound mind in a sound body. Among the present day martial arts of the world, that of Kerala, (a state in the southern most part of India) is named Kalaripayattu and it can be considered as the most ancient and comprehensive. Legends say that around 525 AD an Indian Buddhist monk named Bodhidharama traveled to China and preached at the Shaolin temple. On finding the monks weak and listless, Bodhidharama taught them the eighteen hands of Buddha - a special set of exercises and from this evolved the Chinese art of Shaolin Boxing. These eighteen hands of Buddha were said to be derived from the eighteen adavukal (adavu = technique), which form the base of the Vadakkan or northern style of Kalarippayattu. Kalarippayattu is considered as the most comprehensive of all the martial art traditions because it has:

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o An excellent system of physical training.

o Very effective self defense techniques - both armed and unarmed.

o A unique system of vital pressure points based fighting techniques and treatment using the principles of Ayurveda.

o A comprehensive guide to attaining the flexibility and desired physical and mental strength required to practice this martial art.

o It incorporates and links with ayurveda and has developed its system of healing and treatment for injuries that may arise as a result of the practice of Kalari.

o A great philosophy based on the Vedic culture of India.