Kalarippayatt

Kalarippayattu is believed to be the forerunner of all forms of martial arts prevailing in the world today. It is also the oldest and the most comprehensive system of martial training. The origin of 'Kalarippayattu' can be traced back to the 12th century AD. Literally Kalarippayattu means combat training inside a dojo or gymnasium. It has evolved into two distinct branches in the modern times i.e. the Vadakkan or the Northern style and the Thekkan or the Southern style. The Northern style concentrates on Ayudhapayattu or the fight with weapons while the Southern style concentrates more on Verumkayy and the Marmmavidya, which is an intimate knowledge of pressure points of the body, which can be used to cause intense pain to the opponent or even kill instantly.

Training in Kalarippayattu is given in specially constructed grounds known as the kalari and is treated as the temple of learning. Teacher is known as Kalari Gurukkal meaning master and is revered as the living embodiment of the long line of Guru’s. Inside the Kalari religious worship with its own rituals is done to preserve the sanctity of the place.

Kalarippayattu Training consists of rigorous physical training besides self-discipline. The training aims for the complete co-ordination of the body and mind. Weapons used are the sword, shield, dagger, spear and kuruvadi’s (short sticks).

Kalari chikitsa or treatment in Kalarippayattu includes specialised and indigenous medical preparations and methods to treat injuries caused while practising this martial art. Only students who are devoted towards Kalarippayattu and whom the gurukkal thinks trustworthy and capable of handling responsibilities are taught the methods of kalari chikitsa. The main treatment method is the uzhichil, which is a system of full body oil massage used as an aid to attain greater suppleness of the body. Oil used for uzhichil is a specially prepared and medicated using rare herbs. Yet another kalari chikitsa method used to treat the injuries caused on the vital regions of the human body is called marma chikitsa or vital treatment. Marma chikitsa is only performed by a person with thorough knowledge of all the vital spots of the human body and is used to treat injuries.