Kalaripayattu Show in Kochi

The Kalaripayattu Show in Kochi offers a unique experience, introducing guests to the ancient martial art of Kerala. Known as the world’s oldest martial art, Kalaripayattu combines artistry, physical strength, and scientific precision, making it a cultural treasure. The 45-minute performance showcases impressive displays of agility, combat techniques, and self-defense moves, all rooted in centuries-old traditions. Participants not only witness the beauty of this art form but also gain practical self-defense tips, enhancing both confidence and safety. This the show provides an exciting yet educational journey into Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Perfect for those seeking both adventure and insight into traditional martial arts, it’s a must-see show in Kochi.

Activity Duration:  45 minutes

Activity Timings: 7:15 PM to 8:00 PM

Roots and Rise of Kalaripayattu: Tracing Its History and Background

With origins in Kerala, South India, Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts still practiced today. The word is derived from the words ‘Kalari,’ which means training ground, and ‘Pattu,’ which means practice. Oral traditions and historical documents indicate that it started to take shape as early as the third century BCE.

According to local legend, the legendary warrior-sage Parashurama introduced Kalaripayattu. According to reports, he trained 21 masters to transmit the system and founded 108 kalaris throughout Kerala. With each village keeping its own kalari for discipline, armed combat, and physical training, it became ingrained in the warrior class's daily routine over the course of centuries. 

Because of its strong historical ties to other combat traditions throughout Asia, Kalaripayattu is frequently referred to as the ‘mother of martial arts.’ One noteworthy link is with Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk from South India who was formerly known as Tamilakam. He is thought to have been familiar with martial arts and brought them to China, where he eventually made his home at the Shaolin Temple. His instruction significantly advanced Chinese martial arts, including the earliest iterations of Kung Fu. This link emphasises how the methods and ideas of Kalaripayattu prepared the way for some of the most popular martial arts in the contemporary world.

Kalaripayattu training involves: physical conditioning, armed combat, and discipline. While it played a central role in village life, many localities maintained their own kalari. During British colonial rule in the 19th century, the practice declined with time, due to imposed restrictions, but it survived with the efforts of local masters and was later revived in the 20th century.

Today, Kalaripayattu is taught in kalari schools and presented as a performance art for visitors. Several Kerala tour packages include demonstrations, especially in cities like Kochi, for travellers to experience this martial art in action. 

Training Environment: The Kalari

Regarding the training ground, Kalari is the sacred site for Kalaripayattu. About 42 feet in length and 21 feet in width and 6 feet in depth, this is a rectangular pit. To provide a firm surface fit for intensive training sessions, the floor is levelled and compacted using a mix of soil and medicinal herbs. On the eastern and western sides of the arena, two roughly 21-foot-tall, thatched roof supported by two main pillars covers such constructions. Apart from offering cover, this architecture improves the acoustics for commands, sometimes referred to as vaaythaari, given by the Gurukkal (master instructor). Positioned on the eastern side, the entrance represents the sun rising and the start of a new chapter.

This setup known as the Kuzhi Kalari or pit arena, offers several advantages like:

• Comfort: The underground construction helps in maintaining a cooler temperature, providing relief during training sessions that often get intense.
• Spiritual Significance: The design and orientation of the Kalari are deeply rooted in Vastu Shastra, aligning with cosmic energies to enhance the practitioner's energy flow and focus.​
• Hygiene: The soil floor reduces the risk of insect bites that are more prevalent in the topsoil.

Training Techniques of Kalaripayattu 

The training methodology is a systematic progression through 4 distinct stages, each designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive development of the practitioner’s physical and mental faculties. This structured approach not only cultivates martial prowess but also instills discipline, resilience and focus.

• Meithari (Body Conditioning): Meithari focuses on building strength, balance, flexibility and stamina. It includes floor exercises, kicks, jumps, and footwork patterns that enhance coordination and body control, laying the foundation for more advanced techniques. Often, oil is used to aid flexibility and prevent injuries.
• Angathari (Metal Weapons Training): Angathari introduces metal weapons, like swords, daggers, spears and the sword (urumi). This stage requires advanced skills and teaches strikes, blocks, and defensive techniques. Practitioners develop combat abilities and are trained to handle real-world self-defense situations.
• Kolthari (Wooden Weapons Training): Kolthari is done using wooden weapons like the staff (Kettukari) and short staff (Cheruvati). This stage builds body coordination, attack and defense skills, and confidence in handling real weapons. It also helps develop precision, timing, and spatial awareness.
• Verumkai (Barehanded Combat): Verumkai focuses on unarmed combat, teaching strikes, and pressure point techniques. It emphasizes fluid movements and applying learned skills in dynamic combat scenarios, preparing practitioners to confront defenders without weapons.

Styles and Regional Variations

Ancient martial art from Kerala, Kalaripayattu, shows in several regional forms with different techniques and philosophies.

• Vadakkan Kalari (Northern Style): Mostly practiced in the Malabar area, Vadakkan Kalari (Northern Style) stresses elegance, agility, and fluid motions. Reflecting a beautiful approach to fight, training emphasises evasion, jumps, and weapons. 
• Thekkan Kalari (Southern Style): Originating from southern Kerala, Thekkan Kalari (Southern Style) is renowned for its strong, direct methods. Providing a more aggressive approach to martial arts, it gives hand-to-- hand combat, pressure point strikes, and hard impact methods top priority.
• Madhya Kalari (Central Style): Rising from central Kerala, Madhya Kalari (Central Style) combines aspects of Vadakkan and Thekkan forms. This hybrid approach produces a balanced martial art by combining the strength of the south with the agility of the north.

Weaponry and Combat Techniques

Kalaripayattu incorporates a variety of weapons and combat techniques, each designed to develop the practitioner’s martial skills, agility, and strategic thinking.

Wooden Weapons (Kolthari)

In the Kolthari stage, practitioners train with wooden weapons to build coordination and mastery over basic combat movements. Key weapons include:

• Kettukari: A long staff (around 1.5 meters) used for sweeping, thrusting, and defensive techniques.
• Cheruvati: A short staff (about 40 cm), ideal for close-range strikes, blocking, and counter-attacks.
• Otta: A curved wooden stick, mostly used in the Northern style, for angular attacks and defending against opponents.

Metal Weapons (Angathari)

The Angathari stage introduces metal weapons, requiring precision and focus. These include:

• Kadara: A dagger used for thrusting and slashing attacks.
• Valum Parichayum: A combination of sword and shield, focusing on both offensive and defensive strategies.
• Urumi: A flexible, whip-like sword, known for its wide arc strikes and requiring exceptional skill to master.
• Udaval: A lightweight fencing sword designed for quick strikes and defense.

Combat Techniques

Kalaripayattu encompasses a wide array of combat techniques designed to prepare practitioners for real-world combat:

• Strikes and Kicks:  Uses various parts of the body (hands, feet, elbows) to deliver powerful blows to vital areas.
• Throws and Joint Locks:  Techniques aimed at unbalancing and controlling opponents by leveraging their own movements.
• Pressure Point Attacks:  Targeting key body points to incapacitate or subdue the opponent quickly.
• Grappling:  Close combat techniques focusing on subduing the opponent through holds, locks, and controlled movements.

Healing Practices and Ayurveda

Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art, is intricately linked with Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine. This synergy manifests in Kalari Chikitsa, a healing practice developed to treat injuries and enhance the physical and mental well-being of warriors.

Kalari Chikitsa: The Healing System

Kalari Chikitsa focuses on restoring balance and vitality through:​

• Marma Therapy: Targeting vital energy points (marmas) to alleviate pain and restore energy flow.
• Oil Massages: Utilizing herbal oils (Uzhichil) to improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and detoxify the body.
• Herbal Remedies: Applying medicinal herbs to treat injuries and promote healing.​

Cultural Significance and Influence

Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art, is deeply embedded in the region's cultural and spiritual fabric. Beyond its role in self-defense, it has significantly influenced various art forms and rituals, shaping Kerala's identity.​

Influence on Performing Arts

Kalaripayattu has profoundly impacted Kerala's classical and folk performing arts. Some of which are:​

• Kathakali: This classical dance-drama incorporates Kalaripayattu's dynamic movements and expressions, enhancing its storytelling and physicality.​
• Theyyam: A ritualistic dance form, Theyyam integrates martial elements from Kalaripayattu, reflecting its spiritual and cultural significance.​
• Krishnanattam: A temple art form, Krishnanattam's choreography is influenced by Kalaripayattu's structured movements.
• Velakali: Performed during temple festivals, Velakali depicts battle scenes using Kalaripayattu's techniques, symbolizing valor and devotion.