Experience the ancient mastery of Kalaripayattu in Kochi, the world’s oldest martial art, performed with precision and intensity, bringing centuries-old traditions to life in an exhilarating display.
Marvel at the art of Kalaripayattu in Kochi, an exhilarating 45-minute experience blending history, self-defense, and artistry, offering a thrilling dive into Kerala's cultural pride.
Gain practical self-defense tips, blending ancient techniques with real-world applications to enhance confidence, safety, and personal empowerment.
Uncover the science behind the art as you explore the fascinating connection between artistry and physical prowess, with each move reflecting the rich, scientifically crafted history of Kalaripayattu.
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
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 Oral traditions and historical documents indicate that it started to take shape as early as the third century BCE.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.
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:
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.
Ancient martial art from Kerala, Kalaripayattu, shows in several regional forms with different techniques and philosophies.
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:
Metal Weapons (Angathari)
The Angathari stage introduces metal weapons, requiring precision and focus. These include:
Combat Techniques
Kalaripayattu encompasses a wide array of combat techniques designed to prepare practitioners for real-world combat:
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:
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: