Kalarippayattu

The word “Kalarippayattu” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Khaloorika”, which means a training ground or battlefield. This reflects the fundamental aspect of Kalarippayattu as a practice rooted in physical preparation and combat training.
The term “Kalari” refers to the training space or arena where warriors are trained, while “Payattu” translates to practice, fight, or combat. Together, they signify a tradition that encompasses rigorous physical training, self-defense techniques, and a spiritual discipline tied to the land’s martial heritage.
In the tradition of Kalarippayattu, the journey of a student begins at the tender age of six, emphasizing both discipline and devotion. Upon entering the Kalari (training hall) for the first time, the student steps in with their right foot, symbolizing auspiciousness and respect. This entry marks the initiation into a sacred space where physical, mental, and spiritual training converge.
Before beginning the practice, the student offers prayers to a series of deities and revered entities, reflecting the art’s deep spiritual roots. The prayers are performed in the following order:

  • Poothara: The main altar in the Kalari, dedicated to the guardian deity of the Kalari. It symbolizes protection and blessings for the students.
  • Ganapathithara: A prayer to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of success.
  • Nagakali (Nagakudilini): A homage to the serpent goddess, symbolizing strength, energy, and the connection to nature.
  • Mahaguru: This includes prayers to the legendary figures who laid the foundation of Kalarippayattu:
  • Parashurama: The mythical creator of Kerala and Kalarippayattu.
  • The four Brahmin families: Ugramvalli, Dronamvally, Ghoramvalli, and Ulloorthuruthiyod—families believed to have preserved and propagated the art.
  • The 21 Mahagurus: Great masters who contributed to the development of the tradition.
  • Gurus of the Tradition: Acknowledging the lineage of teachers who have passed down the knowledge through generations.
  • Gurukkal of the Kalari: Respect to the living teacher (Gurukkal) who imparts knowledge and guides the student.
  • Kalabhairava (Anthimahakal): The fierce form of Lord Shiva, representing time and transformation.
  • Bhadrakali: The fierce goddess embodying protection, valor, and justice.
  • Vettakkorumakan: A hunter-warrior deity, symbolizing agility, skill, and focus.
  • Anjaneyaswami (Lord Hanuman): Representing strength, devotion, and humility.

This elaborate sequence of prayers demonstrates the holistic nature of Kalarippayattu, blending physical combat training with reverence for divine energies and ancestral wisdom. Through these rituals, students not only honor the tradition but also cultivate a sense of discipline, humility, and focus, essential for mastering the art.

Meythari

Meythari (Malayalam: മെയ്ത്താരി) is the foundational stage of training in Kalarippayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala. The term “Meythari” is derived from two Malayalam words: “Mey” meaning “body” and “Thari” meaning “thread” or “control.” Together, Meythari refers to body control and the development of physical discipline. It is the first and most important stage in Kalari training, where students build a strong foundation for agility, strength, and precision.

Purpose of Meythari

Meythari is aimed at preparing the practitioner’s body and mind for advanced stages of training. The sequences and techniques involved in this stage are designed to:

  • Build flexibility, strength, and endurance.
  • Improve body coordination and balance.
  • Cultivate reflexes and spatial awareness.
  • Train the practitioner to focus and maintain mind-body unity.
  • Lay the groundwork for weapon training (Kolthari and Angathari) by mastering body movements.

Components of Meythari

Meythari is centred on body movements and consists of a series of structured exercises and sequences. These include:

1. Leg movements (Kaal prayogangal)

A series of dynamic and controlled leg movements each with specific applications in combat and also body control. some of the leg movements are Nerkaal, Thirichukaal, veethukaal, kon-kaal etc.

2. Body Conditioning Exercises

Movements designed to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance stamina. Key exercises include:

  • Chuvadu (steps): These are the footwork patterns essential for movement and balance.
  • Leg stretches and kicks: Help in opening up the body and developing power in the legs.

3. Basic Stances (Vadivu)

The eight primary animal-inspired stances are introduced during this stage. These are:

  • Gaja Vadivu (Elephant posture): For stability and strength.
  • Simha Vadivu (Lion posture): For power and attack readiness.
  • Ashwa Vadivu (Horse posture): For flexibility and forward movement.
  • Matsya Vadivu (Fish posture): For swiftness and balance.
  • Marjara Vadivu (Cat posture): For stealth and agility.
  • Kukkuda Vadivu (Rooster posture): For striking and jumping techniques.
  • Sarpa Vadivu (Snake posture): For fluidity and defensive movements.
  • Varaha Vadivu (Wild boar posture): For stability and low stances. 
These stances provide the foundation for movement, defence, and attack strategies.

4. Jumping Techniques

Exercises that focus on agility and body control, helping the practitioner master aerial manoeuvres.

5. Meyppayattu (Body control exercises)

Practitioners are trained to perform sequences of steps and movements, incorporating Chuvadu and vadivu, often in rhythmic patterns to improve fluidity and precision.

Benefits of Meythari

Meythari provides both physical and mental benefits:

Physical Benefits:

  • Enhances strength and stamina.
  • Increases flexibility, making the body less prone to injuries.
  • Improves speed and reflexes for combat situations.

Mental Benefits:

  • Fosters discipline and focus.
  • Teaches patience and perseverance.
  • Develops mind-body coordination, a key element in Kalarippayattu.

Scientific Insights

From a scientific perspective, Meythari activates the proprioceptive system, which helps in understanding body position and movement. The continuous practice of stances, kicks, and sequences enhances:

  • Neuro-muscular coordination: Ensuring that movements are precise and energy-efficient.
  • Cardiovascular fitness: The aerobic nature of the exercises improves heart and lung capacity.
  • Motor skill development: Building agility, reflexes, and balance.

Relevance of Meythari

Meythari is more than just a physical practice. It is a spiritual and cultural discipline, deeply rooted in the traditions of Kalarippayattu. By mastering Meythari, a practitioner not only gains physical fitness but also develops the mental and emotional resilience needed for advanced stages of training.

KOLTHARI

After achieving a certain level of proficiency in body control exercises and developing strength, flexibility, and coordination through Meyppayattu, the student is introduced to their first weapon: the Kettukari (long staff). This marks a significant step in their training, transitioning from unarmed combat to weapon-based techniques.

Kettukari (Long Staff)

  • Material: The Kettukari is traditionally made of cane or rattan wood, chosen for its strength, flexibility, and lightweight properties, making it ideal for swift movements and precise strikes.
  • Length: The length of the Kettukari matches the height of the student, ensuring proper balance and ease of handling.

Significance of the Kettukari

1. Foundation of Weapon Training:

  • The Kettukari serves as the foundational weapon in Kalarippayattu, teaching students the principles of range, timing, and footwork in combat.
  • It lays the groundwork for learning more complex weapons in the future.

2. Physical Benefits:

  • Training with the Kettukari enhances hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and upper body strength.
  • The practice also develops fluidity in movements and strengthens the student’s grip and arms.

3. Combat Techniques:

  • Students are taught offensive and defensive techniques, such as strikes, blocks, thrusts, and spins.
  • Movements are practiced in rhythm with footwork, emphasizing speed, accuracy, and adaptability.

4. Mental Discipline:

  • Handling the Kettukari requires focus, precision, and timing, sharpening the student’s concentration and mental agility.

Training Progression

The training begins with basic strikes and blocks, gradually advancing to more complex combinations involving spins, sweeps, and counters. Students learn to move seamlessly with the weapon, integrating the footwork and postures learned during body control exercises.
By mastering the Kettukari, students develop confidence in handling weapons and gain an understanding of combat dynamics, preparing them for advanced weapons like the Cheruvadi (short stick) and Otta (curved stick).

ANKATHARI

Ankathari is the third and most advanced stage of weapon training in Kalaripayattu. The word comes from “Ankam” meaning battle or duel and “Thari” meaning weapon, referring to the practice of combat techniques using metal weapons.
After mastering body control and flexibility in Meipayattu and wooden weapon training in Kolthari, a student is initiated into Ankathari. This stage requires great discipline, balance, speed, and mental focus, as the weapons used are real metal weapons.
In Ankathari, practitioners learn to handle traditional weapons such as dagger (Kathi), sword and shield (Valum Parichayum), udavaal (Fencing), gada (Mace), spear (Kuntham), and the flexible sword (Urumi). These weapons are practiced through structured sequences, partner combat techniques, and controlled sparring.
Beyond physical combat skills, Ankathari develops precision, timing, awareness of distance, and knowledge of Marma (vital points). Traditionally, only advanced students who demonstrate maturity and mastery of earlier stages are allowed to learn Ankathari, as it represents the warrior level of Kalaripayattu training, where martial skill, discipline, and responsibility come together. ⚔️

VERUMKAI MURAKAL ( FREE-HAND TECHNIQUES)

Verumkai Murakal is the unarmed combat system of Kalaripayattu. The term comes from the Malayalam words “Verumkai” (empty hand) and “Murakal” (techniques), meaning combat techniques performed without weapons.
Verumkai Murakal is usually taught after mastering Meipayattu, Kolthari, and Ankathari, because the practitioner must first develop strong body control, balance, flexibility, and knowledge of combat principles.

Main Elements of Verumkai Murakal

Verumkai includes a wide range of combat techniques such as:

  • Strikes (Adithada) – punches, palm strikes, kicks, and elbow attacks
  • Locks and holds – controlling the opponent’s joints and body
  • Throws and takedowns
  • Grappling and ground control
  • Marma attacks – techniques targeting vital points (Marma) of the body

Importance in Kalari

Verumkai Murakal represents the highest practical level of Kalaripayattu combat, where the practitioner learns to defend and attack without any weapon using skill, speed, and awareness of the opponent’s body and vital points.
This stage combines martial technique, knowledge of Marma points, and mental discipline, making it both a self-defence system and an advanced martial science within the Kalari tradition. ⚔️

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