KALARI PAYATTU
KALARI
KALARI PAYATTU
Kalaripayattu is known as the “Mother of all martial art forms”. It is the most ancient martial art form in the world. It is believed to be originated in Kerala (11-12th Century) and the Buddhist monks who visited Kerala propagated it in to China, Japan and along the shores of South-East Asia.
In 14th and 15th century, Kerala local chieftains and Naduvazhikal used Kalaripayattu warriors to settle scores for them. Veera Pazhassi Raja used Kalaripayattu to resist the British imperialism. Thacholi Meppayil Othanan and Unniyarcha are still considered as legendary for their expertisation in Kalari and bravery.
Vadakkan Kalari
The Vadakkan Kalari is primarily practiced in the Malabar region of Kerala and is based on elegant and flexible movements, evasions, jumps and weapons training.
Thekkan Kalari
Thekkan Kalari is primarily practiced in the Southern regions of Kerala, and specializes in hard, impact-based techniques with emphasis on hand-to-hand combat and pressure point strikes. Both systems make use of internal and external concepts.
A third style, the Central Style or Madhya Kalari is also practiced, but it is less commonly practiced than Northern & Southern.
A smaller, regional style of Kalaripayattu, called Thulunadan Kalari, is restricted to the Tulu Nadu region in northern Kerala and southern Karnataka.Here we The Samathana Parambarya Kalari Sangham follows the Northern Kalari or Vadakkan Kalari.