Kalarippayat is Malayalam word used to denote martial art practiced in Kerala since time immemorial. It is mainly an art of physical culture, developed in the appropriate scientific manner. The word Kalarippayat is derived from two words – Kalari meaning place and Payatt meaning practice or exercise. Also known as kalaripayat, kalarippayattu, kalaripayatu, Kalarippayat is the 'Mother of all Martial Arts'.
Kalarippayat boosts confidence and makes you fearless in front of the enemy. It develops a perfect control over the body of the practitioner of this unique form of art. At the same time it also builds flexibility in the body, increases the stamina and perfect neuro muscular co-ordination, an ability of the body to react intuitively to the senses. It needs lot of hard work and practice to become the master of this art.
Various Forms of Kalarippayat :
Meyyirakkam (Body Control Exercises) : This is the first step that is taught to the students of Kalarippayat. It is the base on which future progress of the student is built up. This item builds up the complete control over the practitioner's body. Every possible form of kicking, stretching and turning of the body is perfect by the regular practice of Meyyirakkam.
Kettukari (Quarter Staff): In the second item of Kalarippayat – a stick to give training to the students. A stick is usually five to six feet long which is usually used as a powerful weapon of the offence and defence by the students.
Cheruvadi (three span staff): The third step of Kalarippayat calls for the quick and rapid movements in shorter span of time. In this item blows are delivered and parried in quicker succession.
Gada (Mace) : Gada is the very rarely used weapon in the practice of Kalarippayat. It is mainly used by the students with broad and strong structure. The basic rule of this item is that no blows with the mace should be targeted below the waist of the enemy.
Otta (Curved Staff) : Otta involves cuts and thrusts with great quickness and adroitness at the vital points of the body. To master in the art of Otta one needs to build up greater stamina and physical endurance.
Spear : Spear is the ancient weapon used in the earlier warfare. In this item the opponents fights from the specified distance.
Dagger : It is another most powerful weapon which is blunt from both the sides. It's principal uses are slashing, cutting, and prevention of attacks.
Puliyankam : Puliyankam is the considered as the peak of the perfection in Kalarippayat. This item involves the use of sword as a weapon of offence and defence. It requires a quick eye, fast response and right presence of mind to fight this terrible sword game.
Urumi : This item requires the use of flexible sword measuring 3-4 feet in length which is sharp at both the ends. One cannot handle this until and unless he is perfected in body control exercises.
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