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Architectural Design of a Traditional Kalari

The art is trained in an enclosure called ‘Kalari’, which is 21 feet by 42 feet. The entrance faces the east. In the south-west corner is a seven-tiered platform called the "poothara", which houses the guardian deity of the kalari. These seven steps symbolise seven abilities each person requires. They include Vigneswa (Strength), Channiga (patience), Vishnu (commanding power), Vadugashcha (the posture), Tadaaguru (training), Kali (the expression) and Vakasta - purushu (sound). Other deities, most of them incarnations of the Bhagavathi or Shiva, are installed in the corners.

Kalari's influence on other arts

Kalaripayattu has strongly influenced the evolution of several of Kerala's theatre and dance forms, most prominently Kathakali and Theyyam. Kathakali practitioners are required to train under Kalari masters to develop various attributes such as fitness, stamina, and martial movements enacted in their performances. Kalari practitioners claim that Bodhi Dharma, a Buddhist monk who was responsible for training the Shaolin monks in kung-fu, was in fact a Kalari master.

MarmmaVidya

Another important ingredient in Kalarippayattu is the MarmmaVidya which is an intimate knowledge of pressure points of the body which can be used to cause intense pain to the opponent or even kill instantly. Kalari chikitsa or treatement in kalaripayatt includes specialized and indigenous medical preparations and methods to treat injuries caused while practicing this martial art. Only students who are devoted towards kalaripayatt and whom the gurukkal thinks trustworthy and capable of handling responsibilities are taught the methods of kalari chikilsa.

The mind is considered as the 108th marma. The other marma points are classified for better understanding according to the physical components:
Mamsa Marma - muscle
Sira Marma - vessel
Sanyu Marma- Ligament
Asthi Marma- bones
Sandhi Marma - joints

Marma chikitsa is only performed by a person with thorough knowledge of all the vital spots of the human body and is used to treat injuries which may even lead to death.

Kalari Deities and Rituals

There is a whole lot of metaphysical beliefs according to which, the structure of a Kalari symbolised the universe. Starting from the touch of the ground when entering into the Kalari with the right hand to evoke the goddess of the Earth, to the Kalari mayikka by throwing Cheruvati to the south-west corner of the Kalari or blowing a conch-shell at the end of the day's training, have ritualistic and metaphysical implications.
The life of a combatant is precarious and will have to face the challenge of death, any time. This naturally persuaded him to seek the blessings of the supernatural powers. Hindu beliefs have deeply influenced the Kalari concept. Muslims and Christians follow their own religious traditions, in their Kalaries.

It is believed that a Kalari has forty five patron deities. Each deity is allotted a particular place or position. A combatant has to worship these deities physically and mentally by proper prostration and gestures. The Tumba and Ocium flowers, tulsi (Ocium sanctum) leaves, oil lamps, hand-mirror, conch, etc. are used daily in the propitiative rituals in favour of the gods and goddesses of kalaries. Although the kalari is an empty space, for a student, this space has all the meanings of life super nature.

Vativu, Chuvatu and Atavu

In Kalarippayattu, different poses or vativus are designed and developed to get concentration for perfect power and force in carrying out a particular action or for being in readiness for action. There are eight such vativus namely- Gaja Vativu (elephant pose), Aswa Vativu (horse pose), Simha Vativu (Lion pose), Varaha Vativu (boar pose), Matsya Vativu (Fish pose), Marjara Vativu (Cat pose), Kukkuta Vativu (Cock pose) and Sarpa Vativu (Serpent pose). One more Vativu-Mayura Vativu (Peacock pose) is also practised in some Kalaries. Each Vativu has its own style, power combination, usefulness and effectiveness.

Apart from these Vativus, there are basic foot positions and movements, which are technically called Chuvatus. These are designed to give more power, precision and concentration to the action against the opponent. In Chuvatu, the attention is centred on the role of the feet. There are five such basic Chuvatus - Vatta Chuvatu, Aakka Chuvatu, Neekka Chuvatu, Kon Chuvatu and Ottakkal Chuvatu. These Vativus and Chuvatus are scientifically combined to form what is called Atavus.

Kachakettal (the traditional dress) and Massage

The traditional dress used in Kalari is known as Kachha and its wearing method is Kachha Kettal. Even though Kachha means only dress, it has a special connotation. The Kachha is referred to in the Northern ballads as a long cloth with 64 Muzhams (one Muzham is equal to 16 inches.) The present day Kachha used in Kalari is of 5 to 6 feet length and one feet width. It is to be wrapped in a particular method which gives maximum tightness to the hip and support cover to the naval region. The belief that power is generated from the naval, is the basis of the art of Kachhakettal. The Kachha is also believed to be the protector of one's prana, the life force. All the heroes of the ballads who succumbed to fatal wounds, have lived till they instruct their fellowmen to untie their Kachha.

It is a practice to apply gingely oil or medicated oil before kalarippayatt. This renders coolness and flexibility to the body and invigorates the veins and muscles. Application of this oil reduces body temperature, while performing exercises.

The students of Kalarippayatt have to undergo a course of Uzhichal or massage with special medicinal oil like Mukkootor Arakuzhambu. Usuallyan Uzhichal course lasts for 14 days. At the time of uzhichal, the student has to follow strict restrictions in his daily routines. He should not expose himself to the sun for a long time, should take only the prescribed food and drink and should follow strict celibacy. Some restrictions are to be followed for 14 days more after the uzhichal is over.

The massage is done with hands for the young and with legs the for elders. This is technically called Kai Uzhichal and Chavitti Uzhichal respectively. Massage is considered to be one of the integral parts of kalari training, which helps the body to attain a healthy constitution as well as flexibility, nimbleness and suppleness. Moreover, massage enables proper blood circulation and removal of excess of fat. It helps in the easy maneuverability of the body for turning and twisting.

Kalari has also developed a traditional orthopedic system which is widely popular all over the state, especially for the setting of displaced bones.

The Initiation Ceremony

A student is initiated into the Kalari usually at the age, of seven, on an auspicious day or on the opening day of the new session. The guru or a senior student will direct him to enter the kalari properly by placing his right foot first, touching the ground with right hand and placing the same on the forehead. Then he is led to the guruttara to perform the same worship. He has to put some money in folded betel leaves as offering dakshina for the master and bow and prostrate before him, touching his legs. The guru places his hands on the pupil's head, blesses him and prays for his boon. This worship; touching the ground, Poottara, Guruttara and the gurus feet, is to be repeated every day. The bowing represents complete submission to the kalari deities, Kalari master, its rules and discipline.

Origin of Kalaripayattu

The origin and evolution of every traditional art form of India can be traced back to the Vedic period and beyond. The legends say that yoga, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and martial traditions like Kalarippayattu evolved from Lord Shiva. From the war dance or Samhara Thandava of Lord Shiva evolved the martial traditions of India. Sage Parasurama who retrieved the land of Kerala from the sea was a disciple of Lord Shiva and Parasurama learned all of the martial techniques and the use of divine weapons from Him.

Parasurama established temples, towns, Vedic schools and most importantly 64 kalaris or gymnasiums throughout the length and breadth of the virgin land Kerala. He entrusted each kalari to a specific family of warriors and taught them the secrets of the art of divine warfare which in the course of time became to be known as Kalarippayattu - kalari means training center and payattu means warfare or fight.

Kalarippayattu is composed of two of the 64art forms of ancient India namely Vijaya and Vyayma. These translated to English mean the art of winning wars and the art of exercises. It involves fast and furious movements of limbs and elaborate steps with the aim of vanquishing the enemy.

Training in kalarippayatt is given in specially constructed ground known as the kalari and is treated as the temple of learning. Teacher is known as kalari gurukkal meaning master and is revered as the living embodiment of the long line of Guru’s. Inside the Kalari religious worship with its own rituals is done to preserve the sanctity of the place.

Slowly Kalarippayattu evolved into the three distinct styles that we can see at present. These are:
· The Thekkan (southern style)
· The Vadakkan (northern style) and

· The very rare and almost extinct Kathinayoga style (yogic style).

Weapons of Kalarippayattu

It incorporates strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry, as well as healing techniques. Some of its choreographed sparring can be applied to dance.
Pirambu/Neduvati/Kettukari/Shareeravadi (Long Staff)
Kurunthadi/Cheruvadi/Muchhan (Medium Stick)
Kottukampu/Thavikkana (Long Stick)
Urumi/Chuttuval (Flexible Sword)
Kuruvadi (Short Stick)
Otta (Curved Stick)
Gadha (club/mace)
Kattari

Knife/Dagger

Vettukathi
Machete/Kukri

Churika/Kadhara
Short Sword

Val
Long Sword

Paricha

Round Shield

Kuntham

Spear

View video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJB8Qfz4NoM

Malappuram Kathi

Malappuram Kathi is a kind of dagger, used in northern parts of Kerala in ancient times. The dagger is unique in its physical appearance and features as it has a very light-weight holder made of deer horn. The blade is thicker on the top and very sharp and lines at the bottom. The blade continues to the handle and covers the handle in a small single strip. The dagger is 18 - 25 inches long.

Malappuram district in Kerala is situated southeast of Kozhikode. Though Malappuram consists of majority of Muslims, it has been a centre for Hindu Vedic learning and teaching.
This district is bordered by Thrissur and Palakkad districts in the South & The Nilgiris on the east. This district has played a significant role in our freedom struggle because of the famous Mappi a revolts that took place between 1792 and 1921. The three great rivers like Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha flows through this district. The architectural styles of temples and mosques and also the cultural and ritual art forms add more value to this district.

Legend has it that wounds sustained by Malapuram kathi are difficult to heal and often infections develop in wounds which take longer to heal. Some say this is because of the metallic combination of the dagger and the unique craftsmanship involved and the know how of which has been passed on from generations and is restricted to only a few blacksmith families in Northern parts of Kerala.