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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.