 Martial Arts of Kerala have earned a name of repute for Kerala and its here that the oldest martial art form in the world Kalaripayattu originated. Apart from that there are other martial art forms like Parisa Kali, Velakanni, Valeru, Kunderu and Njaninmel Kali.
The martial art form K alaripayattu derives its name from ‘Kalari' meaning the arena and ‘payattu' meaning training in Malyalam . Kalaripayattu thus means the fighting art of Kerala.
This martial art form of Kerala was earlier displayed in the battles by the warriors , but nowadays it has become more of a fitness ritual and a sport . It involves excellent agility of the body along with concentration of the mind. The disciples who practice Kalaripayattu are experts in Yoga as well because it gives them the much neded strength and focus in their task.
There are two forms of Kalaripayattu ,Vadakkan being the Northern form and Thekkan being the southern style.
The various steps in the training
process of the Kalaripayattu are:
Meythari: Here the fighter learns
to jump , twist and quickly move his body. Greater stress
is put on flexibility of the body here. Kolthari:
In this stage fighting begins with wooden sticks.
Ankathari: Here the disciple moves on to fighting with metal weapons like short daggers and swords and shields.
Verumaki: This is the final stage of the Kalaripayattu martial art form of Kerala . Here one has to fight with their bare hands. Hand to hand tussle includes arm locks, wrestling and attacking the opponent and art of defense
Not only the exponents of this martial art of Kerala know fighting but also they have knowledge of treating the wounds,bruises with Ayurveda and massage oils. When the student has complete knowledge of Kalaripayattu he becomes Gurukkal or grandmaster.
Dancers in Kerala also practice this martial art form because it improves the flexibility in them .
The Parisa Kali has originated from North Malabar and Velankanni from Travencore. Velankanni depicts the battle between Pandavas and Kauravas and is performed in the temple festivals..
Valeru is another martial art form of Kerala which involves sword fighting.
Kunderu and Njaninmel Kali includes tight rope walking and is performed during temple festivals.
Martail arts of Kerala are more extensively used in recent times for circus training thus the Kannur and Thalassery districts of north Kerala have become "home of the circus in India".
South India Tour Travel organizes tours of Kerala where you can enjoy the scintillating performance of the martial arts of Kerala
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