Kalarippayat is an ancient martial tradition from Kerala.
Even today, it is recognised as a superb system of self-defence and as a physical discipline.
Its origins date back to the god Parashurama, the legendary founder of the Kerala region.
Historically, Kalarippayat, as practised today, made its appearance between the 12th and 14th centuries and reached its peak of glory between the 15th and 17th centuries.
Recent research has found that these martial arts had a profound influence on the forms and evolution of all Kerala performing arts, particularly Kathakali.
Even today, Kalarippayat is practised in its traditional forms in a Kalari and under the supervision and direction of a Gurukal, i.e. a master.
‘Kalari’ means, in fact, gymnasium and ‘Payat’ the art of combat.
The Maippayat, or body control exercise, is the first stage of the teaching, which begins with exercises on the legs, with the steps, moves, jumps, rotations and twists of the body, and ends with a combination of all these elements: a well-structured sequence constitutes precisely Maippayat.
Twelve such sequences follow one another, each increasing in complexity and difficulty.
Daily practice of these exercises ensures physical fitness as well as a predisposition to the art of war.
After gaining an appreciable experience of the Maippayat, the student tackles the art of weaponry. These are: the Kettukari, the Cheruvati, the Octa, the Dagger, the Sword and Shield, the Spear and finally the Urumi.
The Kettukari is a simple bamboo cane that is rather thin and very long (about two metres). Blows are delivered to different parts of the body and parried with this weapon; the two ends are skilfully used for this purpose.
The Cheruvati is a solid and massive stick, rather short. Blows are exchanged and parried in rapid succession, sometimes at a speed of one hundred strokes per minute. The Cheruvati is used very well for both attack and defence.
The Dagger is used equally for attack and defence. Great skill, swiftness and liveliness of movement are required for the use of this weapon. Combat takes place most of the time in close combat and the slightest carelessness can cause serious injury.
The Sword and Shield need not be presented. When a student is able to use them skilfully, he can claim to be at a high level in the art of Kalarippayat.
The Spear is used to exchange blows and thrusts and is particularly effective in keeping the assailant at a distance. The Spear ends are used to attack and parry.
The Spear and the Sword: this is a combination of two different types of weapons that require specific technical aptitudes; there are two opponents. One uses the Spear, the other the Sword and Shield. The combat is difficult in its various stages but very spectacular.
The Urumi is a long, flexible sword that can be worn around the waist like a belt. A great readiness of movement is required for the use of the Urimi and its effectiveness is even greater when opponents are numerous and well armed.
It is a particularly dangerous weapon and even a simple demonstration can result in injury.
The Urimi is a wooden weapon with a special curvature and handle at one end; the other tapering off and ending in a small mace. More than a weapon, the Otta is an instrument reserved for the highest representatives of the Kalarippayat.
C.N. Aravindakshan Nair
