Level-up to the ancient history of modern combat.
#Kalari 103
Level-up to the ancient history of modern combat.
(Kalidas J Sreenivas)
A crucial part of Keralan life between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries was Kalaripayattu. All kids above the age of seven have to take the Kalaripayattu program. It is stated that "Payattu" refers to instruction and "Kalari" refers to formal education. In Kalaripayattu, chuvadu and vadivu methods are combined. Chuvadu refers to the foundations of the martial art, whereas Vadivu refers to the postures. These postures are based on those of animals that are used for combat.
What are the various levels of Kalaripayattu training?
Body Control Exercises with Meithari
The first stage of practicing the Kalaripayattu martial arts is known as "Meithari" or "Mei Payattu." It is the initial stage, requiring physically demanding motions such leg exercises, twists, stances, and challenging jumps and rotations. It lists the skills required to advance throughout the whole Kalaripayattu system. Students learn their initial body motions during mei payattu, which helps them become more flexible.
Wooden Weapon Practice in Kolthari
Kolthari is the next stage, where pupils begin to learn how to fight. Once they are physically capable, they are introduced to using long wooden weapons in combat. Through the use of a range of sticks, including long, short, and especially crafted rounded and curved ones, students in the Kolthari system learn combat techniques, including the usage of sticks. These sticks are used by the pupil to both attack and protect.
Practice with Metal Weapons in Angathari
On the following level, weapons like the Vaal, Paricha Urmi, and others are used. When students have demonstrated their capacity to control and govern their body and mind throughout Meithari and Kolthari, the third level of Kalaripayattu instruction—known as Angathari—is made available to them. The angathari includes the use of a sword and shield, a spear, an urumi, and a dagger. Having learned Meithari and Kolthari, a learner may easily study Angathari. As a result, there is also a notable reduction in the risk of incurring serious injuries.
Verumkai -Bare Hand Technique
Verumkai literally translates to "bare hands." With Verumkai, the Kalaripayattu training process comes to a close. The training at this level includes instruction in grips, kicks, strikes, blocks, assaults, throws, and other bare hand maneuvers. Very advanced hand-eye coordination skills are necessary. Verumkai teaches people how to use their own bodies as weapons to physically dominate an adversary and protect themselves against both armed and unarmed attackers.
“Observaciones finales”
Instead of just going to the gym, master the Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu to become a better and wiser warrior in life. What other cultural expressions can simultaneously create an art of peace through conflict and a reward for one's growth via a divine awareness of one's physical limitations? Only Kalaripayattu can do this. Since most health and fitness buffs and sports celebrities are interested in doing something extremely different from the rest of the field in sports, kalaripayattu training keeps them in shape, strengthens them for the game, and enables them to live a healthier lifestyle.
