kalaripayattu-training

The holistic approach of the training is aimed at the ultimate coordination and control over mind and body. The weapons become an extension of the body, controlled by the mind to achieve high degree of perfection in both offensive and defensive combats. The inherent beauty of this art form lies in the harmonious synergy of art, science and medicine


Anyone and everyone - young, old, boys, girls, working professionals, house wives – can reap the benefits of this rich and treasured martial art. In fact, more than one third of our students are girls. Apart from mastering the intricate fighting & self defense techniques, dedicated and systematic training program at the academy helps in building a strong body and focused mind. The flexible program schedule is specially designed to suit the rigors & pressures of your daily life without compromising the ‘essence’ of training techniques as practiced in the traditional ‘Kalaries’.


Professional training programs at the academy has been classified as follows.

Beginners level
Second Level
Weapon Combat
Kalari treatment
Certificate Course

BEGINNERS LEVEL - Understanding Stance and Structure.This is a prerequisite session for beginners in Kalaripayattu and usually stretches for three months. It introduces body conditioning exercises, stretching, basic hand and leg techniques, stances, and stepping. This exposure gives the new member a better foundation in order to enter into the advanced level in Kalaripayattu and focuses on achieving the skill to adopt certain stances which are broadly classified into two - 'Chuvadu and Vadivu'. Chuvadu is a position of the feet while Vadivu is a position of the posture of the body, keeping the chuvadu as its basis.Duration: Two months.
Timings for Beginners ClassesBatch 1 Tuesday and Thursday morning 7.00 to 8.30Batch 2 Monday and Wednesday evening 7.00 to 8.30
Timings for Weekend ClassesBatch 3 Saturday and Sunday morning 7.00 to 8.30Batch 4 Sunday 6.00 to 7.30 evening and Saturday 7.00 to 8.30 evening
SECOND LEVELAfter the completion of the first level a Kalaripayattu trainee graduates on to Meipayattu (meaning the use of body). It is a series of exercises, in 18 different lessons designed to achieve peak physical fitness and flexibility of the body. They include specific exercise for legs, hips, hands and the torso.In the second level, the training includes acrobatics, different types of flips and kicks.
WEAPON COMBATThis is a supplementary program for members interested in the practical use of martial arts. Training in weapons begins at the intermediate level, when there is a better understanding of the mechanics of movement and improved coordination. A weapon becomes an extension of one's body and a further test of one's skill. This supplementary program enhances the understanding of the principles and concepts in martial arts and ultimately develops better execution in all movements. Weapons are taught in form sequences to responsible individuals.The training with weapons commences with cane weapons; the trainee graduates to using the Short Stick (Cheruvadi), Curved Stick (Ottakkol), Mace (Gada), Dagger (Kattaram). Once the dagger fighting has been mastered, the trainee starts on the most glamorous of combats in kalaripayattu - fighting with the sword and shield. Finally Urumi (six feet length flexible sword) - is taught as the fitting finale to perfection in the art of Kalaripayattu. This is the most dangerous weapon in the Kalari system other than your own body.
KALARI TREATMENTKalari chikitsa or kalari treatment is an integral part of the kalari tradition. It is mainly used to treat sprains, fractures, cuts and similar injuries and was originally used as a form of treatment for the trainee's injuries. Kalari medication, with its own brand of potent oils, unguents and different types of bandages, is also popular among the general public.The final training of a student includes in identifying the 64 Kula Marmas (deadly spots) in the human body.
CERTIFICATE COURSE
Kalari academy of performing arts offer certificate course in Kalaripayattu, the Traditional Martial Art of India. This programme is designed to meet the advanced interests of the student of Kalaripayattu studies. DURATION: The duration of the programme shall be four semesters.
SYLLABUS:
Semester I(a) Chuvadu: The initial training in kalaripayattu focuses on achieving the skill to adopt certain stances which are broadly classified into two - 'Chuvadu and Vadivu'. Chuvadu is a position of the feet while Vadivu is a position of the posture of the body, keeping the chuvadu as its basis. The combinations of chuvadu and vadivu form the steps followed prior to an offensive or defensive maneuver. Chuvadu training stresses on various kinds of firm positioning of the feet.(b) Vadivu: In vadivu, importance is given to the posture of the body. The ancient masters codified eight types of vadivus after watching the crouching attack positions of various animals. The eight vadivus are: Varaha - Wild Boar, Gaja - Elephant, Marjara - Cat, Simham - Lion, Sarpam - Snake, Kukkuda - Cock, Mayura - Peacock and Haya - Horse.(c) Leg Exercises: There are ten types of leg exercises (kicks) are thought to each students. (d) Meipayattu: Meipayattu meaning body in practice. It is a series of exercises, in 18 different lessons designed to achieve peak physical fitness and flexibility of the body. They include acrobatics, different types of flips and kicks.
Semester II(a) Short Stick (Muchan): This wooden weapon is about 1.5 feet long (three span), mainly used for defense. It involves powerful blows and blocks with speed.(b)Long Stick (Kettukari): This is a form of combat using a long cane stick, as tall as the trainee (5 ½ feet). This combat contains mainly offensive movements.(c)Dagger (Kattaram): The dagger is a double-edged, sharp weapon made of tempered steel, with a length of about 1 ½ feet. This combat contains thrusts and blocks.(d) Knife (kathipayattu): A smaller version of Dagger. It is a small handy double edged weapon.(e) Kaikuthipayattu: Advanced body training to improve ones stamina, power and concentration.Semester III(a) CURVED STICK (Ottakol): This is a horn shaped weapon with a knob at one end. The knob is used to attack the vital spots of the nervous system.(b) SWORD AND SHIELD (Vallum parichayum): The sword is used for offence and the shield is used for defense. The most important and advanced fighting with the sword and the shield is called Puliyangam, the combat being likened to a battle between leopards.(c) SWORD AND SPEAR (Marapidichakuntham): One combatant is armed with a sword and shield and the other with a spear.(d) Udaval: This is the training in fight with sword. Attack and defense are done by sword only.(e) BARE-HANDED COMBAT (Verumkai): These techniques include those that are used to disarm and disable an opponent.
Semester IV(a) FLEXIBLE SWORD (Urumi): The Urumi is the most dangerous weapon in the Kalari system. It is six feet in length, flexible, and can be worn around the waist.(b) Kalari Massage (Uzhichil): Uzhichil or a medicated massage is used to make the body supple. It stimulates the nerves and relaxes the muscles.(c) Marmapoints : The final training of a dedicated student includes training in Ayurveda and identifying the 64 Kula Marmas (deadly spots) in the human body.General Rules:The students shall be required to secure a minimum of 70% marks in each course in order to be eligible for promotion to the next semesterA Faculty Certificate is issued on the successful completion of each unit.
RESIDENTIAL CLASS
Kalari academy of performing arts introduces residential classes in kalaripayattu for the beginners level.Duration: four days, three hours each day.Includes everyday Full body kalari massage with medicated oils