# Kalari 101
(Kalidas J Sreenivas)
A magnificent martial technique known as Kalaripayattu was developed in a region of the world known for its legendary and mystical history. a dynamic place with a multi religious population and a diversified culture Yes, India is the birthplace of this unique fusion of the performing, visual, and intellectual arts.
The traditional martial art of Kalaripayattu incorporates yogic strength and posture perfection, and its Ayurvedic medicine is used in its healing procedures. Kerala, nearby regions of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, northeastern Sri Lanka, all practice this sophisticated craft. One of the oldest combat techniques, Kalaripayattu is renowned for its aerial maneuvers, flowing motions like water, and its arsenal of weapons and the art of their application. The phrases "kalari" and "payattu," which are both derived from the Sanskrit word payattuka and imply to battle, exercise, or put a lot of hard work into anything, respectively, make up the name Kalaripayattu.
The Dhanur Veda, an ancient Indian treatise that means "the knowledge of archery" and included all the old combat methods, is credited with giving rise to the practise of Kalaripayattu. The Dhanur Veda scriptures specifically address instruction in martial arts rather than combat tactics. This type of art originated in Kerala. According to tradition, the sixth manifestation of Vishnu, the warrior saint Parashurama, founded 42 Kalaris and instructed twenty-one masters of these Kalaris to defend Kerala.
Kalaripayattu training is a very all-encompassing method. It attempts to aid in the development of mental and physical control, with the weapons serving solely as an appendage of the warrior's body and under their control to attain a high level of proficiency in both defensive and offensive combat situations. The training is said to be more of a contemplative process than anything violent, which is what one may anticipate from learning a martial art style. It is a very spiritual practice since the kids must kneel and pray to the lords and to the gym floor before starting the exercise.
The individuals who have mastered Kalaripayattu hold it in high regard and consider it to be the face of art in the modern world. Before India gained its freedom, when the British ruled, Kalaripayattu was outlawed because they feared it may be used to raise soldiers who would rebel against their authority. This Kerala-based art form has flourished since independence, and new students are being drawn to it every day!
What other kinds of artistic identity can concurrently make art of harmony via battle and a recompense of self-improvement through the divine transcending of one's physical constraints? And how can they do it with such elegance and beauty?
Going to Kerala to study more about Kalaripayattu, the eldest, most noble, and most elegant of martial arts, transforms the trip into something more akin to a pilgrimage.
