Kalaripayattu
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Kerala’s traditional martial art, practised in a sunken training ground called a kalari, with body conditioning, kicks, leaps and weapons such as sticks, swords and the flexible urumi.
MartialWhere: KeralaOccasion: Daily training in kalaris; demonstrations at festivals and on stage
| Performed by | Students and masters (gurukkal); boys and girls both train |
|---|---|
| Costume | A loincloth (kacha) tied tightly around the waist; the body is oiled before practice |
| Music and instruments | Usually none; commands from the gurukkal, sometimes drums in public displays |
How it is performed
- Students begin by touching the ground and saluting the guardian deity and the gurukkal.
- They practise meypayattu, sequences of stretches, kicks, jumps and animal stances, to build flexibility and balance.
- Next come wooden weapons such as the long stick (kettukari) and short stick (cheruvadi).
- Advanced students train with metal weapons such as sword and shield and the urumi, a flexible sword.
- Masters also teach marma (vital points) and traditional massage and healing.
Significance
Kalaripayattu is among the oldest martial arts in India and has influenced Kerala’s dance forms such as Kathakali. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has included it among the indigenous sports of the Khelo India Youth Games.