What is Kalaripayattu ?
Kalaripayattu is the traditional Martial and Healing Art from Kerala (South India). Its roots are deeply connected to other Indian practices such as Yoga, Ayurveda and Tantra.
Kalari is known as the oldest martial art in the world. It influenced other arts in Asia like the famous Shaolin Kung-fu. Kalari is divided in two main styles : Vadakkan (Northern style) and Thekhan (Southern style). Very rarely, some schools also teach the less known Madhya Kalari (Central Style), a branch of Kalari that creates bridges between the two other, and widely spread Kalari styles.
Due to its diversity and ancient roots, the practice of Kalaripayattu has multiple benefits and can meet the expectations of practitioners of different backgrounds. Martial Artists will discover a complete fighting system including strikes, throws, locks and the use of many weapons . Yogis will enjoy the similarities of body postures practiced in a very dynamic and ongoing flow. Dancers will be seduced by the grace of body forms and the variations of footwork. Ayurvedic Massage Therapists will appreciate the grounding and power effect of low stances as well as the differences and similarities of the flow rhythm and of the work on Nadis.
Kalari increases flexibility, strength, coordination, balance and grounding. Moreover, it boosts self-confidence and helps dealing with conflicting relationships. As other Indian Sadhana, Kalari is also a self-development path, a way to connect to our inner self and awake the Kundalini improving Prana flow.
Kalari is taught from the age of 7 up to 60, depending on practitioners’ body condition. Teachings will be adjusted to students’ background and expectations.
