Kalaripayattu is a millennia-old martial art and tantric system of human development. Its roots are found in Dhanurveda (a Vedic treatise on the art of war) and oral master-pupil traditions predating the written documentation of Dhanurveda, as well as other ancient sciences of the physical and subtle human body, human psychology and role in the universe.

The Puranas or Vedic myths have it that the primary source of this martial art is Shiva, the Deity or the aspect of the absolute universal consciousness symbolizing and embodying the ultimate transformation of the consciousness. Shiva passed this knowledge to Parashurama (one of the incarnations of Vishnu) and the sage Rishi Agastya. Both of them had undertaken long and severe austerities to earn Shiva’s benevolence and have him reveal the knowledge of martial arts. Parashurama and Rishi Agastya passed this knowledge on to chosen disciples. Thereafter, for thousands of years, this knowledge was preserved and passed on up until modern days. Long-time practitioners of Kalarippayattu acknowledge that this mystical discipline is of higher divine origin – including Christians, Muslims and followers of other paths of inner growth.

It used to be that Kalarippayattu had to be learned by all children from the age of seven – both boys and girls (girls could choose whether or not to continue their practice after reaching puberty). Monks and priests who always followed the principles of Ahimsa or nonviolence were also masters of Kalarippayattu, so they could defend themselves, people close to them and other members of the society when all other options failed. Such sacred warriors are depicted in Mahabharata and other Puranas.

In the last centuries, most existing teachers and experts of Kalarippayattu have remained in Kerala, a southern state of India. Thanks to masters of Kalarippayattu, the state of Kerala has always been able to fight off the countless attacks of invaders who on multiple occasions took over most of India – including the military offensive of the Portuguese, Arab sultans and British imperial forces. Kerala never succumbed to physical force. It finally fell because of corrupt traitors bribed by the British. After the British rule was consolidated, Kalarippayattu was forbidden and existing masters had to preserve and teach it secretly. Later on, Kalarippayattu saw several revivals and declines. Parts of the knowledge were lost, but, fortunately, a significant portion has been preserved and is taught to this day.

Both in ancient times and today, the circle of interest in Kalarippayattu is not limited only to warriors, yogis and enthusiasts of oriental martial arts. As mentioned above, this martial art and art of inner perfection was mandatory for everyone and was taught in childhood. Furthermore, Kalarippayattu was also an integral part in the curriculum of traditional Indian dance practitioners, since long-time practice of Kalarippayattu develops a special kind of sense of space – specific muscle action, coordination and perception of the surroundings. Thus, progress is enhanced in any physical activity. Today, the beneficial effects of Kalarippayattu are also recognized by professional fighting sportsmen from around the world – adding elements of Kalarippayattu to their training programs makes them more successful in their fighting disciplines and helps them advance faster in the career and in tournaments.

This infinitely great knowledge has various applications when learning Kalarippayattu.

• First, it is used to fully facilitate and optimize the development of the physical body, as body movements and exercises done in adherence to correct energetic principles make muscles and ligaments work with a much more optimal use of Prana (subtle inner energy) – the body learns to develop itself by using less force and causing less tiredness. Soon enough, people get a “charge” of energy and strength by doing seemingly tiresome and complicated exercises.  This “charge” stays for days and, with long-time practice, becomes more and more tangible and useful. It also has therapeutic and revitalizing effects on the body.

• Second, by balancing the subtle structures of the human constitution the psyche is balanced as well – tardy, indolent and unconfident people quickly become much more lively, cheerful and stronger in their personality, whereas overly aggressive and fiery ones attain adequateness and calm. In other words, both body and spirit are balanced out. Our long-term practitioners have already been able to verify that critical situations of conflict can be resolved just by this inner strength of spirit alone. Also, such inner balance gives a person more peace and satisfaction in life, as well as a different and more complete understanding of events in all aspects of life.

• Third, this energetic balance provides a different kind of a link of with the surrounding world and people – practitioners attain a very timely sense of approaching dangerous events and their course. Thus, one knows in advance what to expect and how to react, often without having the time to logically think it over. Physical sensations are also intensified – people learn to see, hear and sense more. This is where knowledge of the shamanic effects of so called animal postures also comes in handy. Many more interesting details about this can be learned in our classes.

• Finally, the understanding of one’s own energetic build also gives a more complete idea of the features of other people’s bodies. This allows for knowledge of how to neutralize an opponent quicker and more effectively in the case of a necessity (how to affect certain parts of the body and Marmas or energetic junctions), as well as an understanding of giving first aid to reanimate the offender so as to keep him alive, or, say, give timely help to people hurt in accidents etc.

As a brief summary, Kalarippayattu gives a deep and unified understanding and development of one’s body, energy and consciousness, thus also providing a more complete sense of the surrounding world and people. It is for a reason that Kalarippayattu is considered a dynamic meditation – an active meditation on us in the universe and the universe in us. The purpose of this meditation is also Yoga or Union – union with our friends and with our foes. Being in union with both allows for responding to both adequately.

These are far from the only unique and exciting qualities of Kalarippayattu!