KALARIPAYATTU

Kalaripayattu : Father of modern martial art, including kung-fu
Weapons : Short stick, spear, dagger, sword and shield
Dress Code : Kachha (loin cloth of 5-6 feet in length and one feet wide)
Famous Institutions : Indian School of Martial Arts, Kalmandalam

Meaning of Kalaripayattu : Kalari means Gymnasium or School, Payattu means Excise and Fight.
Stages of Kalaripayattu : Spread over Three Stages – Meippayatt ( Exercise to Control the Body).
Kolthari (Fighting with Sticks).
Ankathari (Felicity in using metal weapons like daggers and swords).
Weapns used in Kalaripayattu : Otta (curved Stick), Urumi (a flexible sword), Kettukari (long Stick).
Important Aspect : Every Kalari Fighter is given Uzhichil or massages using Medicinal Oils.
Don't Miss : Watching a fight between marshal art players of Kalaripayattu.
Inside Tip : Kalaripayattu is also used for treatments nowadays as it has links with Ayurveda and Specialises in curing ailments like back pain and Spondalitis.
Places of Origin : Kondotty – 26 km from Malappurram is the Birth Place of Kalari.

"Kalaripayattu - A Game of Eyes Shut And Mouth Wide Open"

What a fun would be to engage your ears to the euphony of jangling swords and your eyes to the incredible aerial acrobats, to witness a combat that creates a unique, rhythmic feel that can make you forget that what you are seeing was once a module of war. Originally a traditional form of martial art that started in South India, Kalaripayattu is believed by many historians to be one of the oldest existing martial arts of the world. Emphasizing skill over flashiness, Kalripayattu is a form of art which asks for fervid mental discipline, for the battles are fought as much in the mind as on the ground. And it does require a certain amount of intrepidity to swing heartless weapons with eyes wide shut, an archaic signature of Kalari fighters! Following a dearth in the patronages by the princely states after Indian independence - Kalaripayattu gradually lost its significance as a mortal combat code from the pages of history. However, in the recent years, like a phoenix-like renascence, Kalaripayattu emerged in a new avatar, as a source of inspiration for self-expression in dance forms - both traditional and contemporary - in fitness and lately, in movies. Come to learn the famous martial art of India, which is better known as Kalaripayattu art in Kerala.
The word kalari is said to have been derived from the Sanskrit words "kala", which means art, and "ari", which means enemy. Literally, thus it means art of defeating an enemy. Legends has it that around 525 AD, an Indian Buddhist monk named Bodhidharama travelled to China and trained the monks in kung-fu at the Shaolin temple. Kalari practitioners claim that Bodhidharama taught them the eighteen hands of Buddha - a special set of exercises and from this evolved the Chinese art of Shaolin Boxing. These eighteen hands of Buddha are said to be derived from the eighteen 'adavukals' (adavu = technique), which form the substratum of the 'Vadakkan' or northern style of Kalarippayattu. Slowly this fighting style traced its route to Japan and blended with the fighting skills of those regions, resulting in today's martial arts. There are many martial art schools in Kerala that train the person in this art.

The Style

The artistic discipline of 'Kallaripayattu' consists of a series of intricate and progressively more difficult movements that establish a synergistic analogy between the body and the mind. One can visit the small alcove (known as 'kalari'), facing the east, where the art is practised. The south-east corner houses the guardian deity on a seven-tiered platform called the "poothara", the seven steps representing the seven exigent abilities a warrior should possess - Vignesu (force), Channiga (patience), Vishnu (commanding power), Vadugashcha (animal posture), Tadaguru (training), Kali (the wild expressions of the Goddess) and Vakastapurushu (sound of animals). One might find these names bizarre and out-of-this-world, but so do the art, which demands not just tremendous physical fitness but also the swiftness and ferocity of wild animals. Indeed, Kalaripayattu's movements draw inspiration from animals, and there are even poses named after the boar, the elephant, the lion, the fish and the serpent among others. The illumination of Kalaripayattu envelopes many arcane and darker secrets of human life, like the knowledge of human 'marma' - 108 highly sensitive, vulnerable and vital parts of the body). Interesting, isn't it?

Mother of Modern Kung-fu

The word 'Kalari' denotes a gymnasium and 'payattu' means both exercise and fight. One needs years of training and kilos of patience to reach the perfection. The learning domain is spread over three stages - "Meipayattu" or physical training & preparation, "Kolthari' and 'Angathari' which include all forms of weapons combat, and' Verumkai Prayogam' which is about bare handed combating skills - each of which again consists of 18 phases of arduous training. An opposite epilogue to achieving perfection in the art of Kalaripayattu is the consummate use of the Urumi - the deadly double-edged flexible sword. You will be surprised to see how these masters coordinate their voluntary and involuntary muscles to inaugrate the desired perfection. They fly in the air (not exactly as it is shown in Kungfu movies) and pulsate their limbs with ample dexterity, enough to augment levels of adrenaline in the body of the beholder. Tek up martial art tours of India and learn the Kalaripayattu art in Kerala.

The Healing Edge

Perhaps what gives Kalripayattu an extra edge over other forms is the fact that it is an inch more than just martial art. Strongly blended with ayurveda, the Kalari Chikitsa specialises in allaying ailments such as back pain, sprains, fractures, cuts and spondylitis, and revitalising the body with fresh breaths of consciousness using the knowledge about 'vital spots', otherwise meant to completely neutralise the vigour of an enemy. Kalari medication, with its own variety of potent oils, different types of bandages and unique way of application, is also popular among the tourists. Enjoy the grand pleasure of Indian message and you can also say bye to many of your chronic ailments. The advantages of learning this popular martial art form in Kerala is great.

Kathakali

Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. Kathakali is a group presentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. Characters are categorized according to their nature. This determines the colours used in the make-up. The faces of noble male characters, such as virtuous kings, the divine hero Rama, etc., are predominantly green. Characters of high birth who have an evil streak, such as the demon king Ravana, are allotted a similar green make-up, slashed with red marks on the cheeks. Extremely angry or excessively evil characters wear predominantly red make-up and a flowing red beard. Forest dwellers such as hunters are represented with a predominantly black make-up base. Women and ascetics have lustrous, yellowish faces.
The technique of Kathakali includes a highly developed language of gesture, through which the artist can convey whole sentences and stories. The body movements and footwork are very rigourous. To attain the high degree of flexibility and muscle control required for this art, a Kathakali dancer undergoes a strenuous course of training, and special periods of body massage.
The dancers wear large head dresses, and the contours of the face are extended with moulded lime. The extraordinary costumes and make-up serve to raise the participants above the level of mere mortals, so that they may transport the audience to a world of wonders.
The orchestra of a Kathakali performance includes two drums known as the chenda and the maddalam, along with cymbals and another percussion instrument, the ela taalam. Normally, two singers provide the vocal accompaniment. The style of singing particular to Kathakali is called Sopaanam. The orchestra of a Kathakali troupe is unique and provides not only the background to the dancing, but also serves as a highly expressive special effects team. In the traditional village ambiance, the percussionists also provide publicity for the event by playing outside the venue for some hours before the start of the show.
A traditional Kathakali performance begins in the evening and continues throughout the night, culminating at the auspicious hour of dawn, when Good finally conquers Evil. Today, however, it has been modified for the proscenium stage, and urban audiences can participate in this ritualistic theatre experience in the comfort of a plush auditorium, within the span of a couple of hours.

Mohiniattom

One of the youngest Indian classical dances, Mohiniyattam dance came into being during the 16th Century A.D. By 19th Century, it was in its full form as it was boosted and encouraged by Swathi Tirunal, Maharaja of Trivandrum, Kerala. The Mohiniattam dance form is a very sensual and graceful dance form that is performed both solo and in a group by women. The term Mohini means a beautiful maiden who enchants spectators and Attam means dance; so Mohini Attam is essentially an enchanting dance by a gorgeous maiden.

There are two famous legends that are associated with the origin of the dance form. It is said that Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of an enchanting Mohini to lure the demons away from the holy nectar of immortality (Amrit) that was churned out by the Gods and the Demons. In another instance He comes as Mohini to save Lord Shiva from the demon Bhasmasura. The name of the dance was essentially created after this legend and the hero or the main protagonist of every dance performance is Lord Vishnu or his avatar Lord Krishna.

The theme that surrounds the dance is love and devotion to God. It is basically a form of dance drama and was performed by maidens in temples in old days. This dance form also has elements of Bharatanatyam, the classical dance of Tamil Nadu. The dance form has 40 basic movements and is a very gentle dance. The performer uses her eyes to enchant the mind without exciting the senses. The hand gestures used in Mohiniattam are very important as a communicative gesture.

The make up and costume is very realistic and simple. A white sari with golden brocade border is the usual costume. It is teamed with gold jewelry like elaborate earrings, an elegant necklace, a gold waistband, bangles, armlets, etc. The make up emphasizes on the eyes and they are beautifully lined and made to look sensual. The music is classical in nature and is a mix of Sanskrit with Malayalam. The dance is performed according to the rhythm of the song with subtle footwork and powerful hand gestures of the performer.

Ottanthullal

A solo dance exposition, the Thullal is of three types. Its origin is attributed to Kunchan Nambiar, a veritable genius and one of the foremost poets of Kerala. Though based on classic principles of Natya Shastra, the technique of this art is not rigid. The songs, written in simple malayalam, frank to outspoken wit and humour, the simplicity of presentation and the direct appeal to every day life made Thullal very popular.

  The instruments used in Thullal are the Maddalam and Cymbals. The Cymbal player who tunes the rhythm, also assists the actor - dancer (Thullalkaran) in singing. Thullal is classified in to three different types. Ottan, Seethankan and Parayan based on the difference in costume, dance and also the metre and ryme of Thullal songs.

  Of all Thullal dances the Ottan Thullal is the most popular. The costume is peculiar and impressive. A long tape of cloth of white and red colour is looped around a waist string to form a knee-length skirt. A chest plate adorned with various types of coloured beads,glass and tinsel and other ornaments is also used. Gaudily painted wooden ornaments are worn at the wrist, and on the shoulders are wooden equaletters. Tinkling bells are tied to the legs just above the calf. The face is painted green, the lips are reddened and the eyes are emohasised with black paint. The head dress is colourfully decorated. The metre and rhyme of the Ottan thullal songs are very fast, and the dance as such has a high tempo.

Oppana

This is a Bridal Dance performed by Muslim Girls of North Kerala and in Lakshadweep. There are separate dances for the bride and bridegroom. Brides and Grooms are mentally prepared for marriage and the nuptial night by their close friends through a sequence of dance and music. This is an occasion of great celebration and merriment and all arrive attired in gorgeous costumes.

A Hot-blooded Holiday

Plan a holiday trip to Kerala, the land renowned for its unique Dhanurveda and Ayurveda. Fortunately, Kalaripayattu today still has a few centres that practice the basics of the art in its original form as conceived and followed by masters of yore. Those were the days when a revived interest in Kalaripayattu made hundreds of people from near and far come to Kerala and undergo training in Kalaripayattu and related subjects like Marma Chikitsa (treatment). You can also now be a part of it. Among the few centres, which has carved a niche in the pages of glory is the Indian School of Martial Arts (ISMA). The centre was the outcome of the indefatiguable zeal of few young men, who under the leadership of Mr. P. S. Balachandran Nair, a master practitioner of Kalaripayattu, established ISMA in 1983. Tourists can visit ISMA, currently present at two Kalaris, one at Thiruvananthapuram and the other at Parasuvackal near Parasala.

You can also visit the trivial village of Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur District, Kerala and spend some of your holiday mornings learning the tricks of fighting at Kalmandalam. As a centre of learning and research for the traditional classical art forms of Kerala, Kalamandalam attracts students and scholars from both India and abroad. The classes generally begin by 3 P.M. in the afternoon and end by 5 P.M. Besides imparting physical training to the students, it also bestows aficionados with the knowledge of the literature of the art concerned. If you are in Kerala, don't forget to be a part of the newly initiated Cultural Tourism Project called "A Day With the Masters. This structured and professionally managed half-day tour of Kalamandalam surely provides an unforgettable experience to the visitors. There are many Kerala martial art schools in India.