Kalari Training in chennai
About
Kalaripayattu Training
Kalari training is
traditionally carried out in an enclosure which is 21’ width and 42’ length.
Such training grounds are constructed according to Vastu shastra and are
considered sacred. The entrance faces the East and the place of deity is to the
South West. The deity place has its seven steps symbolizing Strength,
Patience, Commanding power, Posture, Training, Expression and Sound.
Students attain the power to control the internal energy, breath, mental power
and the power to focus by following the rituals and reciting mantras. Students
are instructed not to sleep during the day time and are advised to sleep well
at night. It is important that the students understand that Kalari is not only
a means of self-defense but also a means to becoming determined and self
disciplined.
Kalari training can be started as early as seven years of age. Beginners start
with training in balance and body flexibility and then move on to advanced
lessons. Kalari requires speed, agility, and co-ordination of body parts. The
training to become a Master includes training in Ayurveda and knowledge of
human anatomy which helps in understanding vital nervous points.
The combat training
can be divided into four categories
1. MAITHARI – Physical methods of fighting.
2. KOLTHARI – Wooden weapon fight.
3. ANKATHARI – Iron/steel weapon
4. VERUNKAI PRAYOGAM – Unarmed combat.
Note:- POOTHARA PRANAMAM (SALUTATION OF KALARI PAYATTU) The seven Sacred Steps
in the South West Corner (Kannimoola) of the Kalari are called “Poothara”.
Poorthara Pranamam is an important and foremost feature in Kalari.
MAITHARI – PHYSICAL
EXERCISE ANGASADAGATHVAM (Leg
Exercises). Training is Kalari commences with leg exercises. With 16 different
exercises in this category, the student learns to grip the floor with his toes,
to keep his balance and to focus while performing the exercises. Practicing the
leg exercises everyday stretches the muscles well and improves the performance
of the student. The movement during these exercises is from east to west and
back while the Gurukkal (Instructor/Master) gives commands. The side commands
of the Gurukkal, known as Vaithari are rhythmic and aid in timing of various
movements. This basic training is necessary before advancing into the techniques
of Kalari Payattu.
II. MAIPAYATTU – THE SPINE OF KALARIPAYATTU Maipayattu is a pattern of
exercises that integrates all categories of body exercises. Regular practice of
Maipayattu results in controlled, flexible and graceful movements of the body and
helps develop breath control (Pranayama), strength, flexibility and stamina.
The movements have to be performed with a continuous flow of energy. In
Maipayattu one seeks to achieve the softness of a cat and the swiftness of an
antelope and can act even on a very restricted surface. Through these
exercises, the student’s body becomes like a weapon and he is now capable of
excelling in the use of the Kalaripayattu weapons also.
IV. KETTUKARI (KOLTHARI.) Kolthari refers to the use of wooden weapons especially
a stick about 5to 6 feet long. This is the first weapon to be taken for
practice in Kalaripayattu. The stick training allows one to use it as powerful
weapon of offence and defense. Stick fight is the preliminary phase to learn
the art of fighting with a spear.
V. CHERUVADI Cheruvadi is a 3 span step much shorter exercise regime but
requires more care and precision. The movements are very rapid and blows are
delivered and parurd in quicker successions. The practice of Cheruvadi calls
for great ability of movement and about a 100 blows can be dealt with it in a
minute.
VI. OTTA (Curved Stick) One of the most important weapons in Kalari is a wooden
curved stick with the shape of an elephant tusk. It is important because it is
linked to the knowledge of the vulenerable points (Marmas) of the body. Otta
Kol is 18 to 20 inches long with a knob at the point end. The knob is used to
thrust the Marmas during combats at close quarters. This weapon is taught only
to students in advanced courses who are disciplined, skilled, devoted and
trustworthy. Training of the metal weapon precedes this weapon. It is said
“Otta payattuyal Urakkathum payattam” - which means a student who is well
trained in Otta fight can fight even when asleep.
VII. GADHA (MACE) This heavy wooden weapon (4 to 9 kg) must be wielded by well
built person. It is strictly followed that this weapon should not be aimed
below the waist of the opponent. Obvious reasons for which can be found even in
puranic stories. Balarama, Bheema and Dhuriyodhana were the greatest exponents
of this weapon - using Gada as their chief weapon. Blows on vulnerable points
of the body like temple and chest can be fatal.
VIII. Dagger ANKATHARI (Metal weapons) The dagger has a length of about one
foot and is sharp on both sides. It is pointed at the end. It is used for
slashing, cutting and prevention of attacks. No shield is used, blows being
parried with the dagger itself. Cuts and thrusts can be made on any side and
the slightest lack of attention on the part of the combatant could find his
opponents dagger deep into his body.
IX. UDAVAL (Personal Sword) Udaval involves training in fight with sword.
Attack and defense are done by sword only.
X. PULIANKAM (Sword and Shield) The word Puliankam is derived from two words Puli
meaning ‘lion’ and ankam meaning ‘fight’. Most of the techniques employed in
Puliankam are derived from animal fights, particularly the cat–like wild
animals. Like in all other types of combat, puliankam involves all important
techniques of Maipayattu, especially the jumps.and flow of the body. The
fighters identify themselves with animals by using animal-expressions. In this
fight blocking and attacking often happens simultaneously. The sword and the
shield symbolize lord Shiva and goddess Sakthi respectively.
XI. KUNTHAM (Spear to Spear fight) In Kuntham, the fighters use only the spear.
The sharp point of the spear is to attack various vulnerable points of the
body. The defendant uses the spear to defend himself so the spear is used from
both the sides. The spear can be also be used to cut away.
XII. MARAPIDICHA KUNTHAM: (Sword and Shield against spear). In
Marapidicha,kuntham one is armed with a sword and a shield, while the other
with a spear. Unlike in other combats where the opponents face each other with
identical weapons, here different weapons are used. During wars combat would
often be between two men armed different weapons This type of fight is a good
example of how to deal with this situation. Usually the shorter man is at a
disadvantage due to the length of spear. Therefore, the shorter has to exploit
all the weaknesses of the opponent. One has to very careful while blocking the
spear as it points at him from a longer distance.
XIII. KATHIYUM THALAYUM: (Knife and cloth) Kathiyum Thalayum involves the most
crucial techniques in the art of self-defense. One person attacks with a knife
and other defends himself with the aide piece of cloth held with both hands in
a peculiar way. This technique is very interesting to watch.
XIV: URUMI (Flexible Sword) The flexible sword is double edged sharp weapon. It
is a long flexible sword measuring 3 to 4 feet in length and sharp on both
sides. One cannot handle such a sword unless he has mastery over body control
exercises. This weapon was used by a warriors during mass encounter. One person
skilled in the use of this weapon can attack several opponents at a given time.
The use of this weapon is also highly dangerous for user himself because of its
strangling nature.
Other traditional weapons in Kalari Payattu are Venmazhu (axe), Soolam
(trident), Churika (a short type of double edged sword) and Kaduthala (Otta
shaped metal weapon) with a sharp edge.
II. KAITHALLU “Kai” means hand, “thallu” means hitting. Students face each
other in pairs and exercise arm muscles by hitting and blocking. Leg kicks and
elbow thrust however are also included in this. Practitioners have to take care
of the distance between the students.
Ashta Vadivu (Animal postures) ‘Ashta’ means 8 ‘Vadivu’ means posture. There
are basically eight animal postures used in Kalaripayattu. This is a very
important feature in Kalari because it involves a lot of body movement that
requires a good control of the body, focusing, concentration and balancing.
Through these postures one also learns to control the breath. Following are the
Ashta Vadivu:
Gaja Vadivu (Elephant)
Simha Vadivu (Lion)
Aswa Vadivu (Horse)
Matsya Vadivu (Fish)
Marjara Vadiva (Cat)
Varaha Vadivu (Wild)
Kukuda Vadivu (Cock)
Sarpa Vadivu ( Snake )
Chuvadu (Steps) While
performing most fights the student’s feet will be in one of the four defined
positions.
Aka chuvadu :A frisk step of small
distance, ready for action - defense or offence.
Neeka chuvadu :A moving step to avoid or to respond an opponent. Move
or act as in an attacking action.
Vatta chuvadu : A parallel step like in
elephant stance
Chatta chuvadu : A jumping step
Ottakal chuvadu : Balancing on one step
Kon chuvadu : A diagonal step
Vettu chuvadu ‘Vettu’ means to beat,’ Chuvadu’ means
stepping. In vettu chuvadu students perform the act of beating and taking steps
in the some movement. However, an attack is always preceded by a blocking
movement. The over all movements are made in four directions which also involve
intricate ground patterns. Speed, concentration and powerful strokes with the
hands are enhanced in this cycle of exercises.
Verunkai (Barehanded fight) Verunkai involves
predominantly the use of bare hands for a fight. An attack during unarmed
moments can be handled by using one’s hands that may be aided by a piece of
cloth or a rope. Locks and blows are the main feature of such combat. Attacks
directed to various parts of the body especially the nervous system using blows
and kicks are therefore practiced to perfection in Verunkai.
