Anjaneya Kalari, Peyad, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, India

Anjaneya Kalari, Peyad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India 

Poothara

What is Kalaripayattu?
Kalaripayattu is an Indian martial art from the southern state of Kerala. One of the oldest fighting systems in existence, it originated   in Kerala and is practiced in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as well as northeastern Sri Lanka and among the Malayali community of Malaysia..

Kalaripayattu is a traditional psycho-physiological discipline emanating from Kerala's unique mytho-historical heritage as well as a scientific system of physical culture training. The historical antecedents of this martial art form combines indigenous Dravidian systems of martial practice such as 'varma ati' or 'marma adi' with an influence of Aryan Brahman culture which migrated southwards down the west coast of India into Kerala.

{Note: Puttara is a Malayalam word for a platform where flowers are kept. It is a seven-tired platform and located in the south-west corner of every kalari. Here is where the guardian deity is located. Flowers, incense and water is given to the deity every day. Before each person starts practicing, they pray to the deity. Not only is the kalari a temple of learning, it is also a temple of religious worship.}

The Origin of Kalaripayattu

Oral folklore ascribes the creation of kalari payat to the Hindu gods. At the turn of the 6th century A.D., martial arts was spread from Southern India to China by Daruma Bodhidarma - an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master. From China, martial arts have spread to Korea & Japan.  It was first documented around the 11th or 12th century AD by the historian Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai, who attributed its creation to an extended period of warfare that took place between the Chera and the Chola dynasties in the 11th century. 

As per Vedic texts the practice of Kalaripayattu is said to originate from the Dhanur Vedic texts encompassing all fighting arts and described by the Vishnu Purana as one of the eighteen traditional branches of knowledge. 
{Note: Benefit of Practicing Kalaripayattu: In children, the practice of Kalaripayattu, helps develop their self confidence, mind control, discipline of both body and mind, personality etc.}

Definition of Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is derived from the words Kalari - which means "place, threshing floor, or battlefield", and payattu - which means to "exercise in arms or practice". Regular practice of kalarippayattu enables one to achieve flexibility, agility and co-ordination of the body, to develop strength and stamina, concentration and sense of direction, and - most importantly – it makes people aware of their possibilities, allowing them to control their energy and shape their spiritual attitude.

{Note: Benefit of Practicing Kalaripayattu: In children, the practice of Kalaripayattu, helps correct inferiority complex and mental sluggishness. It makes them energetic and active.  It develops in them positiveness and build their resistance to illnesses. It also helps improve their immunity to diseases as they stay mentally and bodily fit.}

Two forms of Kalaripayattu

There are two distinct traditions in Kalaripayattu-the Northern and the Southern schools. The Northern kalaripayat (vadakkan kalari) is practiced mainly in North Malabar. It places more emphasis on weapons than on empty hands. Parashurama, sixth avatar of Vishnu, is believed to be the style's founder according to both oral and written tradition.

The Southern kalaripayat (or adi murai) was practiced mainly in old Travancore including the present Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu primarily by the Nadars and Mukkulathors. Emphasizing empty-hand techniques, it is closely connected to Tamil silambam and Sri Lankan angampora. The founder and patron saint is believed to be the rishi Agastya. Masters are known as asaan.  The stages of training are chuvatu (solo forms), jodi (partner training/sparring), kurunthadi (short stick), neduvadi (long stick), katthi (knife), katara (dagger), valum parichayum (sword and shield), chuttuval (flexible sword), double sword, kalari grappling and marma (pressure points).

Sage Agastya

Anjaneya Kalari, Peyad, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, India, specializes in the Southern form of Kalaripayattu. 

{NoteBenefit of Practicing Kalaripayattu: Girls and women can learn Kalaripayattu easily. Besides the benefits stated above, in girls and women in particular,  the practice of Kalaripayattu, helps improve their ability and strength to react  to threatening situations, increases their bodily grace, enhances their self confidence and  helps maintain youthfulness and beauty. }

Inspiration from animals

Kalaripayat includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods. Crafted in ancient South India, drawing inspiration from the raw power and sinuous strength of the majestic animal forms - Lion, Tiger, Elephant, Wild Boar, Cat, Snake, Rooster and Crocodile, Kalaripayattu laid down the combat code of the Cholas, the Cheras and the Pandyas. Shrouded in deep mystery and mists of secrecy Kalaripayattu was taught by the masters in total isolation, away from prying eyes.

{Note: Benefit of Practicing Kalaripayattu: It is observed that regular practice of kalaripayettu helps prevent ailments like Diabetes, Hypertension, ailments related with Heart, as it keeps the body and mind fit.}

The Vital Spots or marmas

"Human is an immortal spirit encased in a perishable body so there should be points where spirit hinges matter which are called marmas or vital point". The earliest reference to vital points in combat is in the Rig Veda (1200 BC) where the Lord Indra slays a demon by attacking his marma with his divine weapon. Attacking the vital spots caused the opponent to be stunned, disarmed or even killed. Kalaripayattu and the ancient medical texts in the Dravidian and Sanskrit traditions share the concept of the 'vital spots' in the human body, which is made up of the Pancha Bhootas (five basic elements), air, water, earth, fire and ether. Prana (life energy) flows through the body channeled through marmas or vital points.

 Anjaneya Kalari  Sangam Specializes in the Southern form of Kalaripayattu & Traditional sidha Marma ,Kalari chikilsa.Kalaripayattu follows the ancient Ayurvedic and Marma methods of massage, using the feet and the hands to spread herbal oils all over the body, to regain its vital spots. These natural oils are made in the centre by the traditional way, and are different according to each specific treatment. there are several treatments to heal many kinds of pain normal massages to improve the ciruclationa nd the nervous and muscular systems; specific massages to heal mental tensions, rheumatic diseases, blood pressure or skin problems and marma masasages
Our important treatment of Arthritis, Spondylosis, Sinusitis, Migraine and effective in reducing pain and inflammation in the joints, neck and lower back, Ulcer, Piles, White discharge, Kidney stone etc. And also we provide traditional kalari massage and uzhichil for body relaxation and flexibility

Kalaripayattu and Dance Forms
In recent years Kalaripayettu has gained popularity among dancers in India and abroad. A number of dancers are   adapting the various steps, Chuvadus, motions, movements etc. of kalaripayettu to ballet and other dance forms. Many choreographers are creating a fusion with Kalaripayattu and the stances and steps of traditional dance forms. 

Anjaneya Kalari, Peyad, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala 

                      Anjaneya Kalari has a rich History of Ancestral Kalaripayettu Tradition.

 Kalaripayattu is suitable for people of all abilities, and may be of particular interest to those engaged in dance, theatre, martial arts or yoga because of its highly developed body language, & ability to bring cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, & balance to the body & mind.

Our Specialties :

Regular Class
Short Term Courses
Long Term Courses
Kalaripayattu Workshop
Kalaripayattu Teacher Training Courses
Kalari Marma Treatment
Kalari Massage & Uzhichil

Address: Anjaneya Kalri Sangam
and Marma Chikitsa Kendram,
Chandamuku, Panagode, Peyad P.O.
Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, India

Contact Us
Phone: Cell Phone: 
+91 9746103127  Ashokan  Gurukal
+91 7025028398      
+91 9895816754 Ajayan, Instructor
Email - anjaneyakalari@gmail.com 



Blog Authored by: Viswas Menon
Phone: 09449825583.