Kalaripayat
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| Focus | Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Full-contact, Semi-contact |
| Country of origin | India |
| Creator | Shiva, Agastya or Parashurama according to local myths |
| Olympic sport | No |
| Meaning | "Practice in the arts of the battlefield." |
Kalaripayattu is a martial art, which originated as a style in Kerala, southern India (North Malabar). The word kalari first appears in the Tamil Sangam literature to describe both a battlefield and combat arena. The word kalari tatt denoted a martial feat, while kalari kozhai meant a coward in war. Each warrior in the Sangam era received regular military training. It is considered to be one of the oldest fighting systems in existence. It was originally practiced in northern and central parts of Kerala and southern parts of Tamil Nadu.
Kalaripayattu has three regional variants, which are distinguished by their attacking and defensive patterns.
Northern kalaripayattu (vadakkan kalari) is practised mainly in North Malabar mostly by Thiyyans & Kurups. 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. Masters in this system are usually known as gurukkal or occasionally as asan, and were often given honorific titles, especially Panikkar. The northern Brahmin immigrants contributed their skills through the "Salai"s which were educational institutions imparting various branches of knowledge including military arts. Chekavar , a warrior section within Thiyya caste are the forefathers of Kalari. They are known as 'Pathinettu Kalirikkum Chekon' meaning those who are the masters of 18 Kalaris. Kurups were allowed to study only upto 17th adav in Kalari. Nairs who formed the core of military units were sent to kalari gymnasiums right from the age of seven and were expected to be at the service of the sovereigns at a day's notice
The northern style is distinguished by its meippayattu - physical training and use of full-body oil massage. The system of treatment and massage, and the assumptions about practice are closely associated with Ayurveda. The purpose of medicinal oil massage is to increase the practitioners' flexibility, to treat muscle injuries incurred during practice, or when a patient has problems related to the bone tissue, the muscles, or nerve system. The term for such massages is thirumal and the massage specifically for physical flexibility Chavutti Thirumal or Chavutti Uzhichil which literally means "stamping massage" or "foot massage". The masseur uses their feet and entire body weight to massage the person.
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