{"id":15837,"date":"2024-05-21T13:19:22","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T13:19:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fightersvault.com\/?p=15837"},"modified":"2024-05-21T13:19:25","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T13:19:25","slug":"unveiling-kalaripayattu-indias-ancient-martial-art","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fightersvault.com\/unveiling-kalaripayattu-indias-ancient-martial-art\/","title":{"rendered":"Unveiling Kalaripayattu: India’s Ancient Martial Art"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Kalaripayattu is an integral part of India’s national heritage and a popular martial art practiced by millions of people around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also known as just “kalari”, the practice is a unique mixture of traditional martial arts practices that include weapons, spiritual elements, and healing methods. It was created as a comprehensive military combat system that covers all the scenarios soldiers may face on the battlefield. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we are going to bring you closer to Kalaripayattu, its rich history, and its unique concept, and explore its effectiveness in real combat.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The History of Kalaripayattu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kalaripayattu emerges from mythology stories about Sage Parasurama and Lord Shiva. According to local legends, Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, developed this martial art after receiving divine teachings from Lord Shiva, and his first students were settlers of Kerala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early history<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In its early history, during the Sangam period (600BCE-300CE), it started to spread in the ancient Indian state of Kerala, where it became a vital component of military training. Soldiers learned how to use swords, knives, and spears and ride horses or elephants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kalaripayattu training became more formalized during the medieval period (11th to 15th century). It quickly became an integral part of Kalari society, where training was present in every village and used as a method to keep the people in shape, ready for war, and disciplined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first matches or duels between two individuals started to be organized in the late medieval period. Initially, these duels were used to settle disputes between people in a controlled and safe environment. However, severe injuries and deaths were quite common. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medieval period<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During the medieval period, the art witnessed exponential expansion as other regional kingdoms integrated it into their military strategies. This period also marked the standardization of various techniques and codified their distinct styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kalaripayattu faced a downturn in the early modern period due to political instability and foreign invasions that happened after Vasco da Gama discovered a new route from Europe to India. However, a resurgence occurred in the 20th century, mainly thanks to enthusiasts who played a crucial role in revitalizing the practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 21st century, Kalaripayattu transcended its martial origins, evolving into a holistic discipline of physical and mental well-being. It is practiced worldwide by thousands of people looking to grow and improve their quality of life through martial arts practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kalaripayattu Techniques and Concept Explained<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kalarippayattu is a hybrid martial art and a mix of armed and unarmed techniques. This includes striking with all limbs, usage of light armor, and weapons such as swords and spears. In contrast to other martial arts, practitioners first need to master weapon-based skills before moving on barehanded moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kalaripayattu Concept <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kalarippayattu is a martial art that combines armed and unarmed techniques with healing practices. This includes striking with punches and kicks, grappling moves, and weapons such as swords and spears. Since the system focuses on actual combat, practitioners learn to execute each move explosively and aggressively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The learning syllabus adopts a unique approach where practitioners focus on mastering weapon-based skills before moving on to barehanded techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the style, the learning syllabus might also include Yoga meditative practices as well as folk dancing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kalaripayattu Techniques<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kalaripayattu is a hybrid mix of striking, grappling, weapon-based techniques, and healing methods. It is a comprehensive system that covers most scenarios practitioners face in real life or on the battlefield. The majority of kalari schools emphasize traditional methods of teaching, and the learning program includes the following groups of techniques:<\/p>\n\n\n\n