What is Kalari

 

Kalari is a special kind of gymnasium, where the martial art Kalari Payattu is practiced. Kalari is the special training in 'Marma', the art of knowing and activating all the 107 energy points in the human body. These vital points (called marmas) are used for correcting the body's energy flows and replenishing its resources. Kalari therefore makes the practitioner not just a warrior but a self-healer, who can also help others with his healing powers.

‘A sound Mind in a sound body’. Kalari training of course enables one to attain a sound mind and a sound body. At Niramaya we offer various kinds of training to increase the stamina, strength and flexibility of your body depending on your physical nature.From Niramaya you will be perfectly trained each and every aspect of this art form and for this we have several long term and short term courses to choose according to your requirement and convenience.

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Legends say that around 525 AD an Indian Buddhist monk named Bodhidharama traveled to China and preached at the Shaolin temple. On finding the monks weak and listless, 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 were said to be derived from the eighteen adavukal (adavu = technique), which form the base of the Vadakkan or northern style of Kalarippayattu.

The Kalari training is normally started at the age of seven, when the body is most supple, receptive and sufficiently strong, at the same time less vulnerable. However this art can be learned at any age under the guidance of a Guru. The Kalari training is mainly divided into three stages named: Meythari, Kolthari and Ankathari.

A student begins his Kalari training with Meythari which is a set of body exercises to attain control, balance and stamina that helps to withstand arduous feats with weapons.

Kolthari, the second stage deals with preparing oneself for various attacks and defends using sticks ranging from 1.5 feet to 6 feet. The prominent among these sticks is 'Ottakol', a specially designed curved wooden weapon used to attack and defend vital parts (marma) of the body with precision.

The Ankathari, the third stage of training is aimed at using metal weapons. The Ankathari begins with dagger, then sword, spear, multiple weapons and finally to a lengthy flexible sword called 'Urumi'.

"Marma chikitsa", part of the Ayurvedic treatment begins normally after the Ankathari. There are 107 marmas in a human body and any damage to any of them can be fatal. These marmas are practiced extensively in Kalari sessions along with the study of human anatomy. As accidents can occur during the training, marma training is compulsory along with the Kalari training. 

The complete mastery over this art can be achieved with a dedicated effort and practice for a period of seven years.  Kalari crash courses are also available for immediate purposes like dance shows and films.

Kalarippayattu is considered as the most comprehensive of all the martial art forms because of the following reasons:

 

• Kalari is an excellent system of physical training.

• Efficient self defense techniques - both armed and unarmed.

• A great system of vital pressure points based system of fighting and treatment.

• A comprehensive guide to attain flexibility and desired physical and mental strength

      Advantages gained through practicing Kalarippayatu:

 

•   Improves blood circulation and muscle functions.

•   Strengthen muscles and promote its flexibility.

•   Improves self confidence and mental agility.

•   Helps to augment body balance and physical fitness.

•   Improves the sportiveness.

•   Helps to achieve self reliance.