Kalaripayattu Training System
Kalaripayatt is divided into four categories
- Maithari (Physical exercise)
- Kolthari (wooden weapons)
- Ankathari (Metal weapons)
- Verumkai prayogam (unarmed combat)
(1) Poothara
The seven sacred steps in the southwest corner (Kannimoola) of the Kalari are called poothara. Poothara pranamam is an important and foremost feature in Kalari.
Apart from the use of weapons in warfare, Kalari has evolved a unique method to
defense/offence. This is entirely a system peculiar to Kerala, developed
independent of all foreign influences. There are several methods of defending oneself against an enemy armed with dagger, knife, staff.............and also in disabling him. Jambuvan mura and Bali Mura are first-rated examples if excellence in unarmed combat.
Katcha
Throughout a set of physical exercises the student can learn to control the use of his body. Katcha a kind of abdomen guard-18 muzham long cotton cloth, tightly wound around the abdomen increases stamina and ability of the trainee. In the former days, the use of Katcha was compulsory for the trainees. Now a days, students will only wear a small cloth for their lions (langoti) after which they will apply medicated or gingilly oil. In the Northern Ballads about Aromal Chekavar, a great hero and Kalaripayat-expert got deadly injured but fighting until the enemy was defeated. Only after the fight as he removed the katcha his life-energy split over and the hero died himself.
Maithari
- Angasadagathuam (leg exercise)
- Chuvadu (steps)
- Chattangal (jumps) and Marachilukal (flyings/throws)
- Vettu chuvadu
- Maipayattu
(2) Kolthari (wooden weapons)
- Kettukari (Long Stick)
- Muchaan or short staff
- Otta or curved stick
- Gadha
(3) Ankathari (Metal weapons)
- Kattaram (Dagger)
- Udaval (Sword)
- Pulianakam (sword and sheild)
- Kuntham (Spear to Spear fight)
- Marapidicha Kuntham (sword and sheild against spear)
- Urumi
- Kathiyum Thala
Other traditional weapons in Kalaripayatt are venmazhu (axe, soolam (trident) churika (a short type of double- edged sword) and kaduthala (otta-shaped metal weapon with a sharp edge).
(4) Verumkai prayogam (unarmed combat)
