Styles in Kalaripayattu

 





Styles in Kalaripayattu. 

Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh  – The Warrior Monk

Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker

               

                  Kalaripayattu is the strength and foundation of Kerala. History always travels with warriors, and our warriors came from our Kalaris. This was the strength and beauty of Kerala—an unbreakable legacy. Kalaripayattu never discriminated based on sex, religion, caste, or creed. Boys and girls alike received this fundamental education, creating a society of warrior leaders who were immortalized by their courage.

While Kalaripayattu is deeply rooted in Kerala, equivalent martial traditions exist in other parts of South India. In Karnataka, we have Garidis, and in Tamil Nadu, we see Silambam, Adithada, Adimurai, and Varma Kalai. More than just historical records, these traditions live through myths, legends, and oral narratives. Though we commonly use the word "Kalaripayattu" to refer to Kerala's martial art, the truth is, it has multiple styles.





             The northern style, or Vadakkan Kalari, flourishes in Malabar, in the northern regions of Kerala. It follows a highly structured and disciplined training system. The Vadakkan Kalaris became famous through the Vadakkan Paatu (ballads), which celebrate the bravery of warriors like Thacholi Othenan, Aromal Chekavar, and Unniarcha.

The southern style, which we at Agasthyam focus on, is vast and filled with deep knowledge. It emphasizes Marma (pressure points) and compact combat skills. The pressure-point-based system is known as Varmakalai. Here, the goal is to disable an opponent by targeting their vital points. Silambattam, the art of the bo staff, is also a part of this southern tradition. 

Southern Kalaripayattu is more than just self-defense. There's a saying: "Thodathe thodathe thottal vidathe." This means: Never touch your enemy unless they make the first move. Our Gurus emphasize this repeatedly—avoid a fight if possible, at least three times. But if there's no choice, ensure that the opponent is fully subdued.




                    One of the most unique aspects of Kalaripayattu is its healing system. No other martial art in the world has an integrated treatment practice like Kalari Chikitsa or Siddha Chikitsa. This healing tradition ensures that warriors can recover from injuries and maintain their well-being. The Gurukkal isn't just a teacher; he is a healer responsible for the health of the entire community. For centuries, dedicated ashans have preserved and practiced this knowledge.

In central Kerala, the Madhya Kerala Sampradayam includes:

  • Kalam Chavittu Sampradayam – known for rhythmic footwork.
  • Verumkai – focusing on bare-handed combat.
  • Vatten Thiruppu from Payyanur – featuring agile twisting and turning techniques.
  • Kaikuthippayattu from Kadathanadu – rigorous hand-to-hand combat.
  • Payyanadan style near Kozhikode – blending armed and unarmed techniques with fluidity.
  • Northern Arappukai style – famous for high kicks, acrobatics, and advanced weaponry.
  • Tulunadan style – a balanced system that combines aggressive strikes with defensive moves.
               There are also unique traditions like Kalamchavittu, Hanuman Vazhi, Jambhavan Vazhi, and Baali Sampradayam. Baali Sampradayam is particularly interesting—it teaches warriors to draw strength from their enemies themselves. Even today, Kalaripayattu is taught with influences from all these diverse styles. 

In 1804, the British banned Kalaripayattu in Kerala following the Kottayathu War, led by the brave Pazhassi Raja against British rule. Major Kalari training grounds were shut down. But our Gurukkals refused to let Kalaripayattu die. They continued teaching in secret, passing it down with extreme devotion. It was these dedicated warriors who preserved the art into the 20th century and led its revival.

Kalaripayattu is not just an art—it is our legacy, our discipline, and our way of life. Today, as we continue this tradition, we honor the warriors before us and ensure that their strength lives on in future generations.

ABOUT AUTHOR

Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh, is a fifth-generation Kalaripayattu master, celebrated as a “Warrior Monk” ,a self-realized spiritual leader and founder of Agasthyam kalaripayattu. Deeply rooted in a 129-year-old lineage, his journey is marked by profound self-awakening and dedication to the Thekkan Sampradayam (Southern Tradition) of Kalaripayattu. His teachings unify physical mastery, mental clarity, and spiritual insight, making Kalaripayattu a global path for holistic well-being. As co-principal investigator of the IKS Center for Kalaripayattu and Siddhar Tradition, he promotes Kalaripayattu’s healing wisdom as vital for modern life. An author and filmmaker, Dr. Mahesh’s legacy inspires resilience, self-discovery, and unity in seekers worldwide

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Mighty Gadha

Image
THE MIGHTY GADHA Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker                      T he gada, a formidable weapon, has a deep-rooted significance in Indian martial traditions, especially in the epics and lore of ancient warriors. In Kalaripayattu, the wooden gada serves as both a training tool for muscle development and a weapon in combat.                     The gada holds a prominent place in Indian mythology and history. It is best known as the weapon of Hanuman, the mighty Vanara, and a key figure in the Ramayana. Hanuman’s gada symbolizes strength, loyalty, and unwavering devotion, attributes that are central to the martial spirit. In the Mahabharata, the gada is wielded Bhima and Duryodhana , two of the greatest warriors in the Kurukshetra War. The infamo...
Read more

Is Murugan a man or a God ?

Image
IS MURUGAN A MAN OR A GOD? WHO IS MURUGAN? Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker Murugan, the divine figure of South India, is known by many names—Subramanian, Seyon, Skandan, Vadivelan, Padayappa, Devasenapati. Is he a god, or was he once a man who  ascended to godhood? This question resonates deeply with the spiritual and historical  understanding of Murugan’s place in Indian culture. The God with Many Names Murugan is not just a god in the traditional sense. He represents the embodiment of wisdom,  bravery, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. In ancient Tamil tradition, Murugan’s  journey from a mortal man to a divinely revered figure was a process marked by  extraordinary feats—both spiritual and earthly—that elevated him to the status of a god. He  was a man who transformed into a god through his knowledge, penance, and he...
Read more