Kalarippayattu

About Kalaripayattu: 

• It is one of the oldest and most scientific martial art forms in the world, aimed at mind and body coordination.
• It originated and is widely practiced in Kerala. The term “Kalari” in Malayalam refers to a traditional gymnasium where this martial art, known as Payattu, is taught. 
• According to mythology, the warrior sage Parasurama is credited with establishing Kalarippayattu.
• The four stages of Kalaripayattu are:
  • Maippayattu: It is the body conditioning phase where the person is schooled to prepare their body for a fight. Only after qualifying this stage can the practitioner proceed to the next phase of training.
  • Kolthari: In this stage, a person is taught attack and self-defense with the help of wooden weapons such as short sticks, and long sticks.
  • Angathari: Once the person overcomes the fear of fighting with wooden weapons, sharp metal objects are introduced — in the third stage.
  • Verumkai: This stage includes research-based bare-hand fighting. Students are taught body anatomy so that they know what points they can hit and what they cannot.
• The main ethnic styles of Kalarippayattu found in the three regions of northern Kerala (Malabar) are: Vattenthirippu Style, Arappukkai Style and Pillathangi Style.
• It is believed that Kalarippayattu was introduced to China at the Shaolin Temple in the 5th century AD by Bodhidharma, who was originally from Thanjavore, a cultural center that was part of Kerala but is now in Tamil Nadu.

Q1: Who is the father of Kalaripayattu?

Kalaripayattu, which is the most popular amongst many martial arts practiced in India, is believed to have been founded by Parasurama.

Source: IE