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| MARTIAL ARTS |
| Kalaripayattu |
Believed
by many historians and scholars as one of the
oldest and most scientific and comprehensive system
of martial training existing in this world today,
Kalaripayattu the ancient martial art of Kerala
truly deserves the title of the forerunner of
all martial arts. With the help of the available
historical evidences, the present practicing traditions
origin can be traced back to the l2th century
A.D. The word 'Kalaripayattu' literally means
'combat training inside the gymnasium'. The word
kalari has been derived from the Sanskrit 'Kholoorika'
meaning a military training ground. The traditional
training of Kalaripayattu is always done inside
a 'Kalari' which is a specially constructed practicing
area, where the presiding deities of the art and
the entire line of gurus of the tradition is ritualistically
represented. Not only is the Kalari a temple of
learning, it is also a temple of religious worship
with a cult and ritual of its own. The master
who is addressed as the Gurukkal' is revered as
the representative of the deity and is considered
as the living embodiment of a long line of gurus. |
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The training consists
of self disciplinary training and physical
culture. The pupils are given regular
physical exercises and training in the
use of such weapons as Kuruvadi (short
stick), spear, dagger sword, shield
etc. The most promising of the trainees
are taught the Marimbas, viz. the vulnerable
points in the human system. The kalaripayattu
training aims at the ultimate co-ordination
of minds and body. |
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The traditional training of the
Kalari gurukkal includes as can be seen in some
other martial arts specialization in indigenous
medical preparations and techniques of treatment
and healthcare. Based on the Ayurvedic system
of medical practice the old masters of Kalaripayattu
has indigenously developed methods of treatments
for kalari related injuries like bruises, fractures
etc. known as kalarichikilsa. The training of
the gurukkal also includes the special system
of full body oil massage to develop flexibility
and muscular texture also to stimulate circulation
to maintain general health. |
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Many of the traditional performing
art forms of Kerala like Kathakali, Koodiyattam,
Velakali etc have drawn elements from Kalaripayattu
during their stages of evolution. Kathakali has
borrowed much from Kalaripayattu in its basic
body preparative training of the actor not only
in terms of techniques in practice but also from
the body massage for the trainee. Many of the
body postures, choreography and foot work of the
Kathakali characters are taken directly from Kalaripayattu. |
Kalaripayattu
declined after the l7th century but in recent
times it has staged a revival, thanks to the activities
of various kalari sanghams. |
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| Other form of Martial Arts |
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The 'Parisakali' of North Malabar
and 'Velakali of Travancore. are two other martial
art forms which involve considerable physical
training and knowledge of the use of the arms.
The latter is also semi religious in the sense
that it is a mock fight representing the battle
between Pandavas and Kauravas at Kurukshetra.
It is played in connection with the temple festival
at Shertallai and Ambalapuzha as well as Sree
Padmanabha Swami Temple at Trivandrum. There are
also other martial art forms like Valeru (sword
throwing), Kunderu and Njaninmel kali (tight rope
walking) which are performed in connection with
festivals in temples. |
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A very important contribution
of Kerala in the field of martial arts in recent
times is the circus. The Cannanore-Tellicherry
area of North Kerala is known as the home of circus
in India. The Great Circus Acharya of Kerala,
Keeleri Kunhikannan Teacher was born here in 1858.
His mastery over the art of 'Kalaripayattu' and
wrestling' helped him to study the modes of Gymnastics
and sports practiced by the English officers.
Thus the martial arts like Kalaripayattu practiced
by the people of Kerala through the centuries
having helped in putting the state in the forefront
of Indian Circus. |
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