What Clients Says About Our Kalari Training

---

Kalari Training, Nature, Guru, a second home – I found them all here!

I came to Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam with the intent of training the

ancient martial arts form which has its genesis in this very land. I am

leaving the sangam as a member of the beautiful Kalari family that

Thomas Sir has cherished and nurtured over the years.

So, being overweight, swifting across the powerful Kalaripayattu moves was not easy. But it needs a teacher as evolved, intuitive and sensitive like Thomas Sir to make this journey easy and interesting for me. His mastery in Yoga, Kalari, Ayurveda etc. provided me all the Ayurvedic medicine, Kalari massage, key insights and guidance needed to lose weight, get over my weak joints and effectively learn the art form to my best of capabilities.

As you come here, you will find yourself in the of nature, amidst a lifestyle that is simple, close to nature, away from all the pollution and hustle of city life. And you will be amazed by the number of stars you can watch in the night sky. The beautiful hilly roads with gardens and fields on both sides, will drive the laziest of people like me for daily long walks exploring the place and its ever welcoming people.

I could have expressed gratitude for Sir for whatever I have learnt and experienced but as I write this, he has become a father figure, a family member beyond the scope of formalities; in essence a Guru in the true sense of the term for me. His family is the most welcoming, easy breezy, cool lot of people who made this place my second home in the last one month.

As I have committed myself to come back to this home and further proceed in this powerful meditative art of Kalari, I sincerely recommend you to have the kind of experience I had here. Trust me, you will return a new, energised and evolved person (As Thomas Sir says to all his students : ” You are a Warrior now”)
Suberna Gupta

About Thomas Gurukkal and the experience of his Kalari Training in Kadathanadan kalari Sangam

It was in my heart to learn and experience Kalaripayattu for a few years now. I did a search online and something about this centre got my attention. After that it was easy. I called on the number, and very swiftly everything got organised. I was very happy that food and stay are both part of the program. But I was not fully sure How the food will be since I am a little fussy about what, when and how I eat!!! Which I will talk about later in this review

Well, from the very onset in Wayanad it felt like a rich, moist, green lush place, the drive from the airport to the centre was memorable. Then the first Kalari training class with Thomas Gurukkal.. I thought being a Hatha Yoga Teacher it should be okay..!! Well it was 🙂 However, In Kalari speed, power, flexibility, stamina, and strength all of it was challenged and hence acquired some of it during the training. The class was twice a day and in between time was for relaxation and rest. 

In a matter of a day I felt so integrated into the ecosystem. I practiced Kalaripayattu, I ate extremely healthy food, The meals were organic and freshly home-made, every meal was extremely tasty and full-filling. I ate twice my appetite as it was so nourishing. 

 I lived in this beautiful place for 15days, among beautiful people. Sir often went out of his way to do things for us.

For me it was more than Kalari training, It was a feeling of family. This is the most rich experience I had in the whole of India. 
It was so amazingly harmonious. I would love to go there again as soon as I get my next break. 

With Love and Gratitude, 

Pooja Pradaan

Aakrithi Sahay

Kalaripayattu is the origin of martial art before coming to this place (Kadathanadan Kalari sangam) I have no idea that why I am going to learn this art form. But now I can say that it has transformed me in many ways. I have gained strength, stamina, as well as mental power, and all thanks, go to Thomas Gurukkal. I had never done any physical activity so for me, it was a bit difficult to adapt to the changes but under the guidance of Thomas Gurukkal, slowly it becomes favorable. During my one-month stay I never felt like I am away from my home, I enjoyed Pranav’s and Sachu’s company, loved amma’s and Raji mam care. The place is beautiful, the food is amazing, learned fishing also. Everything will bring me back here soon.

Milo Smith: United Kindom

Thomas,
I can’t thank you enough for having me to stay with you and your lovely family for such a long period of time – first as a helper on the farm and then as a student of Kalaripayattu. Your way of life is a beautiful thing to behold and I learnt a huge amount from experiencing it, if only for a few months. Your family made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived and I loved getting to know each and every one of you. Pranav and Sachu were a constant source of entertainment, always cheerful and enthusiastic even when they fight with each other. Raji’s and Amma’s cooking has ruined English food for me! 
You have been a brilliant teacher to me and, more importantly a firm friend – I am very grateful for all you did for me and the shelter you provided during the COVID storm. Kalaripayattu is a special tradition, full of history and spiritual gratification and I very much want to return to continue training and, of course, to see you all again!
Much love,
Milo

My great experience training Kalari

Kalari Training School

“I’ve had a wonderful time with at the Kalaripayattu training school. I stayed over for only for a few days and managed to make quick progress under the patient guidance of Thomas Gurukkal, who is a dedicated and fun teacher. The classes are mesmerising to watch and it’s incredible to be able to participate. I hope to be back soon to complete at least one month. Thank you so much Thomas gurukkal, & to all Kalari students!
Solene France

“It was a great experience Kalari training at Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam in Wayanad,Kerala. Sir Thomas Gurukkal is vastly experienced in this art and teach the students very well and treat them like family.I came for 14 days course form 29th March 2021 to 10th april 2021. It’s a very small time period to learn Kalari however i was able to make most of it under Gurukkal’s guidance and learnt self defence techniques,sticks warfare techniques,strengthening and conditioning the body and mind and some weapon fighting techniques. I also learnt to ride horse here.At this place children start practicing Kalari at very early age starting 3 and it’s great to see their enthusiasm keeping this 3000 year old traditional martial art technical alive. It helps in overall development of mind ,body ,senses and concentration. Kadathandan Kalari Sangam is situated in lap of nature . The home cooked traditional Kerala food is delicious . It’s a great place to learn .I will always remember that I have a family in Kerala and sometime in future I will try to comeback to learn more”.

Brajendra Silawat Technoloigy Lead-Infosys Ltd.Pune

THE HEAVEN OF KALARIPAYATTU

This place is heaven. It’s another home for me and the people there are my family. I have had the best and peaceful time in my life during my stay at Kadathanadan Kalari sangham for a 2 weeks Kalari workshop. I decided to attend the workshop when I was struggling with post Covid conditions, and the initial days were difficult as I was physically weak. But Thomas Gurukkal was so patient and helpful which made the journey easy, eventually. He is a brilliant Guru to me, and importantly a very good friend and an elder brother. He is knowledgeable about Yoga and Ayurveda too. We had discussions about spirituality and Yogic diet which really inspired and enlightened me. His family made me feel like home while I was there. His mother, whom I also call amma, is a mother figure for me. And Gurukkal’s children, Pranav and Sachu are my brothers from another mother. They kept me busy all the time and were a big inspiration as well as both teach and learn Kalaripayattu from a very young age.

I would buy some land nearby the Kalari and settle there eventually. Because I have had a strong connection with that place, people and nature.

If you love nature and want to pause in life, take a break and evolve, Kadathanadan Kalari Sangham is the right place. This will change your life 🙂

YEDHU PAYYANNUR

Kalaripayattu training Kerala

Kalari Testimonial:
Thomas Gurukkal’s Kalari School is one of the finest places to learn and practice kalaripayattu. His mastery of the martial art coupled with his interactive, supportive and patient teaching methods- help the student learn and grasp techniques and skills with clarity. His house is located in a beautiful setting in Wayanad, along with their organic farm. His family is very kind and caring. His sons- Pranav and Sachu are an inspiration- learning Kalari from such a young age. They keep the students busy throughout the day- playing games, watching movies and having loads of fun while practicing Kalari. I would highly recommend this place to everybody, no matter their age. This is a life changing experience!

Kadathanadan kalari Sangam one of the best Kalari training center in India

Kalari is  one of the ancient martial art form of kerala. It is still drawing followers of its importance. I have been studying kalari for 6 years under Thomas Gurukal. Iam very glad to be part of this institution.  Our Master is very passionate that he teaches each and everything with correct explanation and perfection.All the students even from outside the country is very comfortable and convenient in his teaching methods. Gurukul makes our  journey easy and friendly. From the very first day onwards my body started to show changes.The primary aim is the ultimate coordination between mind and body. Mentally and physically Iam feeling far better than before. It increased my concentration , flexibility and mainly I become strong both outside and inside.It has influenced me in many ways.While the rigorous exercise of Kalaripayattu strengthen the body, learning this art form instills a sense of responsibility and reinforce discipline,which also strengthen the mind. My family members also have been practicing with me. I always recommend kalari training to my friends and family especially girls since we also learn self defense , which is needed in our present world. Through kalari we get enough will power and mental strength to defend ourselves against those who try to disturb us. I like to use this space to convey my gratitude and to express my glad to being one of his student. For me kalari is spiritual and it keeps the mind under control and provides good health. I sincerely recommending  you to take part in our family.
Devika Devarajan

In “Kalari Training” Indian martial arts, emphasis is placed on making the body more stable and flexible as a foundation for more difficult practices .

Thomas Gurukkal and the other masters know the human body and its ailments through and thtough, He also know the Marma points. The training sessions are held twice a day. Since I am a beginner, I had to take things slow intitially. Thomas Gurukkal catered to my fitness level and adjusted the training sessions accordingly. As time passed by, I became more flexible and stronger. My stamina increased as well. It was easy to follow through the training since Thomas Gurukkal explained and demonstrated the exercises well. I play basketball for my university team and the strength and conditioning exercises are significantly different from Kalaripayattu. In Kalari, emphasis is placed on making the body more stable and flexible as a foundation for more difficult practices. I am going to incorporate some of the exercises from Kalari in my Basketball routine for a more holistic training session.
The Kalari training ground is surrounded by a mini forest. Ayurvedic herbs, Cocoa , Jack fruit, coffee , chickoo are some of the trees that grow in the area. I ate a lot of Jackfruit in Thomas’s house. This region in Kerala is blessed with thick vegetation and a cool climate. There are convenience stores and restaurants near by. Apart from the Kalari training, the place serves as a detox from city life.

Elton Ray Coelho | Dubai

Amazing Experience Learning Indian Martial Arts Kalari in Kerala

I want to thank you for putting so much effort into the training of all of your students, myself included, and thank you for looking after me whilst training me Kalari. I loved training with you and I am already looking forward to a moment in the future when I can return to your lovely home to train for an even longer period of time. I hope all of your work and amazing efforts take you to the right path. You are a truly great man and it was lovely meeting you as well as your wonderful family and other students!
Zain Meer | New Delhi

I 100% recommend this Kalaripayattu Training school in Kerala,India

I came here when i was lost in my life and i knew i can not go on like this. I am so glad i came. Thomas sir is the best Kalaripayattu teacher, guru that one can hope for, he is a master of his art and a great guide. They provide food and accomodation as Kalari training is held twice a day, early morning and evening. Rooms are great, clean, food awesome. Thomas’s sir family is great. You will find kind, good people here. Sir also have volunteers from different backgrounds, they also help and motivate. About the training i will say it does build up your stamina and is great. Initially i’d say its new growth – cultivate it tenderly. The goal should be to complete the Kalari training. i loved every second of it, and i know i will come again. I fell back in love with life again, here in God’s own country.
Dr. Garima Singh

---

Indian Martial Arts Kalari Training

I recommend this Indian martial arts training school 100% i am very pleased

Thomas is a very good teacher and he is a great master with over 20 years of experience in the Kalari training, ayurvedic holistic medicine and massage. he is very wise and knows a lot about the science and anatomy of the body and how energy works.
The food is delicious and very nutritious which is great after intense training. there house is located all around lush vegetation all types of fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, spices and all types of plants with medicine properties which are all really interesting to learn about. also they have dogs, goats, horses,buffalos and cows who are all amazing to spend time with if you enjoy being with animals. i was also very happy with the room i was provided with, i had plenty of space and it was very clean. Pranav and Sachu are Thomas’s children who are really cool very well mannered and are really good at martial arts! and are very fun to play with! they motivate me a lot to train harder.
i have learned very good unarmed defense and attack skills, short stick and long stick (staff) skills which are mind blowing. i am very happy how fast i learned thanks to Thomas way of teaching was very effective and clear, his English was very good and i never had a problem with understanding each other.
i recommend this Indian Kalari training school 100% i am very pleased and i will be back again with my girlfriend. as now i feel part of the family and absolutely love his place!
John Fuster | Spain

Your comment...NameE-mail