Kalaripayattu school | Mother of all martial arts
Welcome to Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam
School of Kalaripayattu
Our Kalaripayattu school offers a unique insight into the rich and ancient art of Kalaripayattu: a way of life, balancing mind, body and soul. Set in the cool green mountains of Wayanad, Kerala, Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam is a traditional Kalari school with a long lineage teaching this unique form of Indian martial arts.
Kalaripayattu is an ancient Indian martial art that originated in the southern state of Kerala. It is considered one of the oldest fighting systems in existence and encompasses a comprehensive training regimen that involves physical conditioning, weapon training, strikes, kicks, grappling, and healing techniques. Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam, based in the picturesque surroundings of Wayanad, Kerala, is a traditional school dedicated to preserving and teaching this ancient art form.
Here are some key aspects that highlight the uniqueness of Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam:
Location in Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad, known for its cool green mountains and lush landscapes, provides an ideal setting for practicing Kalaripayattu. The serene environment adds a spiritual and holistic dimension to the training, allowing practitioners to connect with nature while honing their martial skills.
Traditional Approach
Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam follows a traditional approach to teaching Kalaripayattu. This means adhering to the authentic methods and techniques passed down through generations. The school likely places a strong emphasis on preserving the cultural and historical aspects of Kalaripayattu.
Balancing Mind, Body, and Soul
Kalaripayattu is not just about physical combat; it is a holistic system that seeks to balance the mind, body, and soul. Training in this martial art involves mental focus, breath control, and spiritual elements that contribute to overall well-being.
Long Lineage
The mention of a “long lineage” suggests that the school has a rich history and has been passed down through generations. This lineage is crucial in maintaining the authenticity and purity of the art, ensuring that the teachings stay true to their roots.
Unique Insights
The school claims to offer unique insights into the art of Kalaripayattu. This could involve specialized training methods, additional aspects of the martial art not commonly taught, or a particular emphasis on the philosophy behind Kalaripayattu.
Way of Life
Kalaripayattu is often considered not just a physical discipline but a way of life. Practitioners often integrate its principles into their daily lives, fostering discipline, self-control, and a deep connection with their surroundings.
Overall, Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam appears to be a traditional and authentic school that provides a holistic approach to learning Kalaripayattu. It combines the physical aspects of martial arts with the mental and spiritual dimensions, creating a comprehensive and enriching experience for its practitioners.
ABOUT OUR KALARIPAYATTU SCHOOL
Situated in the Wayanad jungle, the lushest part of Kerala, the ‘Garden of India’, our Kalari school has been training people in the noble art of Kalaripayattu for over twenty years. In the fantastically peaceful setting of a small organic Kerala farm, this school, run by five veteran Masters, or Gurukkals, continually strives to pass the admirable virtues of this ancient Indian art form down to the next generation of warriors. Here, our school offers Kalaripayattu training for all levels, classes focusing on self defence (and women’s self defence), yoga and meditation as well as therapeutic massage courses and recreational horse riding sessions. We also offer Kalaripayattu demonstrations and mass workshops for schools. The physical and mental benefits of partaking in Kalari training are too many to mention but to name a few, fitness and flexibility will be greatly improved, concentration levels will increase and it is also an excellent way to lose unwanted weight. READ MORE …
Kalaripayattu literally means ‘training for battle’: ‘Kalari’ (Battlefield) and ‘Payattu’ (Training in the art of combat). Traditionally practiced by the Nair warrior caste of Kerala, it is a fierce and powerful martial art, and has its roots firmly in Indian spirituality and myth. Mythology credits Saint Parasurama as being the father of Kalaripayattu having learned it form God Shiva himself. In ancient South India the Kalari (yard for practicing Kalaripayattu) was a place of learning for subjects such as medicine, philosophy, astrology, architecture, and geometry, in addition to combat art and yoga.
“Kalaripayattu is a modern system of education. By mastering the energy you attain self-control and overcome life’s difficulties. The student of Kalaripayattu is inculcated with moral responsibility. In this ancient martial art, effectiveness and physical strength are supported by respect, attention, and non-violence so that order is maintained in oneself and in society.“
Explore the many stages of kalaripayattu training and the techniques that they require. From fighting with wooden sticks all the way through to training for battle with sword and shield and concocting home made healing potions this training regime will show you everything.
Kalari has a rich and ancient history, (and has experienced a strong revival following destruction by the British Raj). Deriving from the Sanskrit word for battlefield, this ferocious martial art was once a compulsory activity for all inhabitants of Kerala to keep them battle ready.
An essential aspect of Kalaripayattu, the massage is used in training to keep the body limber and to heal injury. Despite originating form the same place as the Ayurveda massage, there are crucial differences between Kalari and Ayurveda.
A wide range of weapons are used in training – from the muchan (short wooden stick), through the kettukari (long wooden stick) all the way to the highly advanced sword, urumi and other metal weapons. The training is intended to make all of these an extension of the body.
As well as intense physical training, Kalaripayattu also offers a training regime for the mind and soul. This aims to give the student a reverence for life and a start on the journey to untangle the mystery of human existence. This aspect of training helps to strengthen the bond between Master and student.
A key part of the spiritual training, Chakra meditation helps Kalaripayattu fighters to maintain mental balance and stamina. By aligning the Chakras one may achieve inner peace and limitless focus – attributes which are very useful both on and off the training floor.
It is a regrettable fact that women may need to know how to defend themselves against potential male attackers. Women taking part in training will be empowered by being taught special self defense techniques specifically for fending off larger, stronger attackers.
Marma are vital pressure points used for both attack and massage. From the Sanskrit for ‘hidden or secret’, these points of overlapping tissue cause extreme effects if attacked correctly ranging from intense pain to instant death.
Throughout Kerala and South India a variety of arts have evolved alongside Kalaripayattu. There are several dances, dramatic performances and festivals that exist today that have clearly been heavily influenced by Kalaripayattu.
Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam offers one of the best courses of Kalaripayattu classes in Kerala. Our Kalaripayattu school offers a variety of programs to chose from that range from a five day course all the way to several months.
Kalaripayattu and yoga is a fantastic combination. The yoga helps to maintain the body flexibility and strength required for Kalaripayattu as well as conditioning the mind for meditation. The schedule involves morning yoga with Kalari training and an evening Kalari session. The yoga classes are aimed at beginners.
The Yogic diet is more a way of life than a diet. Focusing on the consumption of fresh, homegrown foods and the absorption of cosmic energy (prana), this holistic approach to eating also incorporates meditation in its methods so the mind may be as healthy as the body. It is as useful to Kalaripayattu as it is to yoga.
Contact: +91 8547308180 kadathanadankalari2017@gmail.com
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US
My experience in Thomas’ School has been truly amazing. Thomas picked me up from Calicut airport which is about 120km from his house in Wayanad. Kalaripayattu is the mother of all martial arts… it is truly amazing. I have learned many new skills and my fitness, strength, stamina, balance, body and mind focus and coordination have all improved significantly…
John Fuster | Spain
No Comments
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.