print Kalarippayattu
Kalarippayattu is a martial art that origins from the southern Indian state of Kerala. There are three styles distinguished in this martial art: northern (vadakkan), southern (tekkan) and middle. In all of them, practice includes: learning sequences of movements, empty-hand attacks, training with weaponry (various kinds of sticks, knife, sword, speare), as well as breathing exercises and meditation.The styles differ among each other mainly in sequences of movements (including fight with weaponry) and some exercises.
Regular practice allows development of flexibility, agility and coordination of body; it supports body function, concentration and sense of direction, as well as - what is the most important - it rises awarness of one’s own possibilities and shapes spiritual attitude.
The training is completed by a healing system closely related to ayurveda that includes among others teachings about vital points of human body and massages, as well as the knowledge of rituals that accompany training and fighting.
Elements of kalarippayattu have been used as a part of training for actors and dancers in Kerala in such arts as kathakali, krishnattam, kudiyattam, mohiniyattam, kolkali, porkali and velakali. Nowadays, it becomes also an inspiration for Western artists.
