Kerala is very famous for its various martial arts form and sports. In the olden times, the martial arts are taught from places like Gurukul. Here the students come at a very young age for getting trained in various martial art forms. It takes years for a student to get well trained in martial arts. The training includes rigorous exercises, physical fitness and yoga for mental and physical strength. The trainer also teaches subjects relating to Ayurveda and also various healing techniques using herbs. It is necessary because the student must be able to heal himself in case of any ailments before preparing for a competition. The student should have good knowledge in various fighting tactics and defensive methods. For this they must know the internal functioning of the nerves, joints and other body parts. Philosophical training is given for better focus and mind concentration. In total martial arts training is a separate study of its own and requires lot of effort and years to become perfect. Some of the well known martial arts and sports of Kerala include Kalarippayattu, Parisa Kali, Velakanni, Vaaleru, Kunderu and Njaninmel Kali.
Master your body to make strength, flexibility and endurance part of your nature; master speed to move faster than the eyes can see; master the weapon to make it an extension of your own limbs. Work on yourself, not seeking victory, revenge, wealth or honor. Instead, see the path – the endless pursuit of self-perfection
Kalaripayattu Training
The holistic approach of the kalaripayattu training is aimed at the ultimate coordination and control over mind and body. The weapons become an extension of the body, controlled by the mind to achieve high degree of perfection in both offensive and defensive combats. The inherent beauty of this art form lies in the harmonious synergy of art, science and medicine.
Anyone and everyone – young, old, boys, girls, working professionals, house wives – can reap the benefits of this rich and treasured martial art. Apart from mastering the intricate fighting & self defense techniques, dedicated and systematic training program at Veda Gurukula helps in building a strong body and focused mind. The flexible program schedule is specially designed to suit the rigors & pressures of your daily life without compromising the ‘essence’ of training techniques as practiced in the traditional ‘Kalaries’.
Beginners Level
This is a prerequisite session for beginners in Kalaripayattu and usually stretches for three months. It introduces body conditioning exercises, stretching, basic hand and leg techniques, stances, and stepping. This exposure gives the new member a better foundation in order to enter into the advanced level in Kalaripayattu and focuses on achieving the skill to adopt certain stances which are broadly classified into two – ‘Chuvadu and Vadivu’. Chuvadu is a position of the feet while Vadivu is a position of the posture of the body, keeping the chuvadu as its basis.
Duration: Two months.
Level 2
After the completion of the first level a Kalaripayattu trainee graduates on to Meipayattu (meaning the use of body). It is a series of exercises, in 18 different lessons designed to achieve peak physical fitness and flexibility of the body. They include specific exercise for legs, hips, hands and the torso.
In the second level, the training includes acrobatics, different types of flips and kicks.
Weapon Combat
This is a supplementary program for members interested in the practical use of martial arts. Training in weapons begins at the intermediate level, when there is a better understanding of the mechanics of movement and improved coordination. A weapon becomes an extension of one’s body and a further test of one’s skill. This supplementary program enhances the understanding of the principles and concepts in martial arts and ultimately develops better execution in all movements. Weapons are taught in form sequences to responsible individuals.
The training with weapons commences with cane weapons; the trainee graduates to using the Short Stick (Cheruvadi), Curved Stick (Ottakkol), Mace (Gada), Dagger (Kattaram). Once the dagger fighting has been mastered, the trainee starts on the most glamorous of combats in kalaripayattu – fighting with the sword and shield. Finally Urumi (six feet length flexible sword) – is taught as the fitting finale to perfection in the art of Kalaripayattu. This is the most dangerous weapon in the Kalari system other than your own body.
Kalari Treatment
Kalari chikitsa or kalari treatment is an integral part of the kalari tradition. It is mainly used to treat sprains, fractures, cuts and similar injuries and was originally used as a form of treatment for the trainee’s injuries. Kalari medication, with its own brand of potent oils, unguents and different types of bandages, is also popular among the general public.
The final training of a student includes in identifying the 64 Kula Marmas (deadly spots) in the human body.
Course Information:
Contact us for Further Info +917907077891 (Week Days : 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM | Sunday :11:00 AM to 6:00 PM)