Kalaripayattu
കളരിപ്പയറ്റ്
Kalaripayattu (കളരിപ്പയറ്റ്) is an ancient Indian martial art from Kerala, often considered one of the oldest fighting systems in the world. It progresses through four stages: meippayattu (മെയ്പ്പയറ്റ്, body conditioning), kolthari (കോൽത്തരി, wooden weapons), angathari (അങ്കത്തരി, metal weapons), and verumkai (വെറുങ്കൈ, empty-hand/pressure-point combat).
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Kalaripayattu develops extraordinary flexibility, full-body coordination, and connects you to one of humanity's oldest martial traditions. Its holistic approach includes Ayurvedic healing — chikitsa (ചികിത്സ) — and marma (മർമ്മ, vital point) knowledge.
At a Glance
Who It's For
What You'll Learn
Meippayattu (മെയ്പ്പയറ്റ്, body conditioning through acrobatic kicks and flexibility)
Kolthari (കോൽത്തരി, wooden weapon techniques — kettukari/staff and cheruvadi/short stick)
Angathari (അങ്കത്തരി, metal weapon combat — val/sword, paricha/shield, kuntham/spear)
Verumkai (വെറുങ്കൈ, empty-hand combat targeting 108 marma/മർമ്മ pressure points)
Ayurvedic healing — chikitsa (ചികിത്സ) — and uzhichil (ഉഴിച്ചിൽ, oil massage) therapy
Your First Class
Wear loose cotton clothing (a loincloth is traditional but not required). Expect oil massage preparation, deep stretching, and basic kicks and leg exercises (meippayattu). Classes run 60-90 minutes.
Watch & Learn
Gallery
Legends of Kalaripayattu
Meenakshiamma (Grandmaster)
C.V. Narayanan Nair
Vidyut Jammwal
Related Styles
Kung Fu
Kung Fu — gongfu (功夫) — is a broad term for Chinese martial arts, or wushu (武術), encompassing hundreds of styles. Training typically includes forms — taolu (套路) — conditioning, and combat applications with an emphasis on philosophy and tradition.
Silat
Gatka
Gatka (ਗਤਕਾ) is a Sikh martial art originating from Punjab, associated with the Nihang (ਨਿਹੰਗ) warrior tradition. It uses a wide array of shaster (ਸ਼ਸਤਰ, weapons) including the kirpan (ਕਿਰਪਾਨ, sword), lathi (ਲਾਠੀ, staff), and chakram (ਚੱਕਰ, throwing disc), and is integral to Sikh cultural identity.
Capoeira
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of fight, acrobatics, music, and dance. Developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil, it is performed in a roda (circle) to live berimbau music.
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