Kalari-Payat - The Ancient Indian Martial Art of Self-Defence

Kalari-Payat, an ancient Indian Martial Art of Self-defense form of Kerala South India is the mother of Karate Kung-Fu and many other Asian Martial Arts. Research shows that the Malayalees practiced this art thousands of years ago. Its popularity reached its Zenith during the 14th and 15th Centuries when kings, noblemen, monks and the Malabar soldiers were well known in the martial prowess. The Buddhist monks and gurus, who visited Kerala, were the ones who mastered the salient features of the art and propagated in China, Japan and to the shores of South-East Asia. Indian researchers accuse the British in India of suppressing the activities of the Kalaries, which abounded during the 19th century. The art was revived following India's independence and once more gained prominence in society.

Kalari-Payat techniques are a method of combat. Kalari-Payat is a training to fight with chops, blows, kicks, squeezes, locks, throws and pressure point tactics. The Kalari will also master the use of all ranges of weapons such as the 12 span staff called KETTUKARI, the dagger KATTARAN and finally the URUMI, a long deathly stretch of flexible steel wound around the waist. A cut with the URUMI can slice the body in two. It is the deadliest weapon in the armory of a Kalari-Payat warrior. A grand master (Maha Guru) in this art will learn the art called Uzhichil a special massage of the nervous system using specially prepared medicated oils. In his medical knowledge of the Anatomy and the Ayurvedic medicines, he will be able not only to treat his own injuries but also his disciples and students who might suffer from injuries in training or combat.