Kalaripayattu - the martial art of Kerala (Padmanabha)

[RR]

Kalaripayattu - the martial art of Kerala

- Padmanabha


The scientific handling of sword, dagger, spear, or stick in attack or defense had attained high degree of perfection In Kerala and this art is called Kalaripayattu. There are legendary characters like Thacholi Othenen, Kappalli Palattu Koman, Payyamvalli Chanthu and many songs are available in the British Malabar on them. They are still considered heroes and many Malayalam films like Vadakkan Veeragadha were made on these legendary heroes. (This above-mentioned film fetched Mammotty the national award, for the best acting).

About the art

This age old art demands perfect mastery over the eye, body, and feet that is acquired through systematic training.

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There are customary fencing exercises namely, Body control, twelve spanner, three spanner, dagger, spear, and swordplay. In Malayalam they are know respectively as Maiyirakkam, kettukeyari, cheru vadi, otta, kunthapayattu and puliyangam.

Maiyirakkam

This makes the body supple and agile. The legs are rendered mobile like the arms. Ner kaal, vithu kaal, akam kaal, vetti kaal, dikku kaal, paadippuram kaal, thirichu kaal are the various leg exercises. The upper torso is trained to contract, bend, twist and turn with unassuming ease. The guru would render the VAI THAARI (FORMULA OF INSTRUCTIONS). The pupil would take measured tread in strict accordance.

The first grade exercises include the aasanaas like gaja vadivu, simha vadivu, aswa vadivu, varaha vadivu, sarpa vadivu, and maarjara (maarjaran means cat) vadivu. Body control exercises fall into three parts, trunk exercises, and two types of leg exercises. Each of these has in turn 12 different stages.

Twelve-Spanner

A stick of 12 span length, is the integral part of this exercise. All sorts of blows like thrusts, parries, parades, and feints come under this. These are very effective and best suited for old age as it assures agility of joints.

Three-Spanner

The stick is of three span length. Both the artiste has to maintain their eyes open for long. Even under the stress of bewilderment or fear one should not close the eyes. IT IS THE logic behind this kind of exercise. Three-spanner will save one’s life amidst enemies.

Dagger

The weapon called otta, is curved like a dagger. Handle is thick and tapering. It has a wrist and fist guard. Cuts, thrusts, and parries are terrible to behold. They are all focused to 64 vital points of the body called marmam. There are 107 vital points in the body. Out of which 64 are called kula marmam- or the noble marmam. These are not to be revealed except to the pupil.

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Spear

Here one of the combatants hold a spear and the other a sword and a shield. This enables one to learn attack and the other defense.

Swordplay

It is performed either standing at one place or striding to the master’s command. It is the most difficult part. Thacholi othenen and others were said to be great masters in swordplay.

For Kalaripayattu, the body must be transformed into a eye “Mai kannaakanam.” Very muscle of the body is brought into play. Each movement should be accurate and well timed. It expands the chest, helps equal distribution of body fluids.