The Kalaripayattu experience includes a 60 minute demonstration of this ancient martial art form with about six performers. The show starts with the lighting of traditional lamps, a flower offering to a deity and a brief introduction. There will be about 27 different weapons demonstrated with an explanation of each one.
Regarded as the oldest and most scientific in the world, kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala, is an integral of the Malayali culture. Bodhidharama, a Buddist monk, who visited China during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Ling dynasty, is believed to have presented the world with a self-defense system; from which evolved almost all the present day martial art forms. Scholars believe that his philosophy was influenced by the ancient martial culture of malabar - kalaripayattu the mother of all martial arts.
Kalaripayattu literally means acquired skill of art. 'kalari' means school or arena and 'payattu' is skill training or practice. Inherent in the training for combat is a system for healing. One inflicts upon an opponent an injury that one also has the capacity to heal. It encompasses an invigorating Ayurvedic herbal treatment for chronic ailments like arthritis and spondylosis, and a massaging regimen which repairs physical damages and makes the body young and supple. The training in martial art begins with an oil massage of the body, which goes on until the body is agile and supple. Feats like chattom (jumping) ottam (runnig) marichil (somersault) etc then taught followed by lessons in the use of weapons such as dagger swords, spears, maces, the bow and arrow and so on. The training system is divided four sections meythari (body control exercise) kolthari (training with wooden sticks) ankathari (metallilc and heavy wooden weapons)
