Journalism of Courage
Those who practice kalaripayattu are left with no doubt over its historic status. Considered the mother of all martial arts,kalari artistes proudly stake claim to this status – legend traces the 3,000-year-old art form to Sage Parasurama. And to reestablish the status of kalaripayattu,guru Belraj Soni will be in the city to hold a workshop organised by Sangeet Seva Pratishthan from August 3. Kalaripayattu originated in ancient south India. Kung-fu,popularised by the monks of the Shoaling Temple,traces its origin to Bodhi Dharma an Indian Buddhist monk and kalaripayattu master, informs Soni,who has been touring India as well as the globe to popularise and impart training in the martial art form.
It demands extensive training and regular practice and,according to Soni,makes a better human being out of an individual. Presenting one with the reins to control once own physical movement,the regular practice of kalaripayattu bestows one with the power to control ones own senses. Practicising the various items in kalaripayattu and training in the methods of defence and attacks with the traditional weapons used in the kalari will enhance physical fitness and cultivate abilities such as absolute physical control ,endowing unbelievable speed in physical movements,leaps and jumps and also would help the trainee achieve perfect neuro-muscular co-ordination, he says.
In the 10-day workshop,Soni will be training the participants in basic leg movements,mayepayattu (body movements),various body postures and verumkai prayogam(bare hand fighting movements) to acquaint them with kalaripayattu.
(The workshop will be hel d from August 3 to 12. Those interested can contact 98811 48850,98220 86998 )
