The mother of all martial arts: Decoding the ancient roots of kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is an ancient Indian martial art from Kerala, often regarded as one of the oldest surviving combat systems in the world. Blending physical discipline, healing knowledge and spirituality, it is as much a way of life as it is a fighting art. (wikimedia commons)

Origins that Go Back over 2000 years: Kalaripayattu is believed to have developed between the 3rd century BCE and the 3rd century CE in southern India. It evolved from battlefield combat techniques used by warriors of ancient Kerala, influenced by Dravidian culture, Ayurveda and yoga traditions. (wikimedia commons)

The Training Space: Training happens in a kalari, a sunken earthen arena oriented east west. Before practice, students bow to the earth, the guru, and guardian deities, highlighting that Kalaripayattu is grounded in discipline, respect and ritual. (wikimedia commons)

Four Stages of Training: Training progresses in a strict order: Meipayattu: body conditioning, flexibility and balance, Kolthari: wooden weapons like the long staff, Angathari: metal weapons such as swords and spears, Verumkai is unarmed combat. Students move ahead only after mastering each stage. (wikimedia commons)

Weapons Unique to Kalaripayattu: Kalaripayattu is famous for its distinctive weapons, including, Urumi: a flexible sword worn like a belt, Kettukari: long wooden staff and Cheruvadi: short stick. (wikimedia commons)

Connection to Ayurveda and Healing: Kalari masters are traditionally trained in Ayurvedic massage (uzhichil) and marmachikitsa, the science of vital points. The same points used to disable an opponent are used to heal injuries and restore energy. (wikimedia commons)

Meenakshi Amma: Meenakshi Amma of Kerala is one of the most respected living masters of Kalaripayattu. Trained from childhood, she broke gender barriers in a traditionally male dominated martial art. Through her kalari, international workshops and demonstrations across Europe, Asia and the US, she played a crucial role in globalising Kalaripayattu and inspiring generations of women to train in the art. (official Facebook page of Meenakshi Amma)