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KALARI PAYATTU
Oldest Martial Art on earth
In no other system of martial arts, you can find a similar combination of exercises as they are in kalarippayattu. It is this system of scientifically arranged and well-graded series of exercises for achieving maximum physical agility makes kalarippayat unique amongst many other martial arts.
Body Control Exercise
Body Control Exercise is the first step to be practiced in the training of Kalaripayat. This is the main basis on which further progress of the students is built. Every conceivable form of stretching, turning and twisting of the body is mastered by means of practicing this. The art of wielding weapons can be mastered only through perfect control over one's body as well as by agility. A man, however strong he may be, cannot use his strength effectively if he has no control over his own body.
Weapons used in Kaliripayattu
Kettukari (Quarter Staff)
This is a cane about five feet long. This is training for eye to understand the movements of the opponent, looking at his face. It is also a training to use a long staff as a powerful weapon of offence and defense. This exercise really forms a preliminary to the art of lighting with a spear.
Cheruvad (Three Span Staff)
This is a short staff of 3 spans and requires more care and precision in wielding. The movements are more rapid and blows are delivered in quicker succession. The practice of Cheruvadi calls for great agility of movement and an idea of quickness with which it is practiced, can be formed when you are told that about a hundred blows can be dealt in about a minute.
Otta (Curved Staff)
This is a short staff about 18 to 20 inches long. Allthe attacks with this are aimed at the "Marmas" or vital spots of the body. this is the initial training for scientific bare hand combat. Otta practiced to perfection calls for a lot of stamina and physical endurance.
Dagger
The dagger has a length of about one-foot and is sharp on both sides and is pointed at the end. The principle uses are slashing, cutting and prevention of attack. No shield is used, cuts and thrusts are made on all sides and the slightest in-attention on the part if the combatant would find his opponent's dagger deep into his body.
Gada (Mace)
The pupils of gigantic structure and great muscular strength prefer the use of this weapon. Though body strength is considered to be very essential, still agility and dexterity are counted much for the successful handling of this weapon.
Spear
The spear is a deadly weapon and was generally used in ancient war-fare. In, this, it is difficult to fight at close quarter. Cuts, thrusts, whirling and several kinds of locks are made with it and they are parried and returned with the spear itself.
Sword and shield
The use of the sword and shield in an efficient manner is considered to be the peak of perfection in armed combat. An extraordinary control over the body, agility, a quick eye and a keen presence of mind are necessary for the mastery of sword fight. The combatants have to turn and twist their body in all possible ways and to leap and jump with surprising ease and agility.
Fighting without weapon
This is the training for defense without using any weapon against an armed or unarmed person. Secret techniques of defense against the attacks on the vital spots ( "marma" ) is also practiced in this. |
