TRAINING SYSTEM
Kalaripayatt is divided into four categories

(1) Maithari (Physical exercise)

(2) Kolthari (wooden weapons)

(3) Ankathari (Metal weapons)

(4) Verumkai prayogam (unarmed combat)

(1) Maithari-(physical exercise)

Throughout a set of physical exercises the student can learn to control the use of his body.

Angasadagathuam (leg exercise)
In ten different exercise the student learns to develop a grip to the floor with his toes, to keep his balance while bringing up the leg, to focus the eye to one point By performing these leg exercise daily the muscles will get stretched more and more.
These exercise will be performed from east to west and back while the Gurukkal (master or instructor) will give the side- commands (vaithari), Angasadhagathuam (picture of leg exercise)
Training is commenced with the control of leg exercising. This is basically necessary before advancing into the techniques of kalaripayatt.
The Vaithari or sidecommands of the Gurukkal are giving rhythm and the timing of the movement.Vadivu (animalstances) The adimanushyans (our primitive ancestors) were living very close to the nature and were imitating animal-behaviour in order to fight. Animalstances in kalaripayatt are stylised postures inspired by different animals: Gajavadivu (elephant), Simhavadivu (lion), Aswa vadivu (horse), Malsya vadivu (fish), Maarjara vadivu (cat), Varaha vadivu (wild boar), Kukuda vadivu (cock), Sarpa vadivu (snake) by assuming these low-down postures the pupil gets more body structure and will learn to keep the bodycenter  by controlling the breath.

Chuvadu (steps)
While performing later fights the students feet will always in one of the next four positions

(1) Aaka chuvadu: A fixed step of small distance, ready to actions of defence or offence

(2) Neeka chuvadu: A moving step to avoid or to respond an opponents move or action, also in an attacking action.

(3) Vatta chuvadu: A parallel step like an elephant stance

(4) Chaatta chuvadu: A jumping step

(5) Ottakal chuvadu: Balancing on one leg

(6) Kon chuvadu: A diagonal step 

Chattangal (jumps) and Marachilukal (flyings/throws) 

Maipayat: The spine of Kalaripayatt!!

Maipayat is a pattern of physical exercises that integrates all categories of body exercises mentioned above. Constant and regular practice of these exercises result in controlled, flexible and graceful movements of the body. This practise helps to develop pranayama (breath control), force, flexibility and stamina. The movements have to be performed in a continuos flow of energy. In the Maipayat the student has to seek for the softness of the cat and the fastness of the antelope. His body masters the space completely and can act in even a very restricted surface. Through these exercises the students body becomes a weapon, capable to excell in the use of the Kalaripayatt-weapons. Gurukkals are saying; 'Maiyyu Kannakanam' (the body becomes all eyes) (ekagratha)

Vettu chuvadu

"Vettu" means to beat. "Chuvadu" means stepping. In vettu chuvadu the student is performing the steps and the beats in the same movement. The movements will be made in four directions and sometimes take the shape of intricate ground patterns. However the attack will always be preceeded by a blocking movement. Speed, concentration and powerful strokes with the hands are enhanced in this cycle of exercises

Kolthari (wooden weapons)

Once the student is performing Maipayat to a satisfactorily level, the Gurukkal will allow him to proceed into the instruction of kolthari. Kettukari : some people will call  this long staff "Pandeeran" short form of  'Pandrandu chan' or 12 span stick. This long staff ideally measures from the forehead to the toe. In the Kettukari -fight the stick is used from both sides. The right hand holding the stick is called 'Amaram'-side while the left hand holding the stick is called the "Muna side". The stick must be sliding in between both hands without ever losing the contact with the stick. The student starting the fight from the east-side of the Kalari will learn how to respond to the beats aimed to various parts of his body. The teacher or the senior student will take the west-side of the Kalari and lead the combat by attacking the movements. The student should study both sides with care. In Kettukari combat we are teaching as well "Vadiveeshal" or stick wavings. These exercises are not only very useful to loosen the wrists. They require a complete use of the body and control the steps. The handling of the long staff will later prove to be very useful for the spear fight. Muchaan or short staff : Muchaan is the short form of 'Moonu chaan' of three span, which is the measurement of this weapon. Preferably made of tamarind it is thick at the base and thinner at the end. In this combat the practitioner are working at close distance and very lowdown postures. the concentration on the beatings/blockings is much higher, Well trained will reach an extraordinary speed with this weapon. Otta or curved stick : This wooden weapon with the shape of an elephant tusk is the most important weapon in Kalari, because it is fully linked in the knowledge of the Marma's or venurable points of the body. Ottakol is about 18 to 20 inches long, with a knob at the pointed end. This knob is used to thrust the Marma's. combat at close quarters and locks are the main features in otta payattu. This weapon is taught only to those who are well disciplined, skilled, devoted and trustworthy. The instruction of this weapon will be given only to advanced students in our institution and instruction of metal weapons will come previous to this weapon. In ottapayat one can see the essence of the body -training (see maipayat) and weapon techniques of Kalaripayat. "Ottapayattiyal urakkathum payattam" this means the well trained student in otta fight can fight even when he is asleep.

Background explanations on Otta(also separated)

(1) It is believed that an elephant tusk was used by Lord Krishna in his duel with kamsa. In this duel both adversary were frying to kill each other with different weapons. Ultimately Lord Krishna withdrew an elephant's tusk with which he attacked Kamsa's   Marma's. The shape of the elephant tusk has been adopted in modelling the ottakal in tamarid wood.

(2) It is a holy weapon because people believe that the removed tusk of Lord Ganapathy (the elephant headed son of Lord Shiva) was used as  a "otta".

(3) The human observation of a fight between the elephant and the lion might have resulted in the expression of steps and stances of both animals fight by one person. The word "otta' means single.

Gadha (mace) This heavy wooden weapon (in between 4-9kg) must be welded by well -built persons. Blows on vulnerable points of the body like Temple, chest are fatal. Particular treat of this weapon fight is that it should not be aimed below the waist of the opponent. Reasons can be found in the puranic stories. Balarama and his disciples, Bhima and duryodhana were the greatest exponents in using the gadha as their chief weapon.

(3) Ankathari (Metal weapons) or the use of metal weapons.

In this advanced category of Kalaripayatt-teaching the student needs to be more courageous because of the increased danger. "Kattaram" is a double -edged ,sharp dagger, made of tempered steel of 1to1 feet length with specific handle. thrusts, cuts. parries, locks and throws are principles aspects incorporated in a dagger fight (picture)

Pulianakam (sword and sheild)

"Puli" means lion." Ankam "means fight. Most of the techniques employed in puliyankam are derived from animal fights, particularly the cat-like wild animals. Like in all other types of combat, puliyankam involves all important techniques of maipayatt, especially jumps and flow of the body. the fighters will in dentify themselves with the animals by using their expressions. In this fight blocking and attacking will often happen simultaneously. The sword and the sheild symbolize Lord Shiva and Goddess Sakthi respectively. (puranic stories)

Kuntham (Spear to Spear fight)

The fighters are using only the spear in their hands. The sharp point of the spear will be aimed to thrust to various vulnerable points of the adversary's body. The other party will have to block or lock with the  spear to defend himself. So the spear is used from both the sides. The spear can also be used in a waving or cutting way. Actually the "Kettukari" or long staff-fight is the prelude of this fight.

Marapidicha Kuntham (sword and sheild against spear)

In this combat one is armed with sword an shield and the other with as pear. As the weapons are different the combatants here cannot fight at close quarters. The sword man has to be very careful in his blocking for the spear is pointing at him from a longer distance. During the wartime adversaries would meet often with different weapons. This type of fight is a good example of training in how to deal with this situation.

Urumi
This flexible sword is a double-edged sharp weapon. The blade is about a person's body-length and can be kept around the waist of the warrior. because of the very practical way to keep this weapon it was also a very frightening weapon because it was very difficult to come to close quarters with the person using the "Urumi'. One person skilled in the use of the weapon could kill many adversaries. The use of this weapon is also highly dangerous for the user himself because of its strangling nature!

Other traditional weapons in Kalaripayatt are venmazhu (axe, soolam (trident) churika (a short type of double- edged sword) and kaduthala (otta-shaped metal weapon with a sharp edge)

Verumkai prayogam (unarmed combat)

When a pupil masters all arms he can start to study the pure self defence-techniques which are performed bare handed.

A vast set lock techniques (piduthangal), throws, flyings and marma prayoga (the hitting of vital spots), counter locks and escape-techniques are transmitted by the Gurukkal to the pupil.

Kathiyum Thala

"Kathi" means knife. in this fight one men will attack with a knife (or two knives) and the other person will defend himself by using blocking techniques. This blocking he can also do by using a cloth. This cloth originates from a part of a traditional habit of cloth wearing.

Kai-Thallu

"Kai" means hands. "Thallu" means hitting. students will face each other in pairs and basicly exercise arm-muscles by beating  and blocking. Legkicks and elbowthursts however are also included in this chapter. practiciners have to care of the stepping -distance and carefully should cover and trace unprotected spots on his opponent's body.

KALARI-TYPES

The word "Kalari' comes from the Sanskrit "Khaloorika" which means training ground.The Kalari space is constructed according to certain prescriptions which are effectuated by the builders. Kalari's f.i.will NOT  be constructed at following places. places  were people believed snakes were residing and worshipped, very often places, rocky underground, not close to the mountain foot.

Most Kalari's will have east/west oreintation. The main entrance remains at the east side if the building. In the southwest corner, called the "Kannimoola" one will find the poothara. This is a semicircular construction with seven steps connecting south/west corner where the main Kalari-gods are residing. On the seventh step Badharakali or chandrika devi (mothergod) is situated. The standard-measurements of a Kalari are 42 feet length by 21feet wide and 21 feet height. These are the Kalari-measurements of now a days Kalari's, although some Gurukkals take their own measurements. Historically there were four different types of Kalari.

Kuzhi-Kalari or dug- out Kalari

This Kalari will have the 42/21 feet dimensions and is situated four feet below he ground level. The removed earth will be used to build up three feet height walls upon which the roof will be cave-like and constant temperature allows the practitioners to do hard physical work.

Nila Kalari or thara kalari  groundface Kalari

This Kalari is also of 42/21 size but it is situated above the ground level. Often this has to do with bad digging -circumstances. F.i. the presence of too much water but also according to the instructions/ judgements of the architect.

Anka Kalari or duelling Kalari

In the past way to solve conflicts between the rulers or collectors was to organize a duel between the best warrior of both parties. The custom of conflict solving was performed in a special type of Kalari which was open to the public. For this reason the measurements were exceeding the general 42/21 measurements.

The northern ballads are describing this type of Kalari like a place measuring 62/31 feet, above ground level like a stage. These Kalari's are not in use no more (click to tacholi othenan's place)

Cheru Kalari

This is a small Kalari in a square- shape of 12 feet by twelve feet.I n southern style of Kalaripayatt this type of Kalari was used. Their  instruction mainly focused on unarmed combat, on the teaching of the marma's and the footwork. Now a days not many of these Kalari's are still in use.

Katcha a kind of abdomen guard -18 muzham long cotton cloth,tightly wound around  the abdomen increases stamina and agility of the trainee.In the former days,the use of  Katcha was compulsory for the trainees.Now adays,students will only wear a small cloth for their lions(langoti) after which they will apply medicated or gingilly oil.In the Northern Ballads about Aromal Chekava,a great hero and kalaripayat-expert got deadly injured but fighting until the enemy was defeated.Only after the fight as he removed the katcha his life -energy spilt over and the hero died himself.

Marma's

The word "Marma' stems from the Sanskrit -words 'mrung' or 'marane'. 'Marane' means death". Mrung "means close death.107 vital spots on the human body can be injured or hurt in a way that provokes immediate death or death within days. The contact with these vital spots will happen in a way that the breath will be blocked and a person will die that way. Marma's are central points of life.

In total there are six types of Marma's

*Astimarmam (bones) 8

*Mamsa-marmam( flesh)10

*Snayu-marmam( tendons) 23

*Siraa-marmam (arteries) 37

*Dhamani-marmam (veins) 9

*Sandhi-marmam (joints) 20

Choondu Marmam

Use the first finger pointing to the vital spot of the human body. These technique was used before the sages in their power of mantras. Even now some masters keep this tradition.

Kulabhyasa Marmam

In the Kalaripayatt-system out of these 107 vulnerable points,64 points are selected to aim at in the various categories of fights.

The Marmam-system has been found mainly by four rishi's (or sages) named susruthan, Vagbada acharyan, Ashtanga - hridayakarakan and Agasthyar. The student that passed the four categories of Kalaripayatt-teaching (body control-exercise, wooden weapns, metal weapons and unarmed combat) will be further examined by the Gurukkal on the level of discipline, trust in his Gurukkal, control mind and "Ekagratha" (oneness), before he will introduced in the knowledge of the Marmas. He will have to vow in front of the Kalarigods, former gurus and present guru that he will not abuse this scared knowledge. Only in cases of self defence he can use part of knowledge to save his own life.
Practising Marma-Prayogas with Chottachaan is equally important asin otta payattu.

(This could be included in a special chapter on MARMA's) of and Marmas in the body,64 are considered as Kulabhyasa Marmas