India has a rich history of traditional martial arts, many of which have been influenced by the country's diverse cultural and regional traditions. Some of the most well-known traditional martial arts from India include:
Kalarippayattu: a martial art from the southern Indian state of Kerala that incorporates weapons training, yoga, and Ayurveda
silambam: a martial art from the Tamil Nadu region of India that uses a stick or staff as the primary weapon
kushti: a form of wrestling that originated in ancient India and is still popular today
malla-yuddha: a form of unarmed combat that originated in the Indian subcontinent and was later adopted by the Mughal empire
gatka: a traditional martial art from the Punjab region of India that uses weapons such as the sword, spear, and shield.
There are many other traditional martial arts from India, each with its own unique history, techniques, and philosophy. Some of these arts may be more difficult to find or learn than others, depending on their popularity and availability of teachers.
Kalarippayattu
Kalarippayattu is a traditional Indian martial art that originated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is known for its emphasis on precise and controlled movements, as well as its use of a variety of weapons, including the sword, spear, and shield. The art form also incorporates elements of yoga and Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, and is believed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and mental focus. The training is intense and often involves practicing complex movements and techniques for hours each day.
Kalarippayattu when was it formed?
The exact origins of Kalarippayattu are not well-known, but it is believed to have developed in the southern Indian state of Kerala over 2,000 years ago. It is closely associated with the region's history and culture, and was traditionally taught in special schools called kalaris. The art form has evolved over time and continues to be practiced today.
How is Kalarippayattu practised?
Kalarippayattu is typically taught in a kalari, which is a special training space dedicated to the art form. The kalari is often located at the teacher's home, and is typically a small, enclosed space with a hard-packed clay or stone floor. Training in kalarippayattu typically begins with the practice of basic movements and techniques, such as footwork, hand strikes, and leaps. These movements are often performed in a specific sequence called a chuttu, which helps to develop coordination and control. As students progress, they learn more advanced techniques and begin to incorporate weapons into their training. In addition to physical training, kalarippayattu also incorporates elements of yoga and Ayurveda. Students may practice breathing exercises, meditation, and other techniques to improve their mental focus and physical well-being. The training is often intense and can involve practicing for several hours each day.
How to learn Kalarippayattu?
If you are interested in learning kalarippayattu, the first step is to find a qualified teacher or training center. As it is a traditional martial art with a long history, it is important to learn from someone who has been properly trained and has experience in the art form. You can search online for kalarippayattu training centers near you, or ask around in your local community to see if anyone knows of a good teacher. Once you have found a teacher or training center, you can start learning the basics of kalarippayattu. This may involve learning basic movements and techniques, such as footwork, hand strikes, and leaps. You may also begin to learn more advanced techniques and incorporate weapons into your training as you progress. In addition to physical training, you will also learn about the history and philosophy of kalarippayattu, and may practice yoga and meditation to improve your mental focus and physical well-being. The training can be intense and requires dedication and discipline, but can be a rewarding and enriching experience.
If you want to learn more about the topic you can read the below book available on Amazon
About the book : Kalarippayattu is an indigenous martial art of Kerala. I am a traditionally trained Kalarippayattu practitioner. I joined the Indian contemporary dance-choreographer, Chandralekha (1928–2006), in Chennai, as instructed by my Kalari Guru Shri E P Vasudevan Gurukkal (1932–2015) (Kaduthuruthy, Kerala). I worked with Chandralekha and performed nine of her creative productions for twenty years (1986–2006). I continued to perform her last creative production for another ten years. In this book, I am narrating my thirty years (1986–2016) of experience performing the creative works of Chandralekha. “…he has the capacity to ‘disappear’ when he moves. We don’t see him, we see the movement.” “…He does not represent the movement. He is the movement. Or more simply, he is.” – Rustom Bharucha (Chandralekha: Woman Dance Resistance
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