KALARIPAYATTU DEMONSTRATIONS IN COLLEGES

KALARIPAYATTU

 DEMONSTRATIONS IN COLLEGES

Kalaripayattu is an Indian martial art from the southern state of Kerala. One of the oldest fighting systems in existenceit is practiced in Kerala and contiguous parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as well as northeastern  Sri Lanka and among the Malayali community of Malaysia. It was practiced primarily by groups among Keralite castes such as the  Nairs and Ezhavas and was taught by a special caste .

Kalari payat includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods. Regional variants are classified according to geographical position in Kerala; these are the northern style of the Malayalis, the southern style of the Tamils and the  central style from inner Kerala. The northern style was practiced primarily by the  Nairs, the martial caste of Kerala, and Ezhavs  , as well as some  Mappilas and saint Thomas Christians. The southern style, called adi murai, was practiced largely by the  Nadars and has features distinguishing it from its other regional counterparts. Northern kalari payat is based on the principle of hard technique, while the southern style primarily follows the soft techniques, even though both systems make use of internal and external concepts.

A lecture-demonstration series organised by the Travancore School of Kalaripayattu and the Public Education Department of the government has given a new lease of life to the ancient martial art form of Kalaripayattu Following the success of the programme, titled ‘Health and confidence through Kalaripayattu,’ in various schools, the Kerala State Youth Welfare Board has joined hands with the institute to conduct similar sessions in colleges.The first such college-level programme got under way at Government College for Women on Monday. It was inaugurated by Youth Welfare Board vice-chairman P.S. Prasanth. Papers exploring the origin and evolution of the art and its role at present were presented.A press release issued by the institute said the plan was to conduct the classes in one college in a district.G. Radhakrishnan, secretary and troupe leader of the martial arts school, led a 12-member group during the demonstration.Aiming to revive Kalaripayattu by teaching the youth the basic principles of the art and its various benefits, both physical and mental, the school has staged performances in 20 schools. It has been conducting regular classes for free in two schools since the start of the academic year.

Prof. John Kurakar