Kalarippayat (Kalari)

Kalarippayattu is the martial art form of Kerala, in South India; it is characterised by low crouching postures, based on animals – elephant, horse, wild boar, high kicks and explosive twisting jumps. The name has two components – kalari - meaning the space of practice, built to prescribed dimensions, and - payatu- meaning fighting technique; now it is often referred to simply as 'kalari'.

The form comprises set patterns of attack and defense, contact sequences with wooden and iron weapons, and blocks, holds and throws of the 'empty hand' technique. Flexibility is developed through a series of exercises and maintained with a massage technique in which the feet are used, allowing the practitioner to apply the pressure of the whole body, resulting in an intense and powerful massage. Both attacks and massage techniques use the body’s vital points, called ‘marmas’. The kalari master in Kerala is also the local doctor, expert in the use of herbs and oils and in the treatment of broken bones and sprains.

The highest stage of kalari is achieved when 'the body becomes all eyes'. A technique that emphasizes and leads to such a state of heightened awareness is especially useful to artists of all kinds: dancers, actors, musicians, athletes, but anyone will see benefits from the regular practice of this sinuous, fluid and dynamic form.

The classes at I Kalari begin with exercises to increase flexibility, repetitions of the kicks and animal-based postures, sequences of attack and defence and weapons practice of the wooden weapons and the dagger. There are also regularly scheduled workshops with Master Binoy.

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