About Karnataka Kalaripayattu Association (KKA)
Kalaripayattu is the oldest surviving martial art form with a history of more than 3000 years. According to legend, Sage Parashurama is believed to have learned the art from Lord Shiva, and taught it to his disciples. British banned the practice of Kalaripayattu on 30th November 1805, but the Gurukkals of the novel art form continued the practice and preserved the knowledge secretly. A major revival of the Kalari was in 1920 and thereafter the art form started getting vide popularly and today it is present in most of the Indian states.
Kalaripayattu is traditionally taught under the strict discipline of a teacher called Gurukkal. It is important to learn under a knowledgeable Gurukkal as, like any other martial art form, Kalari too imparts training for self-defense with and without the help of weapons. A major difference of Kalari is the importance it gives to the mind and body to help students to improve their attention span alongside self-defense and confidence building. The moral and ethical principles drawing from the unbroken chain of Indian Guru-Sishya prampara (Teacher-Student lineage) exist only in Kalaripayattu.
Mr. Krishnaprathap a third-generation Kalari gurukkal started his Kalari center in Bangalore in 2002. 2013 on words association with Indian Kalarippayattu Federation, he leads the practice widely in Karnataka. The Karnataka state team won the runner-up in the National Championship held by the Indian Kalarippayattu Federation since then.
Office Bearers
Adv.Sathyan Puthoor
Hon.President
Krishna Prathap
Hon. General Secretary
Deepak Shetty
Hon. Treasure
Manohar.V
Vice. President
Sanjeev Barigidad
Vice. President
Davis George Thomas
Joint. SecretaryExecutive Members
Dilna. S. R
Mini. K. L
Anitha. G
Sunil Babu
History
Kalaripayattu History
Kalaripayattu is considered one of the most ancient martial arts in the world. The fighting form indigenous to the Gods Own Country, is popularly known as the mother of martial arts. The term Kalaripayattu is derived from two words – “Kalari” meaning place of exercise or gymnasium and “payattu” meaning to fight or exercise.
Traditionally, the Kalari centers are like a temple. The kalari is constructed four feet dug down the ground, the interiors of kalari is 42 feet in length and 21 feet width. Towards the south west corner, the poothara is placed and houses the guardian deity of Kalari. The seven-tier step resembling a pyramid symbolizes the seven qualities a kalari practitioner must possess.
Kalaripayattu, a personal combat training system includes exercises to develop sharp reflexes for unarmed combat and skillful fight using sticks, dagger, knife, spear, sword and shield, Urumi etc. Kalaripayattu is noted for its high-flying acrobatics, graceful movements and employs the deadly weapons at ease. The Movements of Kalari are based on the mannerisms and fighting techniques of animals.
Styles of Kalaripayattu
There are mainly two main styles of Kalarippayattu:
Vadakkan or Nothern style
The Vadakkan Kalarippayattu is predominantly practiced in the Malabar region of Kerala. The Vadakkan style emphasizes more on graceful body movement and the weaponry.
Thekken or Southern Style
The Thekken Kalarippayattu or Adi Murai is practiced mainly in the Travancore region, this style involves more free armed techniques & powerful movements.
Stages of learning in Kalaripayattu
The training in combat is given at Kalari. The basic principle of Kalari training is that it starts with an oil massage which goes on till the body is agile and supple. The practice of Kalaripayattu is divided mainly into four stages;
Benefits of Kalaripayattu
The practice of Kalari provides significant benefits to the practitioner. The traditions of combat are practiced for various reasons such as self-defense , mental & spiritual development, perfomances and for the preservation of a nation’s intangible cultural heritage.
- Improves the body strength & flexibility which helps to fight and protect yourself.
- Improves the speed & reflex to the core.
- Increases the concentration level.
- One’s patience is improved.
- Helps in surviving assault.
- Enhances the immunity and keeps you away from diseases.
- Activates the physical & spiritual powers to the maximum.
Vedio Gallery
State Championship
