There will be hardly anyone out there who hasn’t watched a Hollywood action film featuring Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee. These actors were experts in martial-arts and the action sequences in their films were indeed fascinating. Watching these Hollywood action films has always been a favorite vacation activity for many students. These days there are innumerable martial-art action games available in the market, which are also popular among students. There is of course nothing better then doing the real thing, and we encourage students to learn martial-arts and this post is to help you know more about one of the oldest forms of martial-art. Did you know India is home to the oldest form of martial-art? Yes, Kalaripayattu is being practiced for over two thousand years and it originated in the southern state of Kerala. It is made up for two words:
1. Kalari – The place, enclosure or area where Kalaripayattu is practise
2. Payattu – the training or practise
Its training system and application techniques are based on the combined power of sound mind in a sound body. Kalaripayattu movements find their inspiration in nature, drawing inspiration from the raw power and strength of animal forms such as lion, tiger, snake, horse and elephant.
During the earlier centuries, Kalaripayattu was practiced by the warrior clan of Kerala to defend the state and the king. It is widely believed by many historians to be the origin of other martial arts such as kung FU. Post a decline when British banned it to prevent rebellion, Kalaripayattu has seen resurgence.
Kalaripayaatu is a healing martial art that includes the knowledge of Marma, the vital energy points of a human body. A Kalaripayattu Gurukkal (teacher) is also a trained Ayurveda physician.Kalaripayattu practise prepares one for unarmed self-defence skills, enhances mental strength, conditions the body, boosts stamina and strengthens the immune system, bestows greater power of self-control and concentration, tone ups the muscles, conditions the human body and helps improve blood circulation and enhances posture.
Dancers and athletes also benefit from its practise as it imparts greater flexibility and agility, increase a dancer’s repertoire. It also helps in stress relief and its breathing exercises strengthen the lungs.
So next time you watch those fierce action packed hollywood films, think of Kerala where you can learn Kalaripayattu. Lastly, in case you are still wondering what new and exciting you can do this summer…why not learn martial-arts from the experts who might have taught the teachers of Bruce Lee.
