Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is trained in a kalari, a rectangular pit dug about a metre into the ground with a thatched roof and an earth floor, entered barefoot after touching the ground and the feet of the teacher. Training moves from body conditioning and animal-derived sequences through wooden weapons to metal: sword and shield, spear, dagger, and the urumi, a flexible whip-sword of several thin steel blades that is among the most difficult weapons in any tradition to handle. Masters also traditionally practise marma, knowledge of vital points, and a related system of massage and bone-setting. Demonstrations are staged for visitors in several cities.

What you actually see

• The kalari pit - a sunken earth-floored training hall with a thatched roof.
• The weapon sequences - sword and shield, spear and the flexible urumi.
• The body work - low stances, kicks and animal-derived forms.
• The marma tradition - vital-point knowledge and associated massage.

When to go

October to March for comfortable weather; demonstrations run year-round in tourist centres, while serious training follows a monsoon-season emphasis for treatments and conditioning.

Honest expectations

Tourist demonstrations are short and showy, particularly the fire and urumi sequences, and differ considerably from actual training. Real instruction requires weeks at minimum. Injuries in training are common.

Nearby

Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur all have established kalaris.