कलारिप्पयाट्टू – एक परंपरागत युद्ध कला या शुद्ध मनोरंजन

Jagran Yatra

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It is an art and a science, which has the ability to transform its practitioners to one adept in fighting techniques as well as treatment modes. Kalarippayat is the traditional martial art form of Kerala, and is a synthesis of body control, treatment and armed and unarmed combat. The Kalari means arena and Payat means skill training.

In Kerala, this unique martial art form is taught in the northern and southern style, which was established by various masters of yore, and their followers. The Kalarippayattu traditions of North Malabar region in Kerala are renowned for its legendary warriors, whose names are mentioned in the northern ballads, popularly known as Vadakkan Pattukal or songs of the north. These songs narrate the heroic deeds of courageous men and women who are revered for their courage and mastery in Kalarippayattu.

One such centre in the northern part of Kerala, where training in Kalarippayattu is offered according to the strict guidelines and traditional approach is the C. V. N. Kalari at Edakkad in Kozhikode district. Set amidst serene surroundings with an ambiance that is most suited for the practice of Kalarippayattu, the centre is one of the most sought after ones to learn the nuances of Kalarippayattu and also to undergo Kalari treatment; locally known as Kalari Chikitsa.

The palm front thatched huts of the centre adds to the serene ambiance of the centre, and are used for different aspects of training in Kalarippayat. The C. V. N. Kalari at Edakkad is headed by Mr. Sudhakaran, the Gurukal (master) of the Kalari. His is a respected name in Kalarippayat and in Kalari mode of treatment.

The centre has young boys and girls undergoing training in Kalarippayattu, Massage and Marma treatment. People from outside India, frequent this centre for research purpose, filming and also to undergo training. A dedicated student can learn all these in a span of one to one-and-a-half years time. Short-term classes of 14 to 45 days duration are also offered in the centre. Regular class timing is from 5.30 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The whole training programme at the C.V.N. Kalari in Edakkad consists of training in body control exercises, training with wooden sticks, training with metallic and heavy wooden weapons, unarmed combat and Marma treatment.

Workshops on Kalarippayattu are organized by the C.V.N. Kalari in Edakkad, and are of great interest to those aspiring to learn Indian classical dance forms. Kalarippayattu demonstration also forms part of the centres’s activities, which can be arranged at any part of the world. Demonstrations are also held for local and international television programmes and also for movies.

With its established presence in the field of traditional Kalari training, the C.V.N. Kalari at Edakkad in Kozhikode district is one such centre, where one can witness traditional Kalarippayattu in its pure form and feel the vibes of a glorious martial art tradition of Kerala.

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