Kalaripayat is a traditional martial art that has long been known to Kerala.
The word "Kalari" is derived from "Kalurika" which means a training ground in Sanskrit, and "Kalaripayattu" means a training performed in the arena.
Not only simply martial arts, but it also has a major impact on traditional dance such as Katakari and Ayurvedic medicine, and it can be said that it is the core culture that represents Kerala.
It is believed to have existed in the present form at least in the 12th century and reached its peak in the 16th century. Its origin can be roughly divided into two.
One is the martial art of Kerala indigenous to the blood of Tamil martial arts developed during the so-called Sangam period, from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century. The other is Vedic Aryan martial arts (it is strongly Hindu because of its character) brought by Brahmin immigrants who came south to Kerala from West India under pressure by foreign invasion.
Karalipayat is a hybrid martial art that was born where these two were admirably fused, and it can be said that it is also a traditional martial art that conveys the oldest form in India.
One of the major features of Karalipayat is that it has the concept of pressure points called Marman, and it is used in both the attack technique and the systematic treatment system.
Karari treatment combined with Arya-based Ayurvedic, indigenous medicine using abundant herbs specially produced in Kerala, is used by many people today as the most familiar medical treatment for local residents, especially oil massage.
However, it was said that was completely oppressed as a symbol of rebellion under British colonial rule and went underground. It is not difficult to imagine that many of the important techniques and their understandings were missed in this period.
Later, in the 1920s, the C.V. Narayanan Nair and his teacher, Kottakal Kanaran Gurukkal, promoted the Karari Renaissance movement, and in response to that, the reconstruction of various traditional cultures, including Karalipayat, took place throughout South India.
(Gurukkal is a distinguished name of the kalari master)
C.V.Narayanan Nair（Left）and His master Kottakal Kanaran Gurukkal（right）
About this CVN movement, there is much argument.
For one thing, it is criticized that the complex and elaborate system that the traditional Karalipayat originally had has been simplified by neglecting its martial arts meaning.
The other is the criticism that the martial arts meaning has been further transformed or lost, especially as many of them were dancers and stage performers, in the later interaction with the European Karalaipayat practitioners.
However, in any case, it is impossible to talk about modern Karalipayat without the existence of C.V. Narayanan Nair. In that sense, he could be said to be the founder of modern-day Kalaripayattu, who is honored as Jigoro Kano, who evolved Koryu Jiu-Jitsu into modern-day judo and laid the foundation for the subsequent global development.
Kararipayat's style is roughly divided into the northern group Vadakkan and the southern group Thekkan, and the northern group is dominated by the CVN style from its achievements.
Vadakkan（Northern Style）
The legend is believed that Holy Risi Parashurama learned it from Shiva, then handed down it human, became the origin of Kalaripayattu.
It has been inherited mainly by the Nairs in the Malabar region in the northern part of Kerala.
Karari Arena is built in a semi-underground structure following the traditional architectural method of Kuri Karari. A seven-tiered altar called Putara is located in the southwest corner, and the guardian deity of Karali is celebrated at the top.
Vijayan Grukkal fires on the Puttara altar
Since the term “kalaripayattu” means the system of practices conducted in this characteristic arena, the South School without such an arena building can not originally be called kalaripayattu.
Traditional Kuri Karari Arena. The roof is covered with palm leaves on a semi-underground structure.
The initiation into a Kalari school is usually conducted around the age of 7 and it is allowed by the ceremony of touching the feet of Gurukkal (master) with the right hand of the disciple.
When entering the door of Kalari arena, it must be from the right foot. And after saluting to the gods and bow to the master, the practice begins.
Usually, the practitioner put on a loincloth called Kaccha, and before the practice, the raw sesame oil is applied to the whole body, which penetrates into the body with the progress of the practice and exerts a synergetic effect.
Roll up type loincloth. Of course originally not wearing pants under it
Trainees who perform self-Abhyanga (oil massage) before practice.
The characteristic of the training is the flexibility above all. The body bending like a whip seems to be totally made of rubber without the bone. And jump. The variety of jump set with a twist and a turn enable the movement that cannot be seen in daily life.
In addition, it incorporates Kundalini methodology based on Shiva-Shakti philosophy, and there are many parts that overlap with the tradition of yoga.
It would be more accurate to say that it has the same roots with the yoga, rather than being influenced by the yoga.
Demonstration by Vallabhatta Kalari Sangam
In general, training is performed in a strict grade system, and learning the whole system is extremely difficult and takes time. If it is short-term, you will only experience body refinement exercise first.
The training stages are divided as follows.
1. Meypayattu（Basic bodily exercise）
Training for beginners is first starting with the basic Chuvatu mainly based on kicks, then move on to a pose called Vativu in which the figure of the animal is shaped, and finally, it will be completed as a series Adavu that integrates all the movements.
Boar pose. In the actual movement, raise the protruding left elbow like fangs.
The series of "Adavs" is called "Meyppayattu". In general, 18 Meypayattu are transmitted as the tradition of each kalari. Strengthen the lower part of the body is emphasized in every posture, and each movement is pretty similar to the Japanese Sumo wrestlers practice.
Even any veteran, everyday practice starts from this basic meypayattu and advances to the weapon technique. The whole series of practice will be conducted along with Gurukkal's verbal order of vaitari.
Kettukali Stick Fight with Opponent
2. Kolthari（Wooden weapon）
Accepted by Gurukkhal after completing several months to a year of Meytpayattu training, next stage will start with a long stick made of cane called Kettukali and gradually progresses to Muchhan (short stick), Otta (curved short stick), Gadha (heavy mace) and so on.
long stick fighting
short stick fighting
Otta Payattu using a very unique figure curved short stick
3. Ankathari（Metal weapon）
There are Kataram(dagger), Udaval & Paricha (swords and shields), Kuntham (lance), Urumi (spring-like double-edged swords, used like a whip), etc. It's the highlight of the Vadakkan style of Kalaripayattu.
4. Verumkai（Empty hand fight）
Including attack to Marman points, submission, throwing and hitting. A minimum of 5 years of training is required to get here.
Unique strangle technique. Basically, attack arms and neck.
The above four stages are those general disciples can learn. And there is the secret option of,
1. Marma Chikitsa (Acupuncture)
2. Mantram (Meditation Concentration by mystic words)
exist, but it is almost impossible to touch this area with short-term training. It belongs to the very secret tradition that can only be transmitted to selected disciples who have trained for more than 10 years.
And only those who inherit this Marma Chikitsa can become the next generation of Gurukkal, and he will not only be a master of martial arts but also works as a local physicist.
Tekkhan（Southern Style）
In the legend, the Holy Saint Agastya is considered to be its founder. From the southern part of Kerala to the southern part of present Tamil Nadu, it has been developed and inherited mainly by Nayre and Nadal clans in the area of the former Kingdom of Travancore. The teacher is often called Ashan.
Originally it was inherited as a traditional martial art called Adhi Tada, a separate traditional martial art from Karalipayat, but as Travancore region was integrated into Kerala State together with Malabar Region after India's independence, it becomes to be called Southern-style Karalipayat.
Generally, it does not have a characteristic arena like the north school, in many cases, the practice is performed outdoors. The main focuses are on bare-handed martial arts, and beginners start with Verumkai first.
Unlike the North School, there is no strict grade system, and it is easy for foreigners to practice in the short term, especially for those who have experienced striker martial arts such as karate.
It is said that the knowledge of Marman point and massage techniques were transmitted from this Tekkhan to Vadakkan, and the form of the older Dravida martial arts is preserved in it till now.
In addition, Tekkhan is supposed to connect Kalaripayattu and Tamil martial arts Silambam, which is described on a linked page, and it can be said that it is the key factor of South Indian martial arts.
☆ According to the legend, Boddhi Dharma, who was the founder of Zen in Shaolin Temple in China, is considered to be from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. He learned the martial arts (the prototype of kalaripayattu) in South India and brought it to China along with Zen, which becomes the very source of Chinese martial arts. If that is the case, Japanese karate would also be originated far from India because it was created under the strong influences of Chinese Kung-fu in Okinawa Is.
The word "Kalari" is derived from "Kalurika" which means a training ground in Sanskrit, and "Kalaripayattu" means a training performed in the arena.
Not only simply martial arts, but it also has a major impact on traditional dance such as Katakari and Ayurvedic medicine, and it can be said that it is the core culture that represents Kerala.
It is believed to have existed in the present form at least in the 12th century and reached its peak in the 16th century. Its origin can be roughly divided into two.
One is the martial art of Kerala indigenous to the blood of Tamil martial arts developed during the so-called Sangam period, from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century. The other is Vedic Aryan martial arts (it is strongly Hindu because of its character) brought by Brahmin immigrants who came south to Kerala from West India under pressure by foreign invasion.
Karalipayat is a hybrid martial art that was born where these two were admirably fused, and it can be said that it is also a traditional martial art that conveys the oldest form in India.
One of the major features of Karalipayat is that it has the concept of pressure points called Marman, and it is used in both the attack technique and the systematic treatment system.
Karari treatment combined with Arya-based Ayurvedic, indigenous medicine using abundant herbs specially produced in Kerala, is used by many people today as the most familiar medical treatment for local residents, especially oil massage.
However, it was said that was completely oppressed as a symbol of rebellion under British colonial rule and went underground. It is not difficult to imagine that many of the important techniques and their understandings were missed in this period.
Later, in the 1920s, the C.V. Narayanan Nair and his teacher, Kottakal Kanaran Gurukkal, promoted the Karari Renaissance movement, and in response to that, the reconstruction of various traditional cultures, including Karalipayat, took place throughout South India.
(Gurukkal is a distinguished name of the kalari master)
C.V.Narayanan Nair（Left）and His master Kottakal Kanaran Gurukkal（right）
About this CVN movement, there is much argument.
For one thing, it is criticized that the complex and elaborate system that the traditional Karalipayat originally had has been simplified by neglecting its martial arts meaning.
The other is the criticism that the martial arts meaning has been further transformed or lost, especially as many of them were dancers and stage performers, in the later interaction with the European Karalaipayat practitioners.
However, in any case, it is impossible to talk about modern Karalipayat without the existence of C.V. Narayanan Nair. In that sense, he could be said to be the founder of modern-day Kalaripayattu, who is honored as Jigoro Kano, who evolved Koryu Jiu-Jitsu into modern-day judo and laid the foundation for the subsequent global development.
Kararipayat's style is roughly divided into the northern group Vadakkan and the southern group Thekkan, and the northern group is dominated by the CVN style from its achievements.
Vadakkan（Northern Style）
The legend is believed that Holy Risi Parashurama learned it from Shiva, then handed down it human, became the origin of Kalaripayattu.
It has been inherited mainly by the Nairs in the Malabar region in the northern part of Kerala.
Karari Arena is built in a semi-underground structure following the traditional architectural method of Kuri Karari. A seven-tiered altar called Putara is located in the southwest corner, and the guardian deity of Karali is celebrated at the top.
The initiation into a Kalari school is usually conducted around the age of 7 and it is allowed by the ceremony of touching the feet of Gurukkal (master) with the right hand of the disciple.
When entering the door of Kalari arena, it must be from the right foot. And after saluting to the gods and bow to the master, the practice begins.
Usually, the practitioner put on a loincloth called Kaccha, and before the practice, the raw sesame oil is applied to the whole body, which penetrates into the body with the progress of the practice and exerts a synergetic effect.
Roll up type loincloth. Of course originally not wearing pants under it
In addition, it incorporates Kundalini methodology based on Shiva-Shakti philosophy, and there are many parts that overlap with the tradition of yoga.
It would be more accurate to say that it has the same roots with the yoga, rather than being influenced by the yoga.
Demonstration by Vallabhatta Kalari Sangam
In general, training is performed in a strict grade system, and learning the whole system is extremely difficult and takes time. If it is short-term, you will only experience body refinement exercise first.
The training stages are divided as follows.
1. Meypayattu（Basic bodily exercise）
Training for beginners is first starting with the basic Chuvatu mainly based on kicks, then move on to a pose called Vativu in which the figure of the animal is shaped, and finally, it will be completed as a series Adavu that integrates all the movements.
Even any veteran, everyday practice starts from this basic meypayattu and advances to the weapon technique. The whole series of practice will be conducted along with Gurukkal's verbal order of vaitari.
Accepted by Gurukkhal after completing several months to a year of Meytpayattu training, next stage will start with a long stick made of cane called Kettukali and gradually progresses to Muchhan (short stick), Otta (curved short stick), Gadha (heavy mace) and so on.
long stick fighting
short stick fighting
There are Kataram(dagger), Udaval & Paricha (swords and shields), Kuntham (lance), Urumi (spring-like double-edged swords, used like a whip), etc. It's the highlight of the Vadakkan style of Kalaripayattu.
4. Verumkai（Empty hand fight）
Including attack to Marman points, submission, throwing and hitting. A minimum of 5 years of training is required to get here.
The above four stages are those general disciples can learn. And there is the secret option of,
1. Marma Chikitsa (Acupuncture)
2. Mantram (Meditation Concentration by mystic words)
exist, but it is almost impossible to touch this area with short-term training. It belongs to the very secret tradition that can only be transmitted to selected disciples who have trained for more than 10 years.
And only those who inherit this Marma Chikitsa can become the next generation of Gurukkal, and he will not only be a master of martial arts but also works as a local physicist.
Tekkhan（Southern Style）
In the legend, the Holy Saint Agastya is considered to be its founder. From the southern part of Kerala to the southern part of present Tamil Nadu, it has been developed and inherited mainly by Nayre and Nadal clans in the area of the former Kingdom of Travancore. The teacher is often called Ashan.
Originally it was inherited as a traditional martial art called Adhi Tada, a separate traditional martial art from Karalipayat, but as Travancore region was integrated into Kerala State together with Malabar Region after India's independence, it becomes to be called Southern-style Karalipayat.
Generally, it does not have a characteristic arena like the north school, in many cases, the practice is performed outdoors. The main focuses are on bare-handed martial arts, and beginners start with Verumkai first.
Unlike the North School, there is no strict grade system, and it is easy for foreigners to practice in the short term, especially for those who have experienced striker martial arts such as karate.
It is said that the knowledge of Marman point and massage techniques were transmitted from this Tekkhan to Vadakkan, and the form of the older Dravida martial arts is preserved in it till now.
In addition, Tekkhan is supposed to connect Kalaripayattu and Tamil martial arts Silambam, which is described on a linked page, and it can be said that it is the key factor of South Indian martial arts.
☆ According to the legend, Boddhi Dharma, who was the founder of Zen in Shaolin Temple in China, is considered to be from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. He learned the martial arts (the prototype of kalaripayattu) in South India and brought it to China along with Zen, which becomes the very source of Chinese martial arts. If that is the case, Japanese karate would also be originated far from India because it was created under the strong influences of Chinese Kung-fu in Okinawa Is.
No comments:
Post a Comment