Kalaripayattu Tradition

Divided into four sections

• Meythari: Physical fitness training
  Kolthari: Training with wooden weapons
  Ankathari: Training with metallic weapons
  Verumkai: Barehanded combat and vital point attacks

Physical fitness training includes:

• Angasathakam: Leg conditioning
  Pakarchakal: Jumping exercises
  Meyppayattu: Body control exercises

Places more importance on 'Chuvadukkal' (steps). It also includes training with wooden and metallic weapons, barehanded combat, and vital point attacks.

Leg Training - Angasadhanam

The very basic training is called leg training. This includes the several types of leg movements in different direction. It helps the trainer to attain good physique, flexibility, strength and body shape, discipline to body and mind. The balance of the whole body lies on the feet, It requires ample exercises to maintain proper balance on the feet.

Jump Training - Pakarchakal
Pakarchakal or jumping exercise involves various jumps in the air.

Body Control Training - Meypayattu

Meypayattu or body control training is based on eight animal poses. Daily meypayattu training helps a trainer to attain different qualities like strength, speed, flexibility, endurance, jumping ability, grace, courage, discipline, self-confidence etc.

Hand Training - Hastha Sadhakam

Hands training in Kalarippayat include different type of hand movements. It makes the hand powerful, gives control over the hand movements, flexibility to the wrist, strength and proper co-ordination.

Steps and Movement - Chuvadukkal

Chuvadukkal or imaginary fight, it is the movements of hand and leg with eye co-ordination help the student to achieve agility, intelligence, creativity, co-ordination and strength.

Bare Hand - Verumkai

Verum kai or bare hand training, which include defence, locks, evasions, help the student to attain good reflex action, physique, safety, powerful hands and mental courage.

Weapons - Ayudhaghal

Wooden and metallic weapons training include short and long sticks, dagger, sword, shield, spear, mace and knife. It helps the student to gain mental courage, confidence, concentration, physique, and aggression.