Kalaripayattu: The Oldest Martial Art In The world

Kalaripayattu

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People all over the world understand and learn Indian music, dance, and yoga, but there is also an art born in India that did not get the status and popularity that it deserves. This is Kalaripayattu!

Kalaripayattu is considered to be the oldest martial art technique in the world. This art originated in Kerala, South India. It is one of the oldest martial arts in the world. So let us tell you today about the martial art which till date is a symbol of our identity in India.

What Is Kalaripayattu?

Kalaripayattu is made up of two words, the first “Kalari” which means ‘school’ or ‘gymnasium’, while the other word “Payattu” means ‘war or exercise’. It is said that Kalaripayattu is an art that takes years to learn.

This art is not limited to just exercise and physical fitness, but it is said to be a lifestyle. This not only makes the learned person a strong warrior, but through this people also learn the art of healing.

What Is Kalaripayattu

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History Of Kalaripayattu:

Actually, Agastya Muni was a slim and short man of ordinary stature. He composed Kalaripayattu specifically to fight wild animals. Agastya Muni used to travel in the forests. It is believed that the number of lions was very high at that time. He used to attack people on the go. Apart from lions, many big and powerful wild animals also attacked humans. Agastya Muni developed a method to protect himself from these attacks. Who got the name – Kalaripayattu.

Types Of Kalaripayattu

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Types Of Kalaripayattu:

Kalari training usually starts at the age of seven. Apparently, this is the time when the ability and strength of learning are highest in the body. This age is like raw clay. If the child is molded properly at this age, he can master Kalaripayattu. However, this art can be learned at any age under the guidance of the Guru.

Kalari training is mainly divided into three parts – Mithari, Kolthari and Ankthri. So, let’s know about this.

Mithari:

First of all, various exercises are done to increase the strength and strength of the body. To become a good warrior, it is most important that the body is completely strong so that any obstacle encountered can be dealt with.

Kolthari:

In this halt, there are different types of wooden weapons, which are taught to fight. It is not right to fight an early warrior with sharp weapons. Since new warriors are unaware of weapons, they can harm themselves. For this reason, the initial training of the warrior is done with wooden weapons.

Ankhtari:

Likewise, upon reaching this phase, the warrior attains peak readiness for battle using wooden weapons. It is now opportune to equip him with genuine weaponry, enabling him to comprehend the true weight of responsibility. During this juncture, he is furnished with perilous arms such as spears, shields, swords, and the like.

Benefits Of Kalaripayattu

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Benefits Of Kalaripayattu:

Mainly Kalaripayattu or Kalari is the science of warfare, healing and marma therapy considered by historians to be one of the oldest extant martial arts in the world, a traditional form of martial art started in Kerala, India. Kalaripayattu includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weapons, and healing methods. This learning reached Buddhist nations like China, Japan, etc. due to Bodhidharma.

Increase Flexibility:

Like other martial arts, it increases the flexibility of the body. While learning this discipline, you learn about many flexible moves to keep yourself safe which makes your body flexible.

Makes Your Body Strong:

Kalaripayattu makes your body strong and shapely. Kalarippayattu trainers and doctors believe that your strength is hidden inside you. You can never call yourself strong unless you are intrinsically fit and healthy.

Makes You Agile:

In this martial art, you have to learn very fast and agile moves. In this martial art, you are taught about methods of attack as well as defense. So that you can protect yourself from the frontal attack. This technique makes you agile.

Makes You More Active:

If you feel laziness in your life, then this is a discipline that will make you agile and not let laziness out of your routine.

Makes You Intelligent:

Along with becoming a Kalaripayattu expert, your intelligence skills also improve. In this martial arts technique, you are taught many techniques for defense and attack. You have to make your own new moves for rescue methods, which requires the readiness of intellect which is increased through this martial art.

FAQ:

Q. Which Is The Oldest Martial Arts In The World?

A. Kalaripayattu likewise was referred to just as Kalari, is an Indian military art and battling style that started in present day Kerala. Kalaripayattu is held in high respect by martial artists due to its long-standing history inside Indian martial expressions.

Q. How Effective Is Kalaripayattu?

A. It is hazardous, forceful, genuinely requesting, and elitist, however for the individuals who practice it, Kalaripayattu is extremely effective for entire body improvement, weapons information, and wellbeing.

Q. How Long Does It Take To Learn Kalaripayattu?

A. An understudy who rehearses the Kalaripayattu preparing day by day can typically finish the prospectus of the fundamental level in around a quarter of a year. After the fundamental level, the schedule of the middle of the road level takes about six months of everyday practice.

Q. Who Invented Kalaripayattu?

A. As per antiquated folklore, Lord Vishnu’s disciple Parasurama who was a symbol of Lord Vishnu is accepted to be the author of martial arts in India. Kalaripayattu, which is the most well known among many martial arts rehearsed in India, is accepted to have been established by Parasurama.

Q. Is Kalaripayattu Better Than Kung Fu?

A. Kung Fu began from Shaolin sanctuary with a base taken from Kalaripayattu. Kung Fu is certainly not nearby military craftsmanship in china before the appearance of Bodhidharma. It is a profoundly gifted calling that can be shown uniquely in Shaolin Temple.