The Northern School
In the Northern tradition, Masters emphasize progressing from body exercises to combat using weapons, and finally to unarmed combat.
The Kalari
The Ashram is home to the World-renowned Indian School of Martial Arts (ISMA) where the ancient art of Kalaripayattu is practiced and taught.
ISMA was originally started in 1983 by Guru Balachandran Nair to impart training in Indian Martial Arts to younger generations. Over the years, ISMA has imparted training to several thousands of students all over the world and gained wide popularity through several documentaries and films.
In 1983, ISMA Vazhuthacaud was established in Trivandrum city. As the Ashram was inaugurated in 2003, the headquarters of Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram was shifted to Parasuvaykal. Both the centers are active and accept students interested in learning kalarippayattu.
The Tradition of Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is the oldest existing martial art form, and its tradition dates back more than 12,000 years. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Khaluriga,’ which means warfare. It is considered the most dangerous martial art because of the application of power and speed to ‘marma’ (pressure) points of the body. According to tradition, this art originated from the Dhanurveda, which encompasses all the fighting arts. It is one of the eighteen traditional branches of knowledge according to the Vishnu Purana.
Origins of the Kalarippayattu tradition
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Kalaripayattu is indigenous to the Southern state of Kerala, where the sixth incarnationof Vishnu Lord Parashuram is said to have been created from the ocean. In order to protectthis land, Parashuram passed his knowledge of Kalarippayattu to his 21 disciples.According to tradition, he then sent these disciples to various parts of Kerala.
Keralites, therefore, consider Kalarippayattu to be God’s own martial art that hasthe power to protect God’s own country. The knowledge of this art has passed throughmany generations, from its beginning to the present day.
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Because the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma took Kalarippayattu from India to China in the fifthcentury, Kalarippayattu is also the predecessor of Chinese martial arts. Once it wasbrought to China, practitioners of Kalarippayattu merged the art with existing fightingforms. This merging marked the birth of Kung Fu.
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Later in the tenth century, the Portuguese traveler Durad Barbossa recorded in his travellog that he witnessed the Nair warriors practicing this art.
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Kalarippayattu is part of the honor, inheritance, and culture of India, especially of theKeralites. Their warrior clan believed that fighting for the sake of the country was agreat honor, and practiced the art as their birthright. Centuries ago, the Travancorearmies fought many wars using these techniques, including three wars against the DutchNavy.
Veluthampi Dalawa and Pazhassi Raja are just two of the many warriors who used thesemartial arts against the British. Intimidated by these freedom fighters, the Britishbanned martial art during their rule in India. Those who wished to preserve the art hadto practice Kalarippayattu in secret.
The Two Schools
There are two distinct traditions of teaching: the Northern and the Southern schools.
The Southern School
In the Southern tradition, the patron saint of Kalarippayattu is the sage Agastya, whose strength and powers of meditation are legendary. The Southern tradition emphasizes footwork, movement, and the ability to strike at marmas in the opponent’s body. 108 points of which are lethally vulnerable.
The two are synchronized into one channel.
One who practices Kalarippayattu learns how to fight and defend oneself. However, he not only strengthens the body but trains the body and mind together, through the spiritual nature of the art. Once the body and mind are strong, the two are synchronized into one channel, which is a crucial part of the practitioner’s spiritual progress.
Kalarippayattu, therefore, has an essential role to play in eradicating the root causes of moral degeneration. Additionally, there is the service to society; as it helps students to grow physically and mentally strong, which fosters confident, well respected, and disciplined citizens of India.
At this time, the tradition of Kalarippayattu is being kept relevant and revered by a few great masters, such as our Satguru Hanuman Das, who have dedicated their lives to keeping the tradition alive for future generations.
Kalarippayattu training courses
It’s a step-by-step training schedule demanding discipline and dedication. It advances through different levels and a general timeline is provided below based on students’ ability to understand the tenants of the practice and demonstrate mastery of the level. After each level, a test will be conducted to assess student performance.
Basic Level
Includes various fitness, flexibility training, and unarmed techniques through which the student achieves mastery over his body movements.
Intermediate Level
The student is trained to attain agility, flexibility, and coordination of body movements. They start practicing with blunt weapons.
Advanced Level
Training includes both practice with blunt weapons such as Kuruvadi, Long session staff / Neduvadi, and sharp weapons dagger / kathi, etc. There is basic level training in marma or vital points.
Instructor Level
Involves proficiency in the use of advanced weapons and marma points.
| Levels | Duration | Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Level 1 | 3–4 months |
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| Basic Level 2 | 6 months |
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Benefits of Kalarippayattu in combination withKalari Chikilsa treatment programs
Improves strength, balance, and flexibility.
Improves skeletal alignment, which can aid in back pain relief.
Tones and strengthens muscle, which can ease joint pain.
Increases metabolism.
Reduces stress, and aids in sleep.
Improves energy through deep breathing and improved oxygen levels which can help stabilize mood.
It helps one manage stress through the focus of the breath, gaze, and body movement synchronicity.
It connects you with a supportive community.
Promotes discipline which aids in all aspects of self-care.
Indian School of Martial Arts —
Vazhuthacaud School
Located in the heart of Trivandrum city, Vazhuthacaud School was started in 1983 by our Guru. The school has trained many students worldwide and was featured in many documentaries and renowned magazines.
The school continues to impart training in kalarippayattu for all ages. Registration for admission is through the general office number listed in the Contact information.
Online classes for senior instructors around the world are provided weekly.
Expectations
- All students are expected to maintain the decorum as detailed in the Dharmikam Ethics Statement.
- We do not support or encourage the use of this martial arts for any purpose other than its spiritual and physical well-being.
- Students are strictly forbidden to use illicit drugs, smoking, etc. and, use of this could result in immediate termination.
- We strictly forbid any political, religious, or other discussions within the school premises.
- We strictly forbid discriminatory behavior based on age, sex, race, or ethnicity.
- Since both males and females practice together, we require the utmost respect from all students and any derogatory statement or communication will result in immediate termination.
- All students are expected as part of their learning to do seva or volunteer service within the Ashram premises.
Registration
Contact us through the website or in person at the ISMA Office.