Yoga Shala Namaste
What is Kalaripayattu?
Kalaripayattu, also known simply as Kalari, is an Indian martial art that originated in Kerala, Southern India and is one of the oldest surviving martial arts in the world. Its unique style includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms and weaponry as well as healing methods. One of the most critical elements of Kalaripayattu is the emphasis placed on extreme flexibility and mobility of the practitioner’s body rather than reliance on arms and armor.
There are two major styles generally acknowledged within traditional Kalaripayattu:
- The Northern style (Vadakkan Kalari) is primarily practiced in the Malabar region of Kerala, and is based on elegant and flexible movements, evasions, jumps and weapons training.
- The Southern style (Thekkan Kalari) is primarily practiced in the southern regions of Kerala, and specializes in hard, impact-based techniques with emphasis on hand-to-hand combat and pressure point (“marma points”) strikes.
- A third style, the Central style (Madhya Kalari), is also practiced, but less commonly so.
Why learn and teach Kalaripayattu??
- Enthusiasts are drawn to this ancient warrior tradition for varying reasons.
- Some to improve their overall fitness through disciplined physical and mental training.
- For others the attraction lies in Kerala’s ancient culture and mesmeric art forms.
- Yet others are motivated by Kalaripayattu’s bodily movements which are described as graceful, powerful, rhythmic, fluid and grounded.
- Regardless of your age or gender or whether you are fit or not, the focus will be understanding the body and its vast possibility of flexibility of muscles and joints and the power of strength and concentration. Through the combination of Kalari and Yoga, your body and mind will be brought into harmony, which is the key to ultimate wellness and happiness.
- Your teacher Sajith – in the photo – commenced his journey into the world of Kalaripayattu by joining the much-respected CVN Kalari Sangham, Trivandrum, in 1998 when he was merely fifteen, to begin a decade and a half long quest to master the Northern and Southern styles of Kalaripayattu as well as Kalari Chikitsa. He is an avid Kalaripayattu practitioner and trainer as well as a Yoga Alliance certified Yoga teacher.
The Four Stages of the training
First Stage – Meithari or Physical conditioning training.
Meithari begins with an array of postures, jumps, leaps, kicks and stances which soon flow into fluid sequences which can be slow and graceful one moment and at lightning-fast speed the next, to attack or defend.
Second Stage – Kolthari (Wooden Weapons training).
This involves training with wooden weapons of different lengths and shapes to learn techniques to attack and defend.
Third stage – Angathari (metal weapons training)
Metal weapons are taught to advanced students who have learnt to control their body with Meithari and control wooden weapons with Kolthari. Beginning with simple techniques, these gradually become increasingly complex and physically challenging. The intention is to make the weapon an extension of the body, sharpen reflexes and remove any hesitation.
Fourth stage – Verumkai (empty hand techniques)
This is the most advanced and technical part of the training when the student learns, through constant practice, empty hand defense and offence techniques against single / multiple and armed / unarmed opponents. A key element is learning the body’s ‘Marma’ or pressure points and how, where and when to hit a Marma.
Kalari Massage training
Once a student has reached an advanced level in the martial art practice, they learn the healing practice of Kalari massage.
YSN 30-day Kalari Teacher Training Programme Pricing and Schedule 2024-25
September 2024
November 2024
March 2025
June 2025
August 2025
September 2025
Non-AC shared room: 86,000
Non-AC single room: 98,000
AC shared room: 91,000
AC single room: 116,000
All prices Per Person in Indian Rupees including accommodation, course fees and meals
Daily Schedule
Wake-up call: 5am
Pranayama & Meditation: 5.15am to 6am
Practice session: 6am to 7am
Breakfast: 7.30am
Massage training: 9am to 11am
Lunch: 12.30pm
Self-study/ Teaching practice: 4pm to 5pm
Kalari Practice: 5pm to 6pm
Massage training: 6.30pm to 8pm
End of day: 9pm
You are requested to arrive one day prior to the starting of the programme, the written and practical exam will be held on the second last day and on the last day there will be a certification ceremony
Package includes
- Daily Kalaripayattu practice classes
- Daily Kalaripayattu theory classes
- Daily Kalari Massage (Chavitti Uzhichil) training
- Meditation and study of pranayama
- Final examination
- Food and accommodation
- pick up/drop off Trivandrum airport
- Tour of local sites (optional)
Accommodation
Our Training Programme offers spacious a/c and non a/c double-bed rooms in its affiliate, the small but cozy Hotel Sandy Beach, Kovalam
In-room facilities include:
Free Wi-Fi
Free filter-purified drinking water
Electric kettle
Coffee Maker
Refrigerator
Secure-storage wardrobe
Solar-heated water
Fresh towels
Essential toiletries.
There is a wide array of local and international cuisine as well as shopping on the Lighthouse Beach Seafront located within easy walking distance of the Hotel.
Things to bring along…
- A passport size photo, photocopy of your passport + visa page
- Comfortable attire suitable for Kalaripayattu and the local weather
- A Yoga mat in case you prefer your own although communal mats are provided
Travel arrangements
Foreign attendees need a specific visa called the “e-Tourist visa” to visit India to attend this TTC. You can apply for this visa yourself online (the Indian Govt’s e-visa website address is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration) or arrange it through your travel agent. Please note that Indian law does not allow Yoga School Namaste to arrange e-Tourist Visas from India for foreign attendees.
Book your flight to TRIVANDRUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (also known as THIRUVANANTHAPURAM International Airport) – Airport Code is TRV, which is 20 km or approximately 30 minutes (depending upon traffic) from the training venue.
Please email us at info@yogaschoolnamaste.com your Airline Name, Flight Number, Arrival Terminal number, Date and Time of your arrival. The Driver will be in the Arrivals area carrying a placard with your name or Yoga Shala namaste.