KALARI

The most ancient martial art , Kalaripayattu was known in the Gurukulam tradition of Gotra cuture in India.KALARI was the place for all sorts of education

Kalaripayattu names have been derived from names of kalari gurukal(master), his house name, village name, according to the situations. They are kadathanadu, thulunadu, odimurisheri etc . After 1957 the Kalaripayattu associations formed and they are coordinated as one union.They divided kalaripayattu in names of northern, southern and central kerala(vadakkan, thekkan and Madhya Kerala) they started conducting kalari competitions. All the Kalaris started then was started under this classification of northern, southern & central kerala.

In Sanskrit, the word KHALOORIKA denotes a place where weapons training practice. It is believed that 'Kalari' name was derived from the Sanskrit term Khaloorika.

In the middle of this century ,Kalari was the important establishment in all places in Kerala, next to the temple. The master of Kalari, better known as ASAN or GURUKKAL was one of most respected man of the society. The education provided at the Kalari includes both physical & mental training. A Martial Art unique to Kerala, Kalari reigns above all other martial traditions in its scientific discipline.