Training: Techniques & Stages
Kachhakettal
The traditional dress used in Kalari is known as Kachha and its wearing method is Kachha Kettal.
The kachha is a long cotton cloth with 6" width and 9 mtr. length. It is to be wrapped in a particular method which gives maximum tightness from the naval, is the basis of the art of Kachhakettal. The kachha is also believed to be the protector of one's prana, the life force. It is a practice to apply gingely oil or medicated oil before to start kalaripayat training. This renders coolness and flexibility to the body and invigorates the veins and muscles. Application of this oil reduces body temperature, while performing body control exercises.
Uzhichil
The first stage in Kalarippat course, is the Uzhichil. The students of Kalarippayat have to undergo a course of Uzhichal or Kalari message therapy with special herbal oil like Mukkoot or Arakuzhambu. Usually an Uzhichal course lasts for 7-14 days.
The message is done with hands for young and with legs and for elders. This is technically called 'Kai Uzhichal' and 'Chavitti Uzhichal' respectively. Message is considered to be one of integral parts of Kalari training which helps the body to attain a healthy constitution as well as flexibility, nimbleness and suppleness. Moreover, message enables proper blood circulation, and removal of excess of fat from body. It helps in the easy manoeuvrability of the body for turning, twisting & jumping.
Meippayattu
MEIPPAYATTU is the body control exercise designed in a special sequence. It gives perfect control and flexibility to the body and is a combination of Vativu with body movements, holds, kicks, jumps, cuts. There is a traditional saying that a "Kalari master is one, who has converted his body into an eye."
Cheruvadi or Muchhanvadi
A MUCHHAN (Three Spanner rod) or Cheruvadi, is a strong wooden Staff, usually 22 inches in length and about 2 inches in diameter. The Amaram or holding end, will be thicker than Muna or the using end. The use of Cheruvadi consists of attack, counter-attack, defence, use of locks, and unarming techniques. Various Vativus and Chuvatus are combined in this graded attack and defence combinations. Close range fight with the Muchhan is a basic training for the use of close range metal weapons like Knife and Dagger.
Kettukari or Shareervadi
is a long rod made of solid cane with either the height of the practitioner from to the eyebrow or 12 span in length. In Koltari Ankam, though there are 18 sequences or stages.
The Koltari practice is considered as a preparatory stage for the use of spear, sword and other deadly weapons. Most of the attacks with Panteeran combines attack on head, temple, ribs knee and groin. Regular and systematic practices installs natural reflexes in the body which wards off any attack on any part of the body. There are also special techniques of twisting and circling the staff called Vativeesal. In the more advanced stages of Kettukari, there are locking and unarming techniques with the staff itself.
Kadaram
KATTARI is double edged dagger of 12" length and 11/2" . It is curved in the middle and narrowing towards the end to form a sharp point. This is particularly used in close range combat. The hilt of this weapons forms a long protective cover to the forearm and this part can also be used for blocking and parrying the cuts and hits.
Kuntham
KUNTHAM or spear is another popular weapon used in the Kalaries. It is made of strong cane, 1" in diameter and 5 to 5 � feet in length and one end is fixed with an iron blade in the shape of leaf or bud. There are traditional instruction for the choice and treatment of cane to make it strong and smooth, for making Kuntham.
The Kuntham is held and used in almost the same way as the Kettukari. The tactics of blows, hits and stretching are used in attacks and speedy wielding of the spear, for keeping the enemy at bay. There is a technique of throwing the spear with flawless accuracy and also blocking the same, with a quick twisting manipulation, which will return it to the thrower and hit him back, with force.
Ankatari
THE main stage in Kalari, is the Ankatari or practice of deadly weapons like dagger, spear, sword and shield. In Northern Style, the last phase of Ankatari is the training in Urumi.
The duel practiced with sword and shield is called Puli Ankam or Val Ankam. Various types of strokes and thrusts are there in this style, followed by methods for receiving and parrying them with the shield. There are 18 Atavus or sequences in sword fight. The length of sword used in Kalaries ranges from 18" to 24" and the blade will have a width of 11/2 to 2" The sword should be light, sharp, tough and flexible. The shield is round in shape and 12" to 18" in diameter: It is used by passing the hand through the metallic or choir-chain and holding the wooden or metallic handle.
Barehanded Fight or Verumkai Prayogam
IN unguarded moments, there are some special ways of getting out of a tight situation, by using hand & legs. Locks and blows are in vogue. Attacks on the nervous system by the edge of one's palm or single finger, are enough to paralyze the opponent. Various types of blows and with different effects are, therefore practiced to perfection.
Urumi
URUMI is the most popular weapon in Kalaries. It is a long blade with spring like action, 4 and half feet or 5 and half feet in length and �" to 1" in width. It has a small handle with cover. As an Urumi can be wrapped round the waist, it is the best weapon to be carried with ease. A woman can keep an Urumi around waist and use it, if required.