Course Structure
Duration: 2 Years
Class Timings: [6 am to 9 am] & [4 pm to 6 pm] - Weekdays
Semester 1
Meiabhyasam - Foundation
The initial training involves exercises that build strength, agility, flexibility and balance in the student. These exercises involve the vandanam (Salutation), Surya Namaskar (Salutation to the sun), Ashta Vadivu (the eight animal poses) and other movement exercises that strengthen the core muscles, enhance flexibility of the body, and help develop greater balance.
At this stage, the student also learn chuvadu (steps) and Adavu (sequence of steps). These are sequences of movements which have a repetitive nature and help in building stamina, while also working on a core set of muscles for each type of exercise. These exercises, apart from developing specific sets of muscles also enable students build a rhythmic movement and increase their memory and mind-body coordination.
Semester 2
Kolthaari - Wooden weapons
When the student has progressed sufficiently under the watchful guidance of the teacher, they become eligible to learn to use the wooden weapons. These include the long stick (Pantheeran – to indicate 12 spans), the short staff (mucchan), Otta (the curved stick). Each of these weapons are accompanied by a sequence of steps (vaithari). The students learn these sequences of steps and their variations, and in time their movement becomes fluent, and the stick becomes an extension of their arms. These movements apart from teaching the student to defend themselves, also builds on mind-body coordination, and higher degree of awareness, and an ability to bring their focus to a single point.
Semester 3
Angkathaari - Metal Weapons
The metal weapons form the next set of lessons for the student and consist of weapons like the dagger (Kadaram), sword and shield (Vaal and Parichaya), spear (kuntham) and the flexible sword (Urmi). As with the wooden weapons, these weapons are also learned with a specific sequence of movements. As the students become fluent with the weapons, they also learn the different variations and combinations in movements. The metal weapons require a high level of focus and concentration in order to avoid physical injury. The student subconsciously learns to become highly focused.
Semester 4
VerumKai - Barehanded combat
This is the final stage of learning where the student learns to defend himself without any weapons. In this section, the student learns to defend himself from any attacker carrying weapons with his bare hands. The sequence of steps involves learning to evade an attack by jumping, feinting, tumbles, blocking with arms and legs, disarm the opponent using holds and locks. This training calls for a high degree of agility and flexibility, and also awareness of the surroundings. A student at this level needs to be in a state where the body is all eyes, indicating the level of awareness of himself and the environment.
Note:
1) Diploma students must arrange their own accommodation, as it is not available on the institute premises.
2) Admission is not guaranteed, as there will be a phone call session and an interview before finalization.
3) Since this is intensive training, we recommend it only for those serious about learning Kalaripayattu.
4) Please get in touch with us for fees related information.
*Please reach out to us in case of any special requests regarding the course offering.
Are You Eligible To Train?
Kalaripayattu is a martial art and therefore a fair degree of physical fitness and flexibility is assumed. However, we do have people of all ages from 8 to 60 come and train with us. It is important to stay within the constraints of your physical fitness and ability to avoid getting injured during training. Please consult your doctor if you have any restricting health conditions that will put you at risk.
Who can join?
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Beginners who are willing to explore the art form fully
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People who are looking to become a Kalari teacher/trainer
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Theatre Artists / Movie Artists
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Fitness Coaches / Sportsperson
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Students who are looking to start a career with Kalaripayattu
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And anyone with interest and commitment!