The Magic of Kalaripayattu

It was during the phase of a major personal crisis that I was led to experience the magic of Kalaripayattu . I was ready to experiment with anything to take me out of the state of numbness and purposelessness that I was struggling with, on a daily basis. I started off with a vengeance, ignoring the aches and groans; wanting to excel in the art and thus conquer the feeling of emptiness within.

{For the uninitiated, Kalaripayattu is a martial art form with its roots in the mystic land of the brave Othenans*. The popular ballads on the heroic deeds of these experts in the art form spread the fame of Kalaripayattu all across Kerala and even beyond.Though used as an effective method of combat during the olden days,today Kalaripayattu is used as tool to train the mind and strengthen the body}

I was used to a more fun based work - out, like dancing, where you stick to the rhythm and let the music transport you to another land altogether. Kalari with its huffs and puffs and otherwise dead silence did not appeal to me in the beginning. It however did not add to the void too. But there was this lack of excitement that slowly led me away from it.I could not comprehend the fact that people could draw inspiration from it; forget completing one routine. Months went by and I complied to a monthly twice routine,only to cater to my bodily needs of a work out. When I did not see the magic of Kalari unfold before my eyes, I began wondering...
In a passing conversation with one of the ardent followers of this art form I understood that the key to the magic was in being consistent. I was convinced that this art had a charm and a power to it. There were living examples right infront of me. I was now hell bent on realising it myself. The monthly once hazy routine gave way to a dedicated weekly routine and I began to see results almost instantly. I was more sure about the steps and the moves and the confidence drove me to strive for near perfection.
The art form takes shape and life through the able guidance of the gurukkal alias the teacher.I do not know if it is a characteristic among Kalari gurukkals, but I have found that steadfastness and serenity were second nature to my teacher. His method of instruction is firm yet calm. There are no raising of voices or lashing out of instructions. His persistence in seeing the desired results drives you to aim for the seemingly impossible. I started off as a mediocre student trying to finish off one level after the other. The perfection to my steps and moves, the kicks and turns were miles away. My teacher noticed a trend in me over a period of time; a trend to skip the details. One day he came up to me and without a preamble started making me go over the routine step by step, kick by kick... I began to see the difference in what it was and what it was supposed to be. The change made me feel great. I could sense a feeling of power and inner strength,which comes out of concentration and meditation,slowly setting in. This made me ask for more.

Focusing on the art of Kalaripayattu has helped me deal with myself over the months. The edgy side to me is being given a back seat now. When it pops up once in a while it only reminds me that I need to practise more. After 6 months of training I feel different, more composed and more at peace with myself.

* Othenans: Thacholi Othenan was a legendary hero who is believed to have lived during 16th century in northern Kerala. He practised Kalarippayattu from a very young age and grew up to be an extraordinarily brave and skilled warrior.The Othenans are his descendants.