Armed & Unarmed Combat
In no other system imparting training as self-defense or martial arts is seen a similar combination of weapon training as in Kalaripayattu. It is this system of scientifically arranged and well-graded series of exercises for achieving maximum physical agility that makes Kalaripayattu unique.
Wooden Weapon Combat (Kolthari)
Kettukari (Long Staff)
The Kettukari is a cane about five feet long. Training with this weapon helps develop the eye's ability to understand the movements of the opponent by focusing on their face. It also serves as training to effectively use a long staff as a powerful weapon for both offense and defense. This exercise forms a crucial preliminary to the art of fighting with a spear.
Cheruvadi (Short Staff)
The Cheruvadi is a short staff of three spans (approximately 27 inches) and demands exceptional care and precision in wielding. The movements are rapid, and blows are delivered in quick succession. The practice of Cheruvadi requires great agility of movement; a sense of its quickness can be gained when considering that about a hundred blows can be dealt in approximately one minute.
Otta (Curved Wooden Weapon)
The Otta is a short staff about 18 to 20 inches long, uniquely curved. All attacks with the Otta are precisely aimed at the 'Marmas' or vital spots of the body. This forms the initial training for scientific bare-hand combat. Practicing Otta to perfection demands significant stamina and physical endurance.
Metallic & Heavy Wooden Weapon Combat (Ankathari)
Kattaram / Dagger
The dagger, approximately one foot in length, is sharp on both sides and pointed at the end. Its primary uses include slashing, cutting, and preventing attacks. No shield is used in dagger combat; cuts and thrusts are made from all sides, and the slightest inattention by the combatant could result in their opponent's dagger deeply penetrating their body.
Gada (Mace)
The Gada, or mace, is typically preferred by disciples of gigantic stature and great muscular strength. While body strength is considered essential, agility and dexterity are equally crucial for the successful handling of this formidable weapon.
Spear
The spear is a deadly weapon, commonly used in ancient warfare. Fighting at close quarters with a spear is challenging. Cuts, thrusts, whirling movements, and various kinds of locks are performed with it, and these are parried and returned using the spear itself.
Sword & Shield
Mastering the efficient use of the sword and shield is considered the peak of perfection in armed combat. It demands extraordinary body control, agility, a quick eye, and a keen presence of mind. Combatants must turn and twist their bodies in all possible ways, and leap and jump with surprising ease and agility.
Spear vs. Sword Combat
Unlike other combats where opponents face each other with identical weapons, this combat pits a swordsman (armed with a sword and shield) against a spearman (armed with only a spear). Due to the length of the spear, the spearman can maintain a certain distance. Both combatants strive to exploit the inherent disadvantages of their opponent's weapon. Therefore, the swordsman actively seeks to exploit all the weak points of the spearman.
Kathiyum Thalayum (Knife & Cloth)
Kathiyum Thalayum involves some of the most crucial self-defense techniques. One person attacks with a knife, and the other defends themselves using a six-cubit long piece of cloth, held in a peculiar way with both hands. The offense and defense techniques in this combat are highly interesting to observe.
Urumi (Flexible Sword)
The Urumi is a long, flexible sword, typically measuring about 5 feet in length and sharp on both sides. One cannot effectively handle this weapon without thorough mastery of body-control exercises. Warriors use this weapon in mass attacks. If the wielding is not perfect, it carries the risk of causing self-inflicted wounds to the user.
Unarmed Combat (Verum Kai Prayogam)
This is the training for defense without using any weapon against an armed or unarmed person. It includes secret techniques of defense against attacks on the vital spots ("marma") of the body.