The ancient scholars have divided the various art forms into 64 different categories. The art of fighting with weapons is considered to be one among those 64 art forms. Our ancient culture contains very valuable treasures of knowledge dealt with in VEDAS and UPANISHAD. The Dhanurveda, a branch of Yajurveda, described various techniques of Martial art, which is considered to be an integrated science for defense and attack. The basic science of Kalarippayat is based on Dhanurveda. Hence historians say that the Kalarippayat must have originated even before 2000B.C.

The elder generations still believe that the Kalari Guru is the sage Parasurama himself, who after creating the land of

History
The institution of Kalari is generally traced to the period immediately after the disintegration of the Perumals of Kodungallur in the first quarter of 12th century AD.
It was an integral part of the socio-political system of medieval Kerala. Politically the land of Kerala was divided into a number of principalities and minor chief-taincies. The alignment and enmities of these power centres resulted in constant warfare. Small scale skirmishes and large scale fighting were-not uncommon among these local and regional authorities. In such a setup each power centre was forced to maintain a body of fighters at its beck and call. Systematic training and strict rules of discipline for fighters were indispensable for an effective working of the system. It was in such circumstances that the Kalaris where provided the institutional base for the body building and training in combat became not only necessary but also essential.

Medieval principalities and chieftain familes maintained a military group of their own. This practice of maintaining trained local militia can be traced back to the period of NADU formation in Kerala during thePerumal rule. Nadu chieftains had hundreds of organizations - MUNNURUVAR the 300, ANJUTTUVAR the 500, ARUNUTTUVAR the 600 and ELUNUTTUVAR the 700. These bands of soldiers must have developed into landed aristocracy supporting the established order with military power.

Here it is specially noted that the Kalarippayat training was undergone by every youth of the NAIR CASTE, the Kerala warrior caste that is like the SAMURAI of Japan. But Kalarippayat was not the sole prerogative of Nairs for there were many MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS, EZHAVAS and even Brahmins [a sub-caste of Hindu religion] who practiced and mastered the techniques of Kalarippayat.

Kalari
In Sanskrit, the word KHALOORIKA denotes a place where weapon training is practiced. It is believed that it was from the Sanskrit term Khaloorika, that the word KALARI came into use in Malayalam for similar institution imparting training in Martial Arts. The term KALARI denotes a gymnasium [where] for proper training or exercise, but in the present context it means training in the traditional style of combat. This was the first educational centre in Kerala. Till the middle of this century, KALARI was the place for all sorts of education. It was the next important establishment in any Place 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. Apart from physical training, he taught them LANGUAGES, SCIENCE and ART. He was the local doctor, especially for the treatments for nerves and bones. Kalari has a separate system of MEDICINE&TREATMENT of itself. This is the only Martial Art that contains RITUALS, EDUCATION & TRE ATMENT.

The systems
The Kalari training is based on an elaborate system of physical exercises. The practical experience of the body movements strengthens the knowledge of the discipline. The constant practice makes the body an eye and adds to agility and strength. At age seven the student is recruited for his training under a GURUKKAL. Oil massage or Uzhichil is an essential part of training. The verbal commands of the Gurukkal known as VAYTTHARI are obeyed and repeated to grasp the body movement. Each of them helps to recollect memory and leads to correct movements. Before practice, the student covers their bodies with oil prepared by the Gurukkal. This specially prepared oil gives strength and flexibility, warms up the muscles and prevents muscle strain.

Kalarippayatt comprises two major styles which being divided geographically, are consequently known as the NORTHERN STYLE and SOUTHERN STYLE. The Northern Style is practiced mainly by the NAYARS, a Malayalam - speaking people who are part of the ARYAN CULTURAL tradition of North INDIA. Tamil - speaking people who are a part of DRAVIDIAN CULTURAL descendents of the area's ancient inhabitants, who practice the Southern style, occupies the Southern most part of India. A few Malayalam speakers also practice the Southern style in their area.

Although the Northern and Southern style are obviously closely related, and Kalarippayatt generally is quite different from the other Martial Arts, significant distinctions can be made between the two styles. At the geographical boundary between the two cultural groups and fighting styles there is some overlap.

Northern Style
Sage Parasurama was the Master of Northern style Kalarippayat. The Northern style Kalarippayat is divided into four part of training. They are Maithari, Kolthari, Ankkathari, and Verum kaithary.

MAITHARI [Body control Training]
This involves 12 graded body exercise sequence, which includes twists and turn of the body, leaps and poses. A single sequence constitutes a Payatt. In advance stages, one attains various 'SIDHIS' [Skills], Viz. Speed, Accuracy, Force, Stamina, co-ordination, Mastering balance, Flexibility and Principles of movement in space as well as understanding the continuous flow of energy in the body.

KOL- THARI [Kol - means stick]
This is the second stage of Kalarippayatt. It involves training in wooden weapons like 'KETTUKARI' [12 span staff], 'MUCHAN' [ 3span stick], and 'OTTAKOL' ['S' curved stick]. Training in Ottakol is a stepping-stone towards to proper execution of advanced Kalarippayatt. Long practice with this stage enables a student to gain control over the weapon. Even a small wooden staff can become a weapon in the hands of a practitioner with dazzling power even against a heavily armed adversary.

ANKATHARI [Metallic weapon fights]
It involves combat training in weapons like the DAGGER [kadaras], the SWORD&SHIELD [udaval & paricha], the SPEAR [kuntham], the MACE [gatha], the AXE [mazhu], the KNIFE [kathi] and the LONG FLEXIBLE SWORD [urummi].

VERUM KAITHARI [bare and fights]
Bare hand fights are a post-graduate course in Kalaripayat. Here an unarmed combatant fights with an armed enemy and puts him down. Various activities like OZHIVUKAL [skipping], IRRAKKAM [stepping back], KAYATTAM [stepping forward], THADA [blocking], PIDUTHAM [catching] and blows and hitting at the VITAL POINTS [Marmmam - of the body are the main features to this practice].

The Southern Style
This system gives more importance to footwork [Chuvadukal] and attack with hands. The special feature of the southern system is ADIMURA - 64 [64types of attacking blows & locks]. The bare hand has more importance in Adimura, Thattumura, Pidimura, Marmmamura, and Marmma Adi. Locks and release of locks are also important. In the foot work systems there are 84 types of movements. They are ANKACHERY CHUVAD [basic footwork], BALIVAZHI [monkey type footwork], ANNKAM VETT CHUVAD [bare handfootwork], NAALANNI CHUVAD[heavy-footwork], KARINADA CHUVAD[elephant footwork], CHEENA YADI CHUVAD[drunken monkey footwork], and THATTUMARMA CHUVAD [movement with hitting vital points]. Ner-Chuvad, Privu-Chuvad, Vatta-Chuvad, Chariv- Chuvad, Otta-Chuvad, and Panchavarna -Chuvad are also included in the 84types of movements.