| In the
northern system of Kalarippayattu, one
starts the training with the Meythari- solo
forms designed to develop the flexibility,
agility, balance and coordination of the
body. Once the trainee becomes proficient in
Meythari, he can move on to Kolthari (use of
weapons made of wood).
1. The long staff
(Panthiruchan and Kettukari)
The training consists of
the basic twirling and swinging movements of
the long staff and prearranged sparring with
partners. Similar to the modern Olympic
fencing competition, partners move forward
and backward in a linear fashion while
executing thrusts, strikes, blocks and
parrying movements.
Sometimes a spearhead is attached to the
long staff and it is used as a spear. An
ideal spear will measure seven cubits in
length but nowadays it is usually less than
five cubits in length.
2. Muchan vati or
Kuruvati
This is a short stick measuring 3
“chans” in length (one Chan = the
distance between the tip of the thumb and
the tip of the small finger when the thumb
and the fingers are held in an outstretched
position).
This calls for fast movements and quick
reflexes. Expert masters in their prime time
can make up to 100 strikes in one minute.
The strikes are aimed at the vital points of
the body, but trainees will not be given any
teaching in the science of the vital points
at this time.
Once the trainee goes through the rigors of
the Kolthari, he can move up to the
Ankathari or use of weapons made of metals.
3. Otta
The ultimate training
tool in the Vadakkan system. This is a
curved stick used mainly to develop the
coordination and to make the trainees
understand the real inner meanings of many
of the kalari movements. Needless to say,
like any other weapon, this one too can be
lethal in the hands of an expert.
4. Katara
One cubit in length and
sharp on both edges and somewhat zigzag in
shape. It is held like a hacksaw and the
finger guards extend upward to the forearms.
5. Churika
Churika is a dagger cum
sword which when held grip down-tip up
position along the arm will reach the arm
pit from the palm. The blade portion is two
angula (one angula = the distance from the
tip of the thumb to the first joint of the
thumb from the tip) in width and broadens up
to 4 angula and again narrows to a sharp
tip.
6. Valum parichayum
(sword and shield)
The most famous of all
kalari weapons are the sword and the shield.
The training demands unwavering
concentration, utmost agility, fast foot
work and quick reflexes form the students.
Many of the graceful leaping and jumping
movements unique to the northern
Kalarippayattu are employed here along with
very low stances. One technique said to have
been used by the legend Thacholi Othenan is
called Poozhikkatakan. While in the middle
of a combat, one crouches down and scoops a
shield full of sand/earth and throws into in
to the eyes of the opponent. While the
unfortunate one gropes blindly he finds his
death.
7. Urumi (flexible
sword)
It is a flexible band of
steel measuring in length from the fingertip
of one hand to the finger tip of the other
hand when the hands are held outstretched to
the side and1 to 2 inches wide. Here agility
and mental sharpness counts more than
strength or aggression. Twirling and
controlling urumi is an art by itself
possible only for those who spend long hours
in the kalari. One false movement can slash
the eyes, calves and many other parts of the
practitioner. This one calls for utmost
concentration even from the expert. Unlike
in the southern system, a shield and urumi
combination is sometimes used.
Apart from the weapons
described above, in certain kalaris other
weapons like mace, throwing knives etc are
used in training. A full list of the
traditional Indian weapons based on the
Dhanurvedic tradition and the epics Ramayana
and Mahabharata will be provided at a later
date. |
