The legends have it that a Buddhist Monk Bodhidharama, who visited China during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Ling dynasty, presented the world with a self-defense system; from which evolved almost all the present day martial are forms. Scholars believe that his philosophy was influenced by the ancient martial culture of malabar - Kalaripayattu the mother of all martial arts.
A student is initiated into the Kalari usually at the age of seven, on an auspicious day or on the opening day of the new session and is guided by the guru or a senior student. The traditional dress used in Kalari is known as Kachha and its wearing method is Kachha Kettal. Kalaripayattu is an art form of struggle that merges the potency and elasticity of body along with restrain and concentration of mind. Related to Yoga and Ayurveda, the Kalaripayattu deals with flexing of muscles to the much tougher exercises of Yoga. Massage with Ayurvedic oils is an integral part of this martial art form. The Vadakkan form or the Northern Style and the Thekkan form or the southern styles are the two main forms of Kalaripayattu.
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