In the southernmost part of the Vedic land of India is the state of Kerala. The enchanting combination of seas, lagoons, backwaters, coconut trees, and rainforests, earned it the sobriquet, "God's own country". Legend has it that Sage Parashurama created the land from the sea. In this legendary land, emanated a clan of skilled fighters whose practice was called as Kalaripayattu. Derived from the Sanskrit word, kaloorika, meaning the place where we practice.

Kalaripayattu draws its inspiration in the pristine ethos of the land of its origin, Kerala. The natural beauty, cultural aestheticism and spiritual magnificence of the land are delectably mirrored in every element of this martial art form. The beauty of Kalaripayatt lies in its inherent harmonious union of art, science, medicine, and spirituality to evolve a complete way of life. A kalaripayatt artist strives to achieve the perfect synchronization of his body and soul. This spiritualistic element gives it a unique status among the martial art forms in the world.

Though the colonialist period saw a sad decline in the popularity of Kalaripayatt, the past few decades have ushered in a welcome renaissance of this martial art, thanks to the exemplary efforts of a select band of dedicated and selfless Kalaripayatt gurus or masters.

http://kalaripayatt.tribe.net