KalariyilDharmikam (Indian School of Martial Arts)

Dharmikam Ashram is a spiritual, educational, and healing institution. There are several opportunities to grow through Kalaripattu teaching, KalariChikilsa therapies, and regular festivals hosted at the temple. These elements are intertwined and mutually beneficial. They could want to come for healing or to learn martial arts. Maybe people are seeking some peace and quiet, which this sanctuary provides. Some visitors even prefer to partake in a mix of the three. This is an excellent site to visit and discover if they want to progress. Gurus have passed down this rich spiritual heritage to their pupils for millennia. Guru Balachandran Nair, better known as Satguru Hanuman Das, is in charge of the ashram's preservation. The disciple lives with the master, according to the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara. This enables him to communicate authentic Kalaripayattu and KalariChikilsa to the disciple. KalariyilDharmikam Ashram plays an essential role in preserving India's traditions, wisdom, and values as a result of this original tradition. Ashram The richness of the education is reflected in the lush grounds and gorgeous structures. Away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, they also provide a great setting for thought and meditation. Guests may thoroughly enjoy the magnificent surroundings thanks to the comfortable accommodation and great food. The majestic temple devoted to Lord Hanuman, where rites and festivities take place, is the main attraction. The tradition of Kalaripayattu Kalaripayattu is the world's oldest martial art style, with a history dating back over 12,000 years. Kalaripayattu is derived from the Sanskrit word "Khaluriga," which meaning "battle." Because of the application of power and speed to the body's "marma" (pressure) spots, it is the most hazardous martial art. This art is said to have developed from the Dhanurveda, which contains all martial skills. According to the Vishnu Purana, it is one of the eighteen traditional branches of knowledge. Origins of the Kalaripayattu tradition Kalaripayattu is a traditional dance from Kerala, which is supposed to have been formed from the ocean by Lord Parashuram, Vishnu's sixth avatar. Parashuram taught his Kalaripayattu skills to his 21 followers in order to defend the land. He then despatched these followers to various districts of Kerala, according to legend. As a result, Keralites regard Kalaripayattu as God's own martial technique, capable of defending God's own land. From its inception to the present day, this art has been passed down through many generations.Kalaripayattu is also the predecessor of Chinese martial arts, as it was brought from India to China by the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma in the fifth century. Kalaripayattu practitioners integrated the art with existing fighting traditions once it arrived in China. Kung Fu was born as a result of this partnership. The Portuguese traveller DuradBarbossa witnessed the Nair warriors performing this art later in the eleventh century, and noted it in his journey log. Kalaripayattu is a component of India's honour, heritage, and tradition, particularly among the Keralites. Fighting for the benefit of the country was a tremendous honour for their warrior tribe, and they practiced it as if it were their birthright. The Travancore troops used these strategies in several fights over the centuries, including three conflicts against the Dutch navy. Many warriors utilised this combat system against the British, including Veluthampi the Great and Pazhassi Raja. The British prohibited the martial art during their rule in India after being intimidated by these freedom warriors. Kalaripayattu had to be practised in secret by those who wanted to keep the culture and practice. The two schools The Northern and Southern school systems have two separate teaching traditions. The emphasis in the Northern tradition is on advancing from physical exercises to weapon combat and then to unarmed conflict. The sage Agastya, whose strength and concentration powers are legendary, is the patron saint of Kalaripayattu in the Southern tradition. Footwork, movement, and the ability to strike at ‘marmas' in the opponent's body, 108 of which are lethally vulnerable, are all highlighted in the Southern heritage. Kalaripayattu students learn how to fight and defend themselves. That doesn't just strengthen the body. Rather, it uses the spiritual element of the art to unite the body and mind. Once the body and mind are in good shape, they are synchronised into one channel, which is an important step in the practitioner's spiritual development. As a result, Kalaripayattu is critical in removing the core causes of moral degradation. It also assists pupils in becoming physically and mentally strong citizens of India who are confident, respected, and disciplined.In this century, the Kalaripayattu heritage is struggling to survive, gasping for air in the modern day. Satguru Hanuman Das, also known as Guru Balachandran Nair, is one of the few instructors who still devotes his life to preserving the tradition. First steps of Kalaripayattu training Guruji conducts an initiation for each student who intends to begin practising Kalaripayattu. After that, the learner might observe some courses and then learn the basic salutations used in each session. The level of Kalaripayattu training gradually increases after understanding these basic salutations. The student can learn the material in a systematic manner by following this sequence. As this place is considered a temple, class always begins with the lighting and salutation of the lamps inside the Kalari. Students then salute Bhoomi (Mother Earth) to thank her for allowing them to practise in her lap. The pupils then do the Guru's Pranaam (salutation) and revere the complete Guru Parampara (tradition). They perform the Vandana Chuvadu after that (first salutation form). To pray for blessings for appropriate combat footing, this form salutes the four directions, Mother Earth, God, and the Guru. The training begins only when this rite is completed. Pupils learn in mixed lessons with their colleagues when it comes to training with other students. Instructors, on the other hand, provide students individual attention based on their distinct learning styles. Students are encouraged to perform self-practice outside of class and to approach the instructors or Guruji at any time with questions or doubts. Kalaripayattu training does not include or encourage competition because the art is spiritual. This allows pupils to concentrate only on their own growth at their own schedule. As a result, they will be able to work without interruptions. Kalaripayattu training levels There are five levels in the syllabus: basic, intermediate, advanced, senior, and teacher. A student who does Kalaripayattu training on a regular basis may usually finish the basic level syllabus in about three months. Following the basic level, the intermediate level course takes around six months of daily practise. After then, it takes at least one or two years to accomplish the advanced and senior levels. Finally, a practitioner who wants to teach must have completed at least five years of daily exercise. These figures are averages that may differ for each kid based on their physical condition and progress. Even after learning the entire syllabus, perfecting the art takes years of consistent training, dedication, discipline, and devotion. Levels and weapons of Kalaripayattu The Kalaripayattu syllabus is divided into five levels. Even after achieving these levels, mastering the technique of Kalaripayattu takes years of consistent training, dedication, discipline, and devotion. Each new level focuses on improving the previous levels while also introducing new components. The following is a breakdown of the various levels: Basic Level The student learns unarmed skills that allow mastery of body motions and balance at the basic level. The following are examples of forms, combinations, and techniques: • Chuvadu (Salutation Forms) • Adithada (Unarmed Combat) • Pootu (Locks) • Valivu (Throws) Intermediate Level The student learns to achieve greater agility, flexibility, and synchronisation of body movements at the intermediate level by applying the above basic forms, combinations, and methods to a higher level. In addition, the candidate will learn: • Maypayattu (Flexibility Forms) • As well as the basics of Rad &Neduvadi (long session staff/stick). Advanced Level The advanced section concentrates on weapon training: Blunt weapons • Rad Veesh (Long Session Staff) To achieve mastery and control over the stick as well as to protect oneself, the long session staff is rotated at a fast speed in various ways. Individuals who wanted to protect themselves and keep animals away from their territories in the past would set fireballs on both ends of the staff and swing it at tremendous speeds. This action is thought to be the source of Nanchak's (chained stick) movements. • Neduvadi (Long Stick) • Kuravadi (Short Stick) • Cheruvadi (Medium Stick) Sharp weapons • Kathi (Dagger) • Kadara • Vettukathi Senior Level • The pupil learns traditional sword fighting as his or her training with these weapons progresses. The following are the various sword types: • Valum (Long Sword) This was the most popular weapon employed in ancient battles. This weapon is regarded one of the most lethal weapons since it may cause major injury even without much practise. • Churika (Medium Sword) Instructor Level • The instructor level necessitates knowledge of the following weapons: • ValumParichayum (Sword & Shield) Kalaripayattu's traditional weapon is a sword and shield combination. • Spear • Maru (Axe) • Urumi (Spring Sword) The Urumi is a weapon that is only found in India. This is a weapon that no other country in the world has. This weapon, worn as a belt by the warrior, is only for the most extreme and perilous situations, as it is easily self-injurious. This weapon has the power to hack off a hundred heads in a single pull when used by a perfect master. This weapon has the potential to take the warrior's own head if utilized improperly.

 Parasuvaikkal, Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695508