In the South of India

Considered as the pioneer of all martial arts, Kalaripayattu (kalari meaning school and payattu fight) has gained back its notoriety in the last few years. Despite existing for around 5,000 years, this martial art from the Kerala region, in the south of India, almost disappeared during the British occupation because of its lethal blows.

Nowadays, kalaris are reopening and this type of fight has a revival as a self-defense technique, and because of its benefits for the body. Like another martial art it inspired, Kungfu, which has also suffered repression, Kalaripayattu continues to be taught in the traditional way, at dawn or at dusk, to avoid heat. The fighters should follow strict steps, beginning with physical exercise, then handling of different weapons such as spears, swords, and shields, finishing the session with wounds healing.

During training, blows are not held back so it is not rare to see weapons to break under attacks or people getting harm, sometimes seriously…