In a recent Global awards event in Mumbai, “Action Hero Fitness Awards”, hosted by Vidyut Jammwal, Gurukkal Shinto Mathew of Kalari Kendram has been chosen and awarded for excellence in Kalaripayattu training and revival all over India and abroad by none other than the nation’s fitness Icon, Bollywood actor and Kalari practitioner himself, Mr. Vidyut Jammwal.
In his speech, Vidyut said, “I have been asked various times which is better, Kalaripayattu or Muay Thai or MMA etc. So after much contemplation, I realized that one needs to practice something that leads to brain modulation, building character, right thoughts, discipline, and more. So I was looking for a master who is creating real men and women and then I found these people (Kalari kendram), they are doing the real job of creating A Complete Balanced Human Being”.
Kalari Kendram Gurukulam under Guru Shinto Mathew has been working diligently for the survival, conservation, and finally, revival of this art in all its might by having traditional Gurukulams set up in Delhi, Noida, and Kerala. The idea is to pass on the art in its ultimate authenticity and original structure to the next generation, as his Guru passed on to him.
Gurukkal Mathew’s contributions to Kalaripayattu have gained him national recognition, including a research fellowship from CCRT under India’s Ministry of Culture and membership on the Indian Council for Cultural Relations’ Reference Panel. He has brought Kalaripayattu to the global stage at international events like the World Martial Arts Festival in Indonesia, the International Indo-Japan Martial Arts Meet, the Folk Art Festival in Egypt, and many more. His efforts have also extended to online programs to make Kalaripayattu known at a global level, where he has been training students in the most authentic methodology from all over the world including the USA, UK, Singapore, UAE, Canada, etc.
When asked about the difficulties he faced while teaching Kalaripayattu to Non-Malayalam-speaking students, He says, “Of course it has been the toughest part in my journey, as firstly the awareness had to be created about this unique heritage art of India for enrollments to happen. But today, Vidyut Jammwal plays a very important role in making this art known to people even outside Kerala.” He started with 5 students back in 2009 and today he has students from all over North India, including nearby states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, etc.
Gurukkal Mathew’s efforts could not even go unnoticed by Mr. Vidyut Jammwal who himself is a passionate enthusiast of Kalaripayattu and that makes Gurukkal feel honored.The Global Awards event,” Action Hero Fitness Awards” was dedicated to empowering and recognizing the relentless efforts of Indian brands and institutions that have worked tirelessly to elevate India’s standards on a global platform. It is with great pride that we share the recognition of Kalari Kendram, Delhi—a long-standing traditional temple of Kalaripayattu—under the esteemed leadership of Gurukkal Mathew for his authentic Kalaripayattu training. This prestigious accolade honors Gurukkal Mathew’s unparalleled dedication and significant contributions to preserving, reviving, and disseminating the ancient Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu with integrity.
Kalari Kendram’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing and safeguarding this art form of Kalari has ensured its relevance and accessibility in the modern era, preserving its heritage for generations to come. Kalaripayattu, India’s oldest Martial art and heritage is known to be one of the most revered martial art forms in the world, a tradition that traces its origins back to the battlefield centuries ago. This art form was not the creation of a human mind but of the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the divine warrior-sage, Lord Parasurama. Known as *Kalaripayattu*, this authentic martial art of India hails from the state of Kerala.
Kalaripayattu, recognized as one of the most lethal and sophisticated martial arts in existence today, deeply rooted in survival instincts and combat techniques drawn from the animal kingdom—studying and mimicking the movements of fierce creatures such as the lion, elephant, wild boar, snake, and more. What distinguishes Kalaripayattu from other martial disciplines is that it is not simply a sport or game. Each strike is calculated to target vital points, or *marma sthanam*, on the body, making it a highly dangerous art if not mastered with precision. This martial art also encompasses the mastery of ancient weaponry, including the long wooden staff, knife, sword, and short wooden stick, among others.
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