World’s 1st ever Martial art is born in INDIA.
Its not everyday that a treasured art like Kalaripayattu is born and you know it is nothing ordinary when its the creation of not humans but the Gods themselves.
It is carefully constructed with the sharp observations made on the complexities of nature and survival instincts, prey techniques, and basic anatomy of wild animals.
Gaja Vadivu
How animals inspired the creation of this legendary warrior art - the role of Gaja in kalaripayattu
Since, Kalaripayattu art of warfare is developed by closely observing the martial moves, fighting skills, and survival techniques of various ferocious animals, this art is raw and pure in its application. And thus, we will learn how doing workout the kalari way is the new best method to attain the mental , physical and spiritual fitness.
‘Cute’ is the first expression that comes to our mind when we hear the word, “elephants”. On the Contrary, these endearing creatures are one of the most ruthless fighters. Yes, it takes typically seven lionesses to kill a single adult elephant, such is the power of this majestic creature.
Here, Gaja meaning, elephant forms the foremost animal taken in Kalari in formulating the lesson of VADIVU.
Warfare has been part of mankind’s innate nature since the pre-historic era. Among the most ancient and proven forms of combat in history happens to have originated from Kerala. Early written evidence of Kalaripayattu has been found in Dhanurveda- the Vedic literature and in Sangam literature.
WHAT IS KALARIPAYATTU?
Kalaripayattu is derived from two words- ‘Kalari’ which means ‘Training school’ and ‘Payattu’ means ‘Practising’. Kalaripayattu techniques are a combination of ‘Chuvadu’ and ‘Vadivu’. Chuvadu means the basics of the martial art and Vadivu means the postures. These postures are inspired by animals that are natural fighters. These postures are eight in number. There may be slight variations from school to school, but the core principles remain the same all over.