Various forms of martial arts are specialties of the Indian state of Kerala. On a tour to this state on the Malabar Coast of western India you will be exposed to a whole lot of avenues that lead to the various art forms, including the Kerala martial arts. Most common among the forms of martial arts of Kerala are Kalaripayattu, Parisa Kali, Valeru, Velakanni, Njaninmel Kali and Kunderu.

Kalaripayattu:
One of the oldest martial art forms in the world, Kalaripayattu is composed of two of the 64 art forms of ancient India namely Vijaya and Vyayma. Considered to be the most comprehensive system of martial education existing in the world today, Kalaripayattu is said to have originated as early as 12th century AD. Having evolved in north Kerala, the martial art form can be classified into two distinct branches in the modern times namely, the Vadakkan or the Northern style and the Thekkan or the Southern style. The Northern style emphasizes on Ayudhapayattu or the fight with weapons while the Southern style stresses more on VerumKayy and the MarmmaVidya.
In Malayalam, Kalaripayattu means war training inside a dojo or gymnasium. The method of this martial art is based on the discipline of yoga for its similar forms and exercises, and its therapeutic treatments are based on the science of Ayurveda. Kalarippayatt Training consists of rigorous physical training besides self discipline. The training targets for the total co-ordination of the mind and body. The weapons that are used in this kind of martial art are shield, sword, spear, dagger, and kuruvadi�s (short sticks). Today the martial arts form has become far more cosmopolitan and is rather a fusion of north and south Indian fighting styles, representing the martial and spiritual practices of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islamic Sufism.


Parisa Kali:
The Velakanni of Travancore and Parisa Kali of North Malabar are two other Kerala martial arts, which involve rigorous physical training processes and know-how of the use of the arms. Velakanni symbolizes the combat between Pandavas and Kauravas at Kurukshetra, and is taken part in during the temple festival at Ambalapuzha and Cherthala as well as Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple at Thiruvananthapuram.

The other Kerala martial arts include Valeru (sword throwing), and Njaninmel Kali (tightrope walking), Kunderu which are performed in temple festivals.

In modern times, the area of martial arts in Kerala has alternatively laid the foundation of circus training. Consequently, the Kannur and Thalassery regions of north Kerala are called the �home of the circus in India�.

Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information on Kerala Martial Arts on your tour to India.