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Kalaripayattu, Kozhikode
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Kalaripayattu is the traditional martial art form of Kerala, mainly practised by the members of the Nair and the Ezhava castes. The Kalaripayattu warriors of yore had amazing control over their bodies and were skilled in armed and unarmed combat as well as in traditional healthcare. The master or teacher is known as gurukkal. All Kalaripayattu students have to go through rigorous physical training in order to master the skills of the art. Medicinal oil massage is an integral part of Kalaripayattu and its system of treatment has close links with Ayurveda. Some historians trace the history of Kalaripayattu to the 11th century when there was a major war between the Cholas and Cheras. There are northern and southern styles in Kalaripayattu but the Kalaripayattu tradition of North Malabar is the most renowned one. There aren’t many Keralites who have grown up without listening to tales of the legendary Kalaripayattu warriors of North Malabar like the intrepid Thacholi Othenan and the fearless and beautiful Unnniyarcha. Their tales of valour have been immortalised in the Vadakkan pattukal or Northern Ballads. There are a number of training centres in the Malabar region which strive to preserve and pass on the rich tradition of Kalaripayattu to the next generation. The C. V. N. Kalari at Edakkad in Kozhikode district is one of them.
