A workshop on Kalaripayattu that concluded here on Friday with a modern dress code provided a novel experience to the traditional martial arts lovers in the district.
The programme was organised by the Kalaripayattu Federation of India (KFI) in association with the Wayanadan Kayikabhyasa Kalari Sanghom as part of rejuvenating the centuries-old traditional martial arts form.
Instead of ‘Kacha kettal’ - wearing traditional long cotton cloth before exercise - the participants attended the workshop with modern attire similar to the dress code in boxing matches such as head guard, chest guard and knee cap to avoid injuries .
The workshop, led by A.K. Ibrahim Gurukkal, introduced participants to the basic movements in Kalaripayattu, breathing exercises and methods to increase the flexibility of the body.
“Most of my students are dancers, and sports persons. Some of them incorporate Kalari movements into their practice,” said Mr. Gurukkal.
He has been an instructor of Vadakkan Kalaripayattu for the past 30 years. “I have a lot of disciples in Italy, Russia, Ukraine and South Africa. Every year they come here with new learners and spend a few weeks with me to learn the new techniques,” he said.
Kalaripayattu has complex movements. But Mr. Gurukkal maintained that it was one of the easiest martial art forms to learn. “All you need is a determined mind,” he said.
Mr. Gurukkal said it was an irony that foreign martial art forms were more popular among the youth than the traditional Kalaripayattu.
