Rooted in Southern Tradition

                 At dasagriva kalari, we honor the southern style of Kalarippayattu, tracing back to sage Agastya and healing through siddha medicine.As Kalarippayattu evolved in various parts of Kerala over the centuries, differences in practices crystallized to such an extent as to create two distinct styles within the state of its birth – the Northern (Vadakkan Kalari) and the Southern (Thekkan Kalari). (Some opine that a mid-Kerala style also exists.) Kalaripayattu as practised in southern Kerala traces its lineage to Sage Agastya. It depends on Siddha medicine for treatments and cures, and not Ayurvedic medicine patronized in northern Kerala. Another visible difference is that while the northern school imparts training in enclosed kalaris created below ground level, the southern school conducts lessons on open spaces or inside thatched structures constructed on the ground.

1500+

1000+

Trusted

Locally

Not withstanding these differences, a comprehensive training in Kalaripayattu includes teaching the techniques of attack and defence using weapons like stick, lance, spear, knife, dagger, sword and shield, and also using the body itself as a weapon; imparting knowledge about the marmas [vital parts of the human body] attacking or defending which is often known to clinch a duel; giving lessons in medical treatment and massage in order to cure bruises, cuts, dislocations, breakage of bones and so on; instructing them on the different techniques of breathing and meditation, etc.

OUR KALARI

Dasagriva Marma Kalari was established in Trivandrum in 2009 by Dr Jijo MG. Before it was known as Veera Kerala Kalari Founded by the Great Legend Kalari Master Krishnankutty Asan in 1958. The founder-Gurukkal of the Dasagriva Marma Kalari Dr.Jijo MG has acquired mastery over the Southern Southern, Northern & Adimurai styles of Kalaripayattu. He was trained in the Southern style initially and his instructor was his grandfather Sri Krishnankutty Asan at Trivandrum. Even while undergoing training, his interest in Kalaripayattu grew stronger. In a bid to learn the Adimurai & Silambam he went to Kanyakumari , in Tamilnadu, and gained expertise in it too. Subsequently, he learnt the Northern Style as well. It was a deep-rooted desire to disseminate information about this martial art to the maximum number of people and to generate interest for it in them that inspired him to set up his Kalari Class at his house in Malayinkeezhu. Now extended classes to different places in Trivandrum.

Dasagriva gives training in Southern & Northern Adimurali style of Kalaripayattu. Children from the age of five are taken in for training programmes. No upper age limit has been fixed to induct interested pupils. According to a rough estimate, Dasagriva must have trained at least 2000+ students in Kalarippayattu by now. The group is a mixed one that includes school- and college-going students, employed people and even stay-at-home wives. They are trained in practically all aspects of Kalaripayattu – using the body and the arms, and employing long as well as short sticks, spears, sword and shield, urumi and so on. The centre encourages promising trainees to participate in district- and national-level competitions by giving them special training.Training on bare hand attacks and defense concentrated mainly on MARMAS/vital points of human body. Because of its potency is high, the student has to be raised mentally to a stable position, for right decision at right time. Spiritual aspects of kalari play a unique role in molding the mental health and thoughts of a student, to give priority to protection rather than attack. Yoga and meditation is closely linked with this latter part of kalaripayattu training to upgrade a student to a master. Kalari-master/Gurukkal is not merely a teacher of martial art but also admissible and respected by the society for his healing power and positive energy.

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Experience authentic southern Kerala Kalarippayattu rooted in sage Agastya's tradition.

Training

Personalized Kalarippayattu sessions focusing on southern style techniques and healing.

Kalari Marma Treatment

Kalari Marma treatment is a practical manual therapy using specialised massage techniques with Kalari herbal oil..

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Gallery

Snapshots of southern Kerala's traditional kalari practice.