.jpg)
Long before airconditioned gyms, mirror selfies and bicep curls took over the world, an ancient martial art began taking birth in Kerala. Kalaripayattu, which is a unique combination of martial art training, physical culture, self-defense and physio-therapeutic treatment, was founded on the philosophy of leading a non-violent life. Unlike other martial art forms, this ancient sport focused on self-analysis and self-control over attack and offense. Three thousand years later, it is still as relevant, and is slowly gaining popularity as a means to get fit and learn self-defense.
Contrary to what social media might make you believe, fitness does exist outside the gym. And Kalaripayattu is proof. We spoke to Vipin Kazhipurath, a Kalaripayattu expert and trainer with over 22 years of experience, to find out some of the fitness benefits of the ancient martial art.
What are some of the fitness benefits of Kalaripayattu as opposed to modern forms of fitness?
We don’t focus on one part of the body – it is an overall body and mind workout. Practicing the martial art not only increases your bodily strength, but also helps you achieve better blood circulation, flexibility, levels of endurance, stamina, concentration, self-control, posture, muscle tone, speed in physical movements and neuro-muscular coordination.
What are the four stages of Kalaripayattu?
The first stage consists of body conditioning exercises – kicks, sequences workouts to develop the pace of the body. What follows is fighting techniques with wooden weapons such as sticks. The third stage teaches you the use of metal weapons and the fourth and final stage includes bare hand fighting techniques, Ayurvedic treatments, massage treatments etc.
What are some of the exercises you do in this martial art?
We begin with kicks, which help in increasing your stamina and balance. This also increases your metabolism rate and improves your cardiovascular health. We do a lot of animal postures which engage different muscles from your body as well as your core. If you are trained in these animal postures in Kalaripayattu, it will help you in other forms of fitness in your life, like running, yoga, weight training etc.
How important is it to follow a diet?
Everyone’s body is different. I can’t tell you to eat this or that. Eat good, healthy food. You need fuel to perform. There are lots of different ways that have come up to eat healthily.
NOW READ
Here’s why you should take up Karate to get fit instead of hitting the gym
Here’s why you should do Mallakhamb to lose weight and get into shape
Vidyut Jammwal shares his exact diet and fitness routine that got him this ripped
> More on Fitness
