Kalaripayattu: The First Original Martial Art

In Kerala, southern India there still exists an ancient martial art which is believed to be the very thing which gave birth to Shaolin kung fu and jiu jitsu. Despite a longstanding ban under British rule, the secrets of kalaripayattu have been passed down by masters who are leading a revival of the form.

Director: Madhuri Mohindar
Editor: Bryan Menegus
Producer: Nathan Thornburgh, Matt Goulding, Bryan Menegus

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[BenjaminZephaniah]

I used to travel around the world and train in all the local martial arts, so I've trained in many martial arts in my time, and I have to say Kalaripayattu was physically the hardest. The body conditioning was intense, but you are never left to suffer. The massage they do is a deep as Thai massage and as soothing as Swedish, and when you train with them you are not just a student, you have to become part of the family. There is also something very special about training on rough dirt as opposed to raised floor, tiles, or even grass. I trained in Kerala in the late 80s, and I've never really understood why more people are not aware or, or practising this art. Maybe that's a good thing. I just wanted to say this martial art is very, very special.

[meeraalexander]

I like the way he speaks. Calm and concise. Must be a deep thinker

[MegaRazzzz]

The British occupation is the main reason Kalari is almost an extinct martial art now. They banned its practice in the 19th century and jailed or killed off most of most of the practitioners of this art. What is being practiced now is just 20-30% of the original art form. The rest is lost to history. However, it's good to know that some of the younger practitioners of this art are now learning and adapting techniques from newer martial arts like Krav Maga and incorporating it into Kalari. It will evolve into a full fledged fighting technique in the future.
This almost feels like a metaphor for India. Over millennia many tried cut us down and destroy our way of life but none succeeded. We evolved and adapted and made what was foreign as our own while at the same time remaining true to our roots.

[eileenfabri]

I'm a kung fu teacher... It's very important to preserve ancient traditions. So many are being lost. Interesting video, always nice to see new information.

[Wuei]

India is a nation of extremly high culture.

[peasantdennis]

This is our culture. Instead of learning kunfu and karate, we Keralites must focus on Kalaripayettu. Great Video, thanx for uploading.

[philiphoward]

Logical and makes good sense as I was always led to believe that the Indian Buddhist monk Bodhidharma who is credited with the introduction of physical training of the monks at Shaolin Monastery that led to the creation of traditional Shaolin Kungfu is originally from Southern India. Very interesting thank you for my Kalaripayattu history lesson.

[katesebastian]

As a malayali not being able to learn kalari will be one of my biggest regret in my life
Kerala government should make it mandatory to learn kalari in school for self defense. This will also preserve this art

[motion.resolved]

This is fascinating. I went to India in 2008, and saw a demonstration of this martial art in Thekkady. It is brutal close up.

[prithvisundar]

We need Vidyut Jamwal to advertise this beautiful art more, so more people can engage in these forms and Kalari will never go extinct.

[kelly]

People crying and disliking because this might not be the first martial art.

Clearly the main point, despite the title, is that this is a really interesting, little-known, ancient martial art. So I'm glad they made this video to educate me on this.

[DikshaSingh-shll]

I am green belt in taekwondo. I have always wished to learn the martial art that will make me the strongest. I researched through all the martial arts and finally my destiny took me here. The mother of all the martial arts. For now I am preparing for neet...once the exam will be over and I will be selected. I am going to join Delhi Kalari Kendram.

[b.m.]

It's funny how people accuse India for claiming them having first
But when Greece does it, they keep shut
They think Greek civilization is quite the first of everything (even tho it isn't)

[pkoeniger]

This is first class informational video. Kalaripayattu was mentioned to me by a person from Kerala who lives in my community here near Munich, Germany. So checked it out on Google, found this video and after less than 6 Minutes I have a complete picture of this fascinating activity. Explained very well!

[TheShaakta]

My name is bond... James bond...

My name is prasad... srd prasad...😥

[redghost]

As an Englishman I think if the British ban something you should definitely do it more. Great moves thank you for showing it off.

[velveetaslingshot]

The original martial art is the first time a caveman blocked a punch and thought it was a good idea.

[amithshettigar]

That Guy's voice is very soothing, he should voice documentaries like this...

[KT-vibi]

95% of Kalari is lost in time only 5% is know by people today...

[mexisoad]

Kalaripayattu is the mother of all martial art forms. It's gaining in popularity because it uniquely combines defence techniques, dance, yoga and healing systems. It boosts both physical and mental fitness and body flexibility and functioning.

People who are discrediting it as one of the oldest, if not the oldest is unaware and also unwilling to accept this.