Agasthyam Kalari offers residential martial arts training in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, for international travellers, martial arts enthusiasts, yoga practitioners, students and cultural explorers seeking an immersive Indian traditional martial arts experience.
Rooted in a five generation Gurukkal lineage spanning more than 130 years, Agasthyam Kalari is a living traditional Gurukulam dedicated to preserving and sharing Kalarippayattu, Kerala's traditional martial art. Visitors can experience structured Kalari training, traditional movement practices, yoga, self-defence, martial arts demonstrations and residential learning under the guidance of an experienced Kalari master.
Led by Gurukkal S. Mahesh, the Warrior Monk, Agasthyam brings together traditional martial knowledge, physical discipline, yoga and the spiritual heritage of the Gurukulam. It is a destination for those who wish to learn Indian martial arts at their roots and experience Kerala's living cultural heritage.
Whether you are searching for a residential Kalarippayattu course, a traditional Kalari training centre in Kerala, an Indian martial arts retreat or a cultural learning experience in South India, Agasthyam welcomes you to explore the tradition.
Live and Train at a Traditional Gurukulam
Experience residential Kalarippayattu training in Thiruvananthapuram through an immersive programme that combines regular martial arts practice, physical conditioning, traditional movement, discipline and guided learning.
Unlike a short demonstration or occasional class, residential training allows participants to experience the daily rhythm of Kalari practice and develop a deeper understanding of Kerala's traditional martial art. Programmes are designed for beginners, international visitors, martial arts practitioners and those seeking more intensive training.
Traditional Indian Martial Arts Meets Yoga
Warrior Yoga at Agasthyam is a distinctive programme that integrates principles of Kalarippayattu and yoga. Guided by Gurukkal S. Mahesh, it explores movement, strength, balance, breath, concentration and awareness.
Designed to interest yoga practitioners, yoga teachers and wellness travellers, Warrior Yoga offers a different perspective on traditional Indian physical disciplines. It connects the movement and conditioning of martial arts with the awareness and discipline associated with yoga.
For international visitors exploring yoga retreats in Kerala, traditional Indian wellness practices or martial arts inspired movement, Warrior Yoga provides another way to experience Agasthyam's approach to physical practice and personal development.
14 Day Foundation Programme
Discover the foundations of Kalarippayattu through basic movements, body conditioning, coordination, flexibility and introductory martial arts practice.
30 Day Intensive Kalari Training
Develop your practice through regular training, progressive movement sequences, improved physical conditioning and a deeper introduction to traditional Kalari culture.
Sampradayam Kalaripayattu Teacher Training
For those seeking to teach Kalarippayattu, the Sampradayam Teacher Training pathway combines an intensive residential phase with continued guided learning and practical teaching experience through a longer training programme.
The suitability of each programme depends on the participant's experience, goals and the training requirements. Accommodation options, course duration, certification eligibility and current fees can be confirmed directly with Agasthyam.
Explore the programmes:
Residential Kalari Training: https://agasthyam.com/residential/
Kalaripayattu Teacher Training: https://agasthyam.com/teachers-training/
Meet Gurukkal S. Mahesh: Kalari Master and Warrior Monk
Gurukkal S. Mahesh is a fifth generation Kalarippayattu master, yogi, spiritual guide, author and filmmaker who carries forward a family martial arts tradition spanning more than 130 years. Known for his work connecting traditional Indian martial arts with contemporary education, yoga, self-defence and personal development, he brings the knowledge of the Gurukulam to audiences in India and internationally.
With a digital community of more than 2 million followers, Gurukkal Mahesh is an influential voice in the promotion of Kalarippayattu, traditional Indian martial arts and India's living knowledge traditions.
His training initiatives and knowledge-sharing programmes have engaged personnel and trainees associated with the Indian Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), along with police institutions, IITs and corporate organisations. Through workshops, demonstrations and international exchanges, he continues to share the discipline, physical culture and heritage of Kalarippayattu with diverse audiences.
For international visitors seeking to learn from an experienced traditional martial arts master, Agasthyam offers an opportunity to encounter Kalarippayattu through the guidance of a practising Gurukkal and tradition bearer.
Indian Knowledge Systems Centre for Kalarippayattu and Siddhar Tradition
Agasthyam is an Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre for Kalarippayattu and Siddhar Tradition, associated with the IKS initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Its work focuses on the study, practice, documentation and transmission of traditional Indian knowledge through the living Gurukulam tradition.
At Agasthyam, Kalarippayattu is approached not only as a martial art but also as a traditional discipline involving movement, physical conditioning, attention, practice and the relationship between Guru and student. The centre also engages with the Siddhar tradition and related knowledge systems.
Indian Martial Arts, Cultural Exchange and Institutional Training
Agasthyam Kalari has participated in training and knowledge-sharing initiatives involving personnel associated with Indian defence and security institutions, police organisations, educational institutions and corporate sectors. Its work also includes martial arts workshops, traditional demonstrations and programmes introducing Kalarippayattu to new audiences.
The Gurukulam welcomes enquiries from international visitors, universities, research groups, cultural organisations and martial arts communities interested in residential training, workshops, performances and cultural exchange programmes in Kerala.
Kalarippayattu is one of Kerala's most distinctive martial traditions, recognised for its dynamic movements, agility, flexibility, coordination, disciplined training and traditional weapons practice.
At Agasthyam Kalari, visitors can explore the art through residential courses, introductory sessions, workshops and traditional martial arts demonstrations, subject to programme availability.
Experiences and training pathways may include:
These experiences can be of interest to martial arts students, international cultural tourists, researchers, photographers and travellers looking for meaningful things to do in Thiruvananthapuram beyond conventional sightseeing.
Shakthi: Women's Self Defence and Empowerment
Shakthi by Agasthyam is a women's empowerment and self defence initiative that uses practical training and awareness programmes to develop confidence, physical readiness and the ability to respond to challenging situations.
Over the past five years, Shakthi initiatives have reached and trained more than 16,000 girls and women across India. The initiative extends Agasthyam's martial arts knowledge into community education, personal safety and women's empowerment.
Schools, colleges, community organisations and institutions can enquire about Shakthi self defence workshops and training collaborations.
Visit a 130 Year Living Martial Arts Heritage in Kerala
Agasthyam Kalari is more than a martial arts training centre. It is a traditional Gurukulam where the Guru-student relationship, disciplined practice and the transmission of knowledge remain central to learning.
Located in Nemom, Thiruvananthapuram, Agasthyam offers an opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of Kerala through Kalarippayattu, traditional archery, martial arts performances, warrior yoga , yoga related programmes and residential learning.
For visitors planning a cultural trip to Kerala, a martial arts retreat in India or an extended learning experience in South India, Agasthyam provides an opportunity to explore a traditional practice within its living cultural setting.
Agasthyam Kalari
Nemom P.O., Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695020, India
Website: https://www.agasthyam.com
Email: agasthyaminternational@gmail.com
Phone: +91 98957 20406 | +91 94477 15709 | +91 70120 59754
Residential Kalarippayattu courses, Kalari visits, workshops and performances are arranged by prior confirmation. International visitors are encouraged to contact the team to discuss their preferred course duration, training goals, accommodation requirements and availability.
Begin Your Kalarippayattu Journey in Kerala
Agasthyam Kalari: A destination for residential Kalarippayattu training, traditional Indian martial arts, Warrior Yoga and Kerala's living martial heritage.
Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - 695 033
Phone: +91 471 2321132, Fax: +91 471 2322279, E-mail: info@keralatourism.org.
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