KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER
|
ISSUE: 205 SEPTEMBER 2010
|
|
|
|
C.V.N. Kalari
For Keralites, the name C.V.N. is synonymous with Kalaripayattu. There are C.V.N. Kalari centres working in different parts of Kerala; with all of them upholding the highest traditions in the martial art discipline of Kalaripayattu and its allied branches. Nowadays, C.V.N. Kalari has literally become a brand not only in Kerala, but also in India and abroad. More and more people are turning to Kalaripayattu as a martial art discipline, which they find unique in many ways.
Kalaripayattu is considered as the mother of all martial art forms in the world and Kerala is proud of this unique martial heritage. And for visitors to Kerala and those interested in understanding the nuances of this martial art form, the centres of C.V.N. Kalari functioning in various parts of Kerala are worth visiting. Being the case, we would like to introduce you to the C.V.N. Kalari centre, located at Nadakkavu, right in the heart of Kozhikode city in north Kerala.
The credit for setting up the C.V.N. Kalari centre at Nadakkavu goes to the Kalaripayattu master K. Narayanan Gurukkal, who belonged to an Ayurvedic family. He was in his time an outstanding master and trainer in Kalaripayattu in the Malabar region with lots of disciples from around the world. The C.V.N. Kalari centre at Nadakkavu over the years earned the reputation of a premier centre for Kalaripayattu from Kerala. Many celebrities have sought the services of this centre and the group from this centre has performed Kalaripayattu before presidents, prime ministers and many eminent personalities from different nations. This centre also undertakes Ayurveda-based and Kalaripayattu programmes at various places outside India, especially in Europe.
The members of this C.V.N. Kalari have represented India in many international events on various occasions. The group from this centre has been to the U.K., France, U.S.A., Russia, Germany, Switzerland and Japan to demonstrate the martial art. One can find Kalari centres in cities in Europe and America, which are mostly run by students who were trained at the C.V.N. Kalari centre at Nadakkavu.
Unlike earlier days, Kalaripayattu today finds more platforms for performance. This is evident in the many cultural programs organized at different levels within the state of Kerala and also outside, where Kalaripayattuhas gained the status of a crowd-puller. Lecture-cum-demonstrations, workshops, choreographic works for films and dancesand mock fights as well as presentation with real weapons are tasks that are undertaken by this Kalari centre. The breathtaking weaponry actions in Hindi films like
Asoka, Dilse and
Lajja and the Jackie Chan movie
The Myth involves the expertise and skills of members belonging to this C.V.N. Kalari centre.
The C.V.N. Kalari centre at Nadakkavu has over the years received many honours at the national and international levels. Awards from United States, Kempo Federation (1990), Recognition for outstandingservice in international understanding by the Rotaract Club (1991); National Defence College, New Delhi (1992); Fr. Vergottini Award, Calicut (1992); Lee's Jeet Kune Do Academy, Belgium (1995) and the American Excellency Award for Achievement (2000).
At the C.V.N. Kalari centre in Nadakkavu the procedure of training in Kalaripayattu involves the learning of
meythari in the initial stage. This is primarily a set of body exercises. In the next level of learning, a student would undergo training in
kolthari, which is equipping oneselffor various attacks and defences using sticks. The third stage of training is
ankathari, which is training with various kinds of weapons like dagger, sword, spear and the very lethal and long, flexible type of sword called
urumi. This centre also trains students in
marma chikitsa, which is a mode of nerve nodal treatment with Ayurveda as the base. Learning
marma chikitsa is essential as accidents can occur duringKalaripayattu training. Students at this centre can also learn the Kalari mode of massage called
uzhichil, which is done using medicated oils (thailams).
The C.V.N. Kalari functioning at Nadakkavu with its track record as a reputable centre for Kalaripayattu continues to receive students from different parts of the world. The centre is also gaining exposure by the day at cultural forums in the national and international level and also finding their value in the entertainment industry; especially in films.
Address
C.V.N. KALARI
Nadakkavu, Calicut (Kozhikode) - 673 011
Kerala, India
Ph: +91 495 2769114, 2768214
E-mail: sunilkalari@yahoo.com
Website : www.cvnkalarikerala.com
To watch Kalaripayattu
click here
