C. V. N. Kalari

A land, blessed with myriad forms of art and traditional practices; Kerala also has to its credit perhaps the mother of all martial art forms- Kalarippayattu. It is a unique system of self-defense that aims to enhance one’s physical prowess and to attain a peaceful mind. Kalari means practice ring or training centre on the lines of a gymnasium and Payattu means duel. Hence, Kalarippayattu means martial skills learnt in a ring or training centre.

The C. V. N. Kalari in Thiruvananthapuram was established in 1956 following the lifelong dedicated efforts of Mr. C. V. Narayanan Nair, Mr. C. V. Balan Nair and Mr. Kottackal Karunakara Gurukkal who popularized the art all over the State. Other branches of C. V. N. are located in the districts of Kannur, Thalassery and Kozhikode.

C. V. N. is today synonymous with Kalarippayattu in Kerala. The discipline of Kalarippayattu requires the guidance of a master practitioner, who is adept in the nuances of Kalarippayattu. These include methods for achieving body flexibility, armed and unarmed combat, defensive and offensive techniques, and also the treatment mode, which is equally important.

The centre conduct courses in Kalarippayattu and Kalari Chikilsa (Kalari treatment). The centre offers northern Kerala style practice of Kalarippayattu. The centre is equipped with a library, which has to its credit a wealth of information on Kalarippayattu. At C. V. N., visitors are allowed to watch the daily training sessions, enabling them to have a close look at the various procedures involved in Kalarippayattu.

Performances are organized both in India and abroad on request. Lecture demonstrations are presented to interested groups at the Kalari at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. The timings are usually 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Contact details:
C. V. N. Kalari,
East Fort, Fort P.O.
Thiruvananthapuram.
Phone: +91 471 2474182