Kalaripayattu is a traditional Indian martial art form dating from the 11th or 12th century, born in the time of great warfare in the modern-day state of Kerala. This martial art derives its name from two words, "kalari" which means arena of the fighters and "payattu" which means practice. This fighting art teaches the perfect control of the body and balance as well as proficiency in weapons like Katara a (dagger), valum parichayum (sword and shield), and chuttuval (flexible sword). This ancient martial art combines the energy of the mind, body and spirit. The various ritualized forms are learned through four stages to achieve a perfect balance of body and mind.
