For centuries, martial arts have served as tools for the physical and mental well-being of people around the world. A widely accepted practice for self-defence, martial arts bring out the infinite possibilities of human expression. ‘Kalaripayattu’ is acclaimed as Kerala’s own and unique martial art form and has been in popular practice for many centuries. C.V.N. Kalari in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the pioneering institutions that have been teaching the northern-styled Kalaripayattu form in South Kerala.
Founded in 1956, C.V.N. Kalari has been contributing significantly to Kalarippayattu and Kalari-related treatments including ‘Marmachiliksa’. The centre was established following the dedicated efforts of C.V. Narayanan Nair, C.V. Balan Nair and Kottackal Karunakara Gurukkal who gave lifelong contributions to the upliftment of the martial art form in Kerala.
The Kalari is equipped to train up to twenty students at a time. It takes many years of training and practice to mould a skilled Kalaripayattu combatant. Students can start training from the age of seven. Both local and foreign students are a part of the institution. Apart from imparting lessons, C. V. N. Kalari also follows Ayurvedic massage and Yoga as a part of the programme. Courses are offered twice every year. There is also a short-term 3 – 6 months course offered for foreign students.
