A Journey into Kalaripayattu at a Gurukul in Kerala

I don’t know exactly when this dream started, but I’ve been talking about learning Kalaripayattu in Kerala for at least a year now.

Maybe it began when I watched historical films full of epic battles and wondered what kind of warrior I’d have been if I lived in that era. Frontlines, leading a battalion? Probably. I’d imagine myself with battle scars that I’d wear like badges of honour.

Oh, the sweet imagination!

But at some point, I wanted to stop imagining and actually do something. So, I decided to make this dream my first step in learning traditional arts and skills from around the world. That’s how I ended up enrolling in a one-month residential Kalari training program in Kerala. Here’s how the journey unfolded.

The Search for Kalari

Midway through 2024, I felt done with the city life in Bangalore. It was time for a reset, and I knew Kalari would be my starting point. I began researching Kalari schools in Kerala and shortlisted a few. But here’s the thing—I was on a tight budget. After days of hunting, I finally found a place called Athma Kalari Village which is a Kalaripayattu Gurukulam (an added experience!).The reviews were great, the cost was affordable, and as a bonus, it was nestled in greenery far away from the city hustle. I booked my spot from November 5th to December 4th.

Prepping for Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is no joke—it’s one of the most intense martial arts out there. I figured I’d need to be somewhat prepared before jumping into the training. So, I joined a gym a couple of months before heading to Kerala. This was one of my better decisions—it helped me build strength and stay active, which made the transition into Kalari training a little smoother.

First Impressions

After an 11-hour train ride from Chennai and a half-hour auto journey, I reached the gurukulam. The scenery change during the auto ride was amazing—the town melted away into lush greenery, and the air smelled fresh and clean. My excitement was at its peak.

The gurukulam felt like a gurukulam. I could feel that knowledge and respect towards Kalaripayattu runs deep here. The beautiful ambience only added to the feeling.

The dorms, though, weren’t the most spacious or pristine, and for a moment, I wondered if I’d last a whole month here. But then, the evening Kalari session began. It was just an introduction, but those first moves were enough to convince me that I wanted to stay. I realised the initial hesitation was the city kid in me talking. The dream felt real now.

A Journey of Learning Kalaripayattu

Week One: The Spark
The first week was all about discovering the basics. Each day brought something new—kick variations, sequences, and stances. My body was sore in places I didn’t even know existed, but it was the kind of soreness that makes you feel alive.

While adjusting to the physical demands, I also started finding my rhythm at the ashram. I wasn’t exactly thrilled to share my space with lizards and frogs, but they started feeling like part of the experience rather than a bother. I found joy in small things—bare feet brushing against the earthy Kalari floor, the discipline of early mornings, and the simple meals. By the end of the week, I was more comfortable—both with my practice and with the simple life at the ashram.

Week Two: Gaining Confidence
By the second week, things started clicking. The sequences became smoother, and I felt less drained after practice. My energy levels improved, and I could see myself getting better at remembering the movements. The highlight of this week was receiving my first stick from my Ashan (teacher). It’s a simple ritual—kneeling down to accept the stick—but it gave me chills. It marked a small but significant step forward.

The evenings were a mix of practice and bonding with fellow students. We’d head to nearby cafes to work, laugh, and share stories.

Week Three: Finding Flow
The third week brought noticeable changes in my body. I felt lighter and more flexible, and my stamina improved. I also treated myself to a Kalari massage, which made a surprising difference in how I moved.

Towards the end of the third week, my body demanded rest. My period arrived, and with it came three days of stillness. At first, I was frustrated—missing training felt like losing momentum. But I soon realized that even warriors need to honour their limits.

This pause gave me clarity. I knew one month wasn’t enough. My Kalaripayattu journey had just begun, and I couldn’t walk away yet. I decided to extend my stay, allowing myself more time to grow into this practice and this life.

Week Four: Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead
The last week was bittersweet. By now, I felt more at home in my body and with the practice. I’d covered all the basics for the month, but there was still so much more to learn. My fellow students started leaving, and our send-off outings became a blur of good food, laughter, and heartfelt goodbyes.

I also made some adjustments—skipping morning classes occasionally to recover and focus on work. It helped me perform better in the evening sessions, and I ended the month feeling both accomplished and eager to continue.

Moving Forward

Extending my stay felt like the most natural decision. Kalari had given me more than just skills—it gave me a sense of discipline, connection, and simplicity that I was missing. As I look ahead to more training, I’m excited to see how this journey unfolds. For now, I’ll carry the lessons and memories from this first month with me, knowing that the warrior dream is just beginning.