The begining...

While Kalari becomes the body, the Kalari student becomes the soul of Kalari

After joining the class I said to someone I practice Kalarippayattu, only to realize later that weekend in Malayalam "Kalari" is the place of practice and "Payattu" is "Practice". It happens when you  try to speak a language you don't know!!!

Well I entered the class.. the temple, the practice place,,,, THE KALARI, a bit modern not the one in 4ft of mud with millions of ayurvedic herbs mixed in it, but one on the 3rd floor above a gym with rubber mats. I cant figure out my Kalari is Anga (52*26 ft) or Kuzhi (42*21 ft) or Taravattu (32*16 ft) or Pratistha (18*9 ft) so believed it to be Kuzhi kalari meant for normal practice. I am more than satisfied to be able to learn it in an urban setup, I wish to learn the theory in future. Our temple is not worshipped everyday with lamps and flowers, but we do have Poothara, and Guruthara and before our prayer our coach lit a dhoopam. We start by entering and respecting Poothara and Guruthara.

There are different Niyams as per Astangayoga by Patanjali maharaj to be followed, in our class we do follow the most essential ones 

• Kalari is to be considered as a Temple
• One can join the class once Gurukal has accepted the dakshina on a betel leaf
• One should enter bare foot placing the right leg first into the Kalari
• Place the left foot in long lunge , touch the floor with right hand, then forehead and then heart
• Pivoting the left foot, bring the right foot in front making a 360deg turn
• Walk towards Poothara
• Right leg lunge , Touch the Poothara and Guruthara , take blessings by touching your forehead and heart
• If the Gurukal is present, the practice begins by touching the feet of the Guru
• To wield a weapon, Gurukal blessings are mandatory
• At no time the weapons be wielded either as a challenge or out of hatred.
• At the end of the Kalari session, one should worship the Poothara, Guruthara and move backwards up to the entrance. 
• Place the left leg forward and touch the floor, forehead and heart with your right hand. Pivoting on right leg, make a 180 deg turn towards the exit.
• Once exit, no more practice is done.

Kalari kid Shreyas is not alone, his friend Pranav, another college student who also takes turns to teach us is the most regular coaches we got. I love the way he practices with us, highlighting any and all mistakes every time. He is uptight, focused and dedicated to Kalari. He is also a direct student of Gurukal, a learner himself !!!

Even after spending decades in this mortal world, my mind cannot process दायां or बाएं or left or right in my first and second language, learning just two words Idat and valat took me weeks and standing true to my mental capability I still mess up both. Trying my best to remember Idat and Valat, I feel sorry for Pranav as he finally started to say Idat is left , Valat is Right in every Vaithari in upcoming days and I am well aware that I might be the reason for his frustration.

Just to remember "Vaithari" in Malayalam is Oral instructions