Kalari training is traditionally carried out in an enclosure which is 21’ width and 42’ length. Such training grounds are constructed according to Vastu shastra and are considered sacred. The entrance faces the East and the place of deity is to the South West. The deity place has its seven steps symbolizing Strength, Patience, Commanding power, Posture, Training, Expression and Sound. Students attain the power to control the internal energy, breath, mental power and the power to focus by following the rituals and reciting mantras. Students are instructed not to sleep during the day time and are advised to sleep well at night. It is important that the students understand that Kalari is not only a means of self-defense but also a means to becoming determined and self disciplined.

Maipayattu is a pattern of exercises that integrates all categories of body exercises. Regular practice of Maipayattu results in controlled, flexible and graceful movements of the body and helps develop breath control (Pranayama), strength, flexibility and stamina. The movements have to be performed with a continuous flow of energy. In Maipayattu one seeks to achieve the softness of a cat and the swiftness of an antelope and can act even on a very restricted surface. Through these exercises, the student’s body becomes like a weapon and he is now capable of excelling in the use of the Kalaripayattu weapons also.

Cheruvadi is a 3 span step much shorter exercise regime but requires more care and precision. The movements are very rapid and blows are delivered and parurd in quicker successions. The practice of Cheruvadi calls for great ability of movement and about a 100 blows can be dealt with it in a minute.

This heavy wooden weapon (4 to 9 kg) must be wielded by well built person. It is strictly followed that this weapon should not be aimed below the waist of the opponent. Obvious reasons for which can be found even in puranic stories. Balarama, Bheema and Dhuriyodhana were the greatest exponents of this weapon – using Gada as their chief weapon. Blows on vulnerable points of the body like temple and chest can be fatal.

“Kai” means hand, “thallu” means hitting. Students face each other in pairs and exercise arm muscles by hitting and blocking. Leg kicks and elbow thrust however are also included in this. Practitioners have to take care of the distance between the students.

Dagger The dagger has a length of about one foot and is sharp on both sides. It is pointed at the end. It is used for slashing, cutting and prevention of attacks. No shield is used, blows being parried with the dagger itself. Cuts and thrusts can be made on any side and the slightest lack of attention on the part of the combatant could find his opponents dagger deep into his body.

Typically, Kalaripayattu training takes place in a kalari or arena. It is made by digging a rectangular pit (42 feet long and 21 feet broad) in the ground, six feet deep.The mud is compacted to form an even-levelled floor, and a thatched roof raised on two main pillars (21 feet in height and erected on the eastern and western sides of the kalari) covers it entirely. However, the kalaris where full-fledged duels are held are larger. They are usually 64 feet long and 32 feet broad. Soil is used to pat down the surface soil and prevent dust from rising. What is noteworthy is that cow dung was never used to plaster the floor as was customary in nearly every house in Kerala in olden times. Entrance door on the eastern side opens to a set of steps that leads down to the hall.Low parapet walls on either side of the entrance door serve as a perch for visitors and spectators. Rest of the sides are covered using woven coconut leaves. Such a kalari is also called Kuzhi kalari [pit arena]. There are two reasons for preferring this substructure: one, it ensures cooling of the body as the students engage themselves in the gruelling, heat-generating exercises; two, it lessens the threat of skin infection from bites of insects that inhabit the top soil. The Kalari’s where full fledged duels are held are larger. They are usually 64 feet longhand 32 feet broad.

Kalaripayattu teaches five kinds of chuvadu or steps for the attack as well as
defence:

• Aakka chuvadu
• Neekka chuvadu
• Chaatta chuvadu
• Vatta chuvadu and
• Neeta chuvadu

Aakka chuvadu involves placing one’s feet in certain specific positions to ensure stability. Neekka chuvadu implies planting one’s feet forward to confront an enemy or retreating for a successful escape. Chaatta chuvadu means jumping forward or backward quickly either to face the enemy or to flee.
Vatta chuvadu entails lifting one’s feet towards the front or back and turning. Neeta chuvadu suggests stretching one’s feet to the maximum possible extent. As can be reasonably surmised, attacks are more effective when one leg is thrust forward and the body is stretched rather than when the legs are placed in their normal position. All the techniques of Kalaripayattu involve the permutations and combinations of the various chuvadu.