Athma Kalari | Kalaripayattu Training & Kalari Chikitsa
Kalari is a Way of Life
Kalari is a Way of Life
Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art form, is open to students as young as 7. It covers the instruction of both attacking and defensive combat techniques, as well as the art of wielding traditional weaponry. Students are introduced to this art in accordance with age-old traditions and progress through different levels that align with their physical abilities. Kalaripayattu’s inclusion of healing treatments, known as “Chikitsa,” is integral for holistic wellness, injury prevention, and cultural preservation. It complements martial training, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. By incorporating Chikitsa, Kalaripayattu aims to create well-rounded practitioners who can care for their bodies and minds, promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Established in 2005 by Ashan Vipin Das, Athma Kalari is now among India’s leading Kalari school, led by exceptional trainers and therapists. Over the past 18 years, Athma Kalari has imbibed Kalari as a way of living in students’ lives and adapted them to be better suited for modern realities. This has ensured that the experience at Athma Kalari is truly transformational for thousands of students. A carefully designed blend, which includes rigorous Kalari training, classical yoga, meditation and uzichil, makes Athma Kalari’s experience a transformational one for its students.
Meithari sets the basis for all the trainings. Exercises include positions, jumps and leaps, circular sequences, kicks, leg swings and various other forms of movement.
Kolthari features the use of various types of sticks – long, short, specially fabricated rounded and curved ones – and the student is taught to use them to attack as well as to defend.
Angathari is the third stage in Kalaripayattu training where students learn to use sharp and lethal metal weapons such as the sword and shield, spear, bow, dagger, etc.
Here, the student is required to fight armed, unarmed, or multiple opponents without using weapons. In this stage, bare hand techniques such as grips, kicks, strikes, blocks, attacks, throws, etc.
Dynamic experiences fostering team spirit & cultural enrichment
Athma Kalari Treatments
Kalari Treatments / Chikitsa is a time-honored healing practice deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Kalari. Originating from the need to address injuries common during intense training and combat, Kalari Chikitsa has been a vital component for Kalari gurus and warriors for centuries. Kalari gurukkals are highly specialized in orthopedics and neurology. In today’s sedentary lifestyle, where physical inactivity often leads to muscle and joint issues, Kalari Chikitsa emerges as a potent solution. Problems like misalignment, disc-related issues and various musculoskeletal challenges can find effective relief through this ancient therapy.
After pregnancy my body weight became a big roadblock in my dream to return to Indian team. It was my husband Jobin Joseph who introduced me to Athma Kalari which helped me to regain my stamina and strength and helped my comeback to the Indian team in a very helpful way. My experience is that Kalari has been very helpful in my athletic career.
When I decided to learn Kalaripayattu I made the right choice of coming down to Kerala where this art originated. The transformation that happens physically and mentally when one practices kalaripayattu inside Kuzhikalari (traditional Kalari pit) is life changing.
In consistently showing up for Kalari sessions I have noticed: a deeper sense of connection with my body and its needs, the ability to breath through those real life moments that feel just as challenging and as demanding as Kalaripayattu.
This is an amazing place to be.
From self acceptance to exploration, and finding inner strength from Kalari art, it's going to bring new you. I am so grateful to Vipin Sir and sweetest Lovely lady Gopika who is so grounded and a beautiful soul.
I have been practicing Kalari under Ashan Vipin for the past 4 months now. I feel grateful and blessed to have found Athma kalari for many reasons. I had an ACL surgery last year and my rehabilitation under Ashan's guidance has been a blessing. Kalari helped in getting back my muscles and made them stronger.
Fantastic place to start learning Kalari vidhya. Teachers are authentic and dedicated their life to Kalari. Have experienced several physical and spiritual upliftings. I would love to visit them again for a long term abhyasa. Location is breath-taking, several ponds, trekking sports, and ancient temples are nearby. Must try.
