Athma Kalari | Kalaripayattu Training & Kalari Chikitsa

Kalari
is a Way of Life

Kalari
is a
Way of Life

Kalaripayattu is an ancient Indian martial art taught to students from the age of 7. It includes both offensive and defensive techniques, traditional weapon training, and Chikitsa—a healing system that supports physical and mental well-being. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, Kalaripayattu fosters holistic development by emphasizing balance, strength, and self-discipline.

Founded in 2005 by Ashan Vipin Das, Athma Kalari has grown into one of India’s premier Kalari schools. Over the past 18 years, it has helped thousands of students embrace Kalari as a way of life. The school offers a thoughtfully designed program that combines rigorous martial arts training with classical yoga, meditation, and uzichil (therapeutic massage), making the experience deeply transformative and relevant to modern lifestyles.

Stages of Kalaripayattu

Meithari

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

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

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.

Verumkai

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.

Kalaripayattu Training Programs

Athma Kalari Ayurvedic 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.

Latest Blogs

Students' Journeys at Athma Kalari

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.

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