The lineage
8 generations
of one Kalari family
The art came to Ashan Vipin Das from his grandfather. Until 2005 it was taught only to the people of Valluvanad.
Where it began
Valluvanad, and the
Chemmala Nair family
The princely state of Valluvanad had 18½ regions. The Chemmala Nair family ruled one of them.
To strengthen this region, its ruler brought in people from Vadakara who were skilled in Kalaripayattu, Ayurveda and Mantrikam (the use of mantras).
The art was passed down through the family. Ashan Vipin Das is the 8th generation. In 2005 he founded Athma Kalari and opened the art to everyone. Classes begin at 5:30 AM.
Today, local students and visitors from abroad train together in the same pit.
Founder and Gurukkal
Ashan Vipin Das
- Began training at the age of 7 and has practised Kalari for more than 29 years.
- Learned the Vadakkan style from Sri Vijayan Gurukkal, the Madhya Kerala style from Sri Jammal Kalari and the Kadathanadan style from Sri Babu Varghese.
- Has trained state-level champions in yoga, boxing and gymnastics.
- Practises Kalari Marma therapy, Kathakali oil massage, Ayurvedic therapy and yoga therapy.
- Treats paralysis, muscle and joint pain, and neck and disc problems.
21 years
What has happened
since 2005
-
2005
Athma Kalari is founded
Vipin Das begins teaching under his guru and opens the art to everyone.
-
2011
The Kuzhi Kalari opens
A traditional training pit, dug into the earth. This is how the art is meant to be practised.
-
2015
Residential programs begin
Students begin living on site, and the gurukulam takes its present form.
-
2018
Angadipuram branch
Our first branch outside the home compound.
-
2019
Chemmalasseri branch
Our second branch, in the village the family came from.
-
2021
Pambadi branch
Our third branch.
-
2022
The Madras Regiment
We ran a 10-day intensive Kalaripayattu program for the Indian Army.
A way of living
Kalari as part of daily life
We want Kalari to become part of our students’ daily lives. That includes students who have a job to go back to and a long flight home.
Kalari training is demanding. Students also learn classical yoga and meditation. They receive Uzhichil, the Kalari oil massage.
Kerala Kalaripayattu Association
Affiliated to the Kerala State Sports Council, Thiruvananthapuram.
Indian Kalarippayattu Federation
Recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
Athma Ashram, Kalari Village
Registered under number N/710/19.
The registration seal shows the poothara. This is the shrine with 7 steps in the corner of every kalari.
From the journal
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