Kalaripayattu (Adi Thadai)
The present days seem to be the resurrection of many ancient arts, which faced extinction with the advent of the medieval and modern days. Kalaripayattu is one such art, which has reincarnated into the modern times. This art form was practiced extensively in Southern india, parts today known as Tamil Nadu and Keral. Kalaripayattu today has 3 divisions – Northen Kalari, central Kalari and Southern Kalari. Northen Kalari or Vaddakan Kalari being the most popular. Kalaripayattu as a practicing material art was amongst the fiercest and when the British Rule was established in India, it was one of the art forms to be banned.
Thekkan Kalari, also known as ‘Adi Thadai’ in Tamil Marma Shastra, is the Southern Kalari (Nadar Reethi) and is the more secretive and subtle art, compared to the flamboyant and glamorous Vaddakan Kalari.
Thekkan Kalari, also known as ‘Adi Thadai’ in Tamil Marma Shastra, is the Southern Kalari (Nadar Reethi) and is the more secretive and subtle art, compared to the flamboyant and glamorous Vaddakan Kalari. Based on ‘Adi Thadai’, the Tamil Marma Shastra, Thekkan Kalari focuses on energy centres, channelizing them and pressure points, was believed to be developed by Sage Agastya. The first segment of Thekkan Kalari is Ottachoovadu, single leg movement in four directions, the next is Koottachoovadu, Double leg movements, third segment is Kaiporu or two man sparring, Naduvadi-long stick fight training and kuruvadi-short stick fight training, vettukathi-knife fighting and the last bit being Sword and Shield and Urumi fighting.
Thattumarmachoovadu, or understanding the Marma pressure points is the main factors of Thekkan Kalari or Nadar Reethi. This art form also emphasis on Stealth training or Chaadi as it is called. There are several Adi Thadai techniques that train an individual in stealth and ambush fighting.
Thekkan Kalari or Adi Thadai focuses a lot on dissipating energy, and it is believed that with each strike, at a certain energy point, not only can one cause pain in the opponent, but also wrought changes emotional, mentally and physical.
The practitioners of Thekkan Kalari believe in balancing the Chakras, it is believed that the human body on its subtle plane constitutes of 7 chakras, Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra), Swadisthana Chakra (Sacral Chakra), Manipura chakra (Solar Plexus), Anahata Chakra (Hearth Chakra) and Vishudhi Chakra (Throat Chakra), Ajan Chakra (Third Eye) and the Sahasrara Chakra. It is said that, with the activation of balance and correct energy flow in the chakras leads to a super human strength and control.
Unlike Vaddakan style, Thekkan Kalari dose not require years and years of training for physical development. You can learn what is requires to defend yourself, within two years. Thekkan Kalari or ‘Adi Thadai’ or Nadar Reethi of Tamil Marma Shastra is more meditative and internal in nature. Unfortunately, this art form is very guarded and secretive, it is just transferred from one master to a ‘suitable’ student, and not to everyone.
