Vaalpayattu, a thrilling duel in Kalaripayattu

Vaalpayattu (fight using sword) is an important item of Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala.

Vaal (sword) and Paricha (shield) have a prominent place in this martial art. The two weapons had a royal glory attached to them in olden days.

Vaalpayattu or the fight using sword and shield was the most popular weapons among Kshatriyas, the ruling clan of Kerala in the days of monarchy.

While the sword is used for attack, shield is for defense from the enemy’s sword. The shield is also used to fend off attacks with Churika and Urumi.

There are different methods of fighting with the sword and shield. The system in vogue in Kalaris (practice rings) is Puli Ankam (Puli means leopard and Ankam is fight) with the term itself denoting the fierceness of the fight.

This fight has twelve adavus or tactics within it. According to ancient masters, swords are classified into three; Uthamam (the best), Madhyamam (the middle type) and Adhamam (lowest).

Kalaripayattu is regarded as most scientific martial art in the world. Kalarichikilsa is a medicinal system associated with this art.

The video is taken from CVN Kalari in Thiruvananthapuram, a premier Kalaripayattu training centre.