Use of mace in Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala, makes use of a variety of weapons.

Mace or Gada is one among them. In the fight or Payattu, maces made of wood are used. Mace is a heavy weapon, with a long rounded wooden handle and a globular end.

In the beginning of the duel, maces are placed on the floor in the midst of the Kalari (practice ring) in the east-west direction.

The warriors hold the mace with both of their hands and blows are exchanged swinging the weapon. Blows are evaded with the swaying of the body.

The Gada Payattu comprises of twelve adavus (tactics). Gada is the most preferred weapon of Bhimasena, an important character in the epic Mahabharata.

The video is taken from CVN Kalari, Thiruvananthapuram.