Kalaripayattu is the traditional martial art form of Kerala which originated around 3000 years ago. It is the oldest known combat style and is known to be the Mother of Martial arts. Being a quintessen tial part of an-cient Kerlalites' healthy lifestyle, this martial art form perfectly embodies beauty, strength and agility. The whole course of Kalaripayattu can be categorized under four sections: 

 MeyPayattu (Physical Training) , VadiPayattu (Stick Combat) , AayudhaPayattu (Weapon Combat) and AdiThada (Hand Combat) 

Most of the martial art forms popular around the globe today, including Karatte, Kung-fu and Judo, has been derived from fourth category AdiThada. This can be credited to the ancient prince of Kanjeepura, Bodhidharman, who trained the Shaolin priests of ancient China in this superior fighting form. Kalaripayattu has the ability to influence the practitioner spiritually.