KALARIPAYATTU

If you ever get the chance to see 'Kalaripayattu', don't miss it. It is one of the most fascinating and gravity defying extant martial arts and the swirls, motions and the smooth, segued momentum, almost like a dance puts one in a trace-meditative state.
Kalaripayattu is the ancient martial art of southern India, particularly of Kerela. Different sources trace its origins to various times in history. It is said to have originated and been codified during the Cheras and Cholas wars of the 11th century. Some sources state that Kalari is a precursor to Shaolin Kung Fu. In particular, some south east asian sources claim that Bodhidharma, considered in mythology as the founder of the Shaolin temple is of south indian origin and he taught Kalari to the Shaolin monks, which in its current form is Shaolin Kung-fu.
Whatever its history, it is surprising that this martial art is not so well known through the world or for that matter, even through India. It remains confined to pockets of Kerela and Tamil Nadu. I think it is about time that Kalari be brought to the mainstream and made more accessible to a wider audience.