Lavanyaa Narain and P Gladston run NeoKalari which offers training in Kalaripayattu, a graceful martial art form of Kerala. In Kalaripayattu, the emphasis on physical discipline is balanced by equal importance to mental discipline.
They are practitioners of the Northern style of Kalari, having had rigorous training under the tutelage of Shaji John, for the last fifteen years. They have been practicing Kalaripyattu in a very systematic dedicated manner. Both of them are trained to wield advanced weapons such as dagger (kadara), sword and shield, urumi (flexible sword), and many other wooden weapons and barehand techniques.
Using their experience in training the art, the duo started crafting classes, so that students are able to understand and do the varied movements that the form comprises. Anyone from 7 years, to their early 50s, can take up Kalari for reasons like fitness, healthy living, agility, self-defense, martial arts, learning a traditional form, and strengthening the body. The benefits are endless.
Women Fitness President, Ms. Namita Nayyar got an opportunity to interact with Lavanyaa and Gladston, Fitness & Martial Art Trainers to learn more about Kalaripayattu and Silambam practice. Check out the enlightening interview
Namita Nayyar:
Lavanyaa – You are a professional practicing Architect and have been a performing classical dancer for more than 2 decades. Please share the series of events that led you to take up Kalaripayattu.
Lavanyaa:
I started learning Bharatanatyam at the age of 11 along with my sister. We had our first public stage performance in 1991. We were very active in the performance circle and did many thematic shows in India and abroad. My Grandfather late K.Balaram was a famous architect in Chennai. I have never met him. I had seen his buildings and a road named after him in Chennai. This was an inspiration for me to get into architecture. I got into the School of Architecture and Planning, Guindy, one of the premier institutes.
In my twenties, I felt there was so much energy in me and I wanted to learn and practice a form where there was no performance pressure. Bharatanatyam is a performing art, and Architecture is also a visual art in one sense. That is when I came across Kalaripayattu, wherein the first class made my body overflow with abundant energy. The way my body felt after every session made me continue the practice of Kalaripayattu. The emotional connection you get with the body was an added feature for me to look into the form from a deeper perspective.
Gladston:
The graceful movements of Kalaripayattu and Silambam interested me for a long time, and I was actively looking for a place to learn. My first intro was to Silambam in Trichy, but it lasted only a couple of months before work took me back to Chennai. After years of searching, found out about the Kalaripayattu classes happening in Chennai, and joined. Amidst work schedules that had me moving around and long hours, was able to continue my practice in the form for sixteen years, before we started NeoKalari. When I was looking to augment my fitness, Lavanyaa pointed me to Silambam. This form had aspects of fitness plus martial art, which interested me so much that I started exploring different styles that are practiced in the interiors of Tamil Nadu.
Namita Nayyar:
You and your husband Gladston hold a deep interest in martial arts (Kalaripayattu). Please introduce us to Kalaripayattu and Silambam forms to add variety to our fitness routine.
Lavanyaa :
Kalaripayattu and Silambam are both indigenous forms and have been developed to suit human anthropometrics. There are varied styles pertaining to every region but the basic positioning and movements are similar. The body sequences, stances, and movements are practiced from the core and designed in such a way that it encompasses all aspects of fitness training viz cardio, flexibility, strengthening, balance and rhythm. The forms are so vast and one can practice the various movements without repetition which creates interest. Also, repeated practice makes the sequence visually appealing with beautiful lines and energy.
Gladston:
Kalaripayattu starts with body sequences and moves into many weapons of wood and metal. Silambam lays importance on the continuous flow of movements along with sticks and multiple weapons. In both these forms, there is a conscious development of the health of muscular, skeletal, nervous, and internal parts. The varied styles that each have its own sequences bring in variations and make it interesting to do every day. As in every traditional form, these also have to take the practitioner from the benefits of physical to temporal to spiritual. There are many intricacies built in of which one is the original footwork of the eight patterns.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you like to kick-start your day? According to you what are the basic stretches or Yoga asanas one can incorporate into their routine to enhance agility
Lavanyaa :
The concept of Kalaripayattu and Silambam practice will enhance the following
- Java – Agility
- Sthirathwam – Steadiness
- Rekha – Line
- Brahmari – Turns
- Drishti – Vision
- Ashramaha – Effortless
- Meda – Intelligence
- Shraddha – Concentration
- Vacho – Speech
- Geetham – Music Rhythm
The meipayattu sequence of Kalaripayattu followed by Silambam stick moves in various directions and speeds would be an ideal workout and to keep one energetic the whole day. We can have variations of different sequences such as single-hand Silambam, double-hand sequence, etc.
A 30 to 45-minute routine every morning is a very good fitness routine. Surya Namaskaram sequence in Yoga is also a very good practice when combined with correct breathing (inhaling & exhaling )
Gladston :
I start my workout with some stretches to loosen the joints and muscles, followed by leg lifts, and then a routine that varies each day, which comprises a series of movements with and without weapons.
Namita Nayyar:
“The art forms create positive vibration within the body and mind that gives the practitioners an increased sense of confidence and courage.” Please elaborate on the vibrations and how it enhances confidence in one’s personality.
Lavanyaa :
Kalaripayattu and Silambam practice are high-energy workouts. There is a gradual sequencing of meipayattu and weapon training. When practicing, one has to be alert. The entire practice session is like meditation for a period of time. One has complete focus and attention for the entire duration of practice and very rarely the mind wanders. One has to be “ in the zone “ during practice. This creates the vibrations required for positive growth and when you practice in class, the energy of all the participants enhances the vibration. There is no conflict of thoughts and one is completely in sync with their body and mind.
Gladston :
These traditional forms though have a martial art aspect present, the purpose is in the evolution of life that has multiple characteristics, of which courage is a key component. Each subject of learning and practicing generates vibrations in the body, brain, and mind that advance life in totality. Kalaripayattu and Silambam induce vibrations that generate courage which also leads to confidence in the physical state of being.
Namita Nayyar:
What is the right age when one can begin with Kalaripayattu and Silambam training?
Lavanyaa :
Children around 7 years of age can start learning Kalaripayattu and Silambam. This is a good age to comprehend what they are learning at their pace. In our experience, children are able to learn the movements faster than adults and their body generates energy from the core automatically. Introducing children to these forms is very good for their health and fitness.
Adults without age limits have taken interest in learning these forms for various reasons of health, fitness, and native forms. Since the body and mind become rigid to some extent, practicing these forms helps them to loosen up a bit and understand the concept of the core. The best way is to not compete with anyone but understand one’s own body and allow the energy in the body to flow.
Namita Nayyar:
The core is considered to be the pivot of one’s body. Share the benefits of this workout in building core strength. Are any specific exercises to build core strength under this form of training
Lavanyaa :
As mentioned earlier, the Kalaripayattu and Silambam moves by design itself make the practitioner aware of the core. Repeated practice and understanding leads to deriving energy from the core for all the movements. Even the weapon practice one realizes that if the energy is drawn from the core, the movements and combat do not strain any part of the body. Also, the training helps to practice with the body in a relaxed position, with no rigidity, and awareness. All this facilitates the body to be aware of the core in Kalaripayattu practice and for all the movements as simple as walking, climbing stairs, seated for work, driving, etc. The vibrations or energy one feels in this heightened awareness and relaxed position from the core is the basis of the practice.
Gladston :
As a child, all body movements are generated from the core. As the child ages, the person with a visual, peer, and many more influences do the movement from the specific part. In Kalaripayattu and Silambam, we bring back the method of doing all movements from the core. There are specific sequences that are done right from the start to make the practitioner aware and practice them.
Namita Nayyar:
How has NeoKalari been able to create awareness of these art forms and reach out to people or Women in specific from different walks of life? What is the goal you share for the upcoming year?
Lavanyaa :
We started NeoKalari with the idea of giving our indigenous forms a new perspective. The concepts of Kalaripayattu and Silambam have to be shared with the present and future generations. The self-defense aspect for both women and men are an integral part of the training. When one is aware of their own body and the energies, you start respecting the human body and the intricacies of the functioning of the body. This gives confidence and courage to handle a situation. We never train a person to fight or start a fight. It is to be aware of a situation and one needs more courage to move away quickly from an unpleasant situation or threat. The best fights are the ones you avoid. We teach both men and women, moves where one uses the opponent’s energy to defend themselves. Young girls and boys should learn the forms to understand and respect their body. The fights we talk about are not just physical but emotional and psychological threats. Children and adults should be taught the forms to inculcate discipline, focus, and awareness of the body and mind.
Gladston :
These are native and traditional forms that have been present for thousands of years. Over all these years, there was a base concept on which different styles have been allowed to be created and developed. NeoKalari was formed to learn the native forms that are practiced by specific people, teach the forms to everyone, practice them so that we understand the hidden nuances, and explore to build on the base concepts.
Namita Nayyar:
Any specific kind of diet you promote or encourage to accompany training for optimum results? Foods you avoid. Also, do foods that need to be included?
Lavanyaa :
Mindful eating is what we practice. We don’t completely abstain from any food. Indian cuisine or rather native foods is what we recommend. What was cooked in your grandmother’s kitchen would be the best food.
Even junk food can be taken but in moderation once in a while. Try to avoid too much fried and packaged food. Having said that we don’t restrict too much. We don’t follow any diets as such. Day-to-day eating is home recipes with occasional indulgences.
Namita Nayyar:
What is the time and duration of a class? Also the role of meditation and relaxation. What are the steps for the same?
Lavanyaa :
Our sessions are about 90 minutes duration. We engage all the students, beginners or advanced for this duration. The first hour is a structured practice, starting with a rigorous warm-up session, a series of leg lifts, meipayattu sequence, and bare-hand Silambam sequences. We do Kalaripayattu and Silambam weapon training for half an hour. The structure of the class is such that there is a gradual increase in movements and the student becomes highly energetic to do the movements and weapon training. After 90 minutes, the students can do self-practice or observe the seniors.
Namita Nayyar:
Five moves to build shoulder strength with Silambam stick
Lavanyaa :
The weapon practice is an excellent weight training routine. Weapons are seen as an extension of the body. The movement of the weapons especially the basic moves in Silambam such as Vaaral, Vettu, Veechu, Aruppu which lead to the Veedu sequence are excellent upper body fitness routines for shoulder and forearm in particular.
Namita Nayyar:
Please elaborate a little on each training component you have talked about namely Meipayattu, wooden weapon (Kolthari), metal weapon (Ankathari), bare hand training (Verumkai)
Lavanyaa :
- Meipayattu – It is a body sequence with a combination of punches, leaps, leg lifts, kicks, stretches, and jumps. There are 12 sequences in this. This develops speed, balance, and flexibility and improves stamina. This sequence also has self-defense moves incorporated into the various movements and is taught as a rhythmic sequence.
- The next step of training is Kolthari – wooden weapons. Sticks and staffs of various shapes and sizes are used to combat and incapacitate the opponent. These are learnt as combat sequences.
- Kettukari – a stick about 5 feet in length or based on the height of the person who wields it.
- The next level in wooden weapons is Muchaan, a short 3-span stick made from hardwood.
- Otta is a curved stick. This is a lethal weapon that aims to attack the vital points in the body
- The next stage in weapon training is Ankathari – the use of various metal weapons
- Sword and Shield – Both are used together
- Dagger – Short metal weapon that is used with a fist grip
- Spear – With the Sword and Shield
- Urumi- Long flexible sword
The purpose of weapon training is to remove fear. The training allows one to see and face a threat. All forms of fear can be reduced to 2 basic types – visual and aural. The weapon training helps one develop Drishti sthiratna – seeing clearly and with stability which prevents the mind from panicking, thus allowing one to calmly asses the situation and take appropriate action.
- The last stage of training is Verumaki or free-hand fighting. In this session, the student undergoes rigorous practice to use his hands and legs just like weapons. The student learns to fight bare-handed even if his opponent possesses a weapon. The student not only learns where and when to hit but also how to quickly block and defend, and move away from the opponent’s attack.
Namita Nayyar:
Message for your fans and followers
Lavanyaa :
Consistency in training and practice is what has helped us to achieve our fitness goals, develop in all aspects of our life, and complement our lifestyle with the various activities we are doing.
It is never too late to start any form of fitness routine. Start enjoying the process, try not to compete with anyone, and understand yourself with the activities you do.
Gladston :
Kalaripayattu and Silambam by the very nature of their design, apart from offering health benefits to the practitioners, also make the person be in the moment, hence clearing all thoughts, during practice. This helps practitioners across ages and walks of life to refresh themselves.
To learn more,
Website: https://www.neokalari.com/