Kalarippayat Curriculum

Vadakkan Sampradayam (= Northern Style)

The given levels state the cardiovascular demand and required technical repertoire of the Abhyasi. Kalari Yoga (Level I) is generally suitable for beginners. The regular participation in these classes creates the necessary phsycho-physical and energetical foundation needed to advance to level II and level III by appointment of the senior teacher. The requirements are compulsory with regard to the best interest of every Abhyasi. No exceptions.

Kalari Yoga (Level I)
  • Lohar (Warm-up exercises from the Buddhist Kalari tradition)
  • Kalari Yoga Vanakkam (Surya Namaskara)
  • 18 Techniques: I
  • Kalugal (leg-swings/kicks): Nere Kal (Straight), Vide (Puram) Kal (Outside), Akam Kal (Inside), Kon Kal (Diagonal)
  • Vadivu (Postures) dynamic: Ashva (Horse), Simha (Lion), Gaja (Elephant)
  • Kalari Yoga Vandanam (Slow Salutation)
  • Kettukari (Longstick): Stickrolling
  • Vadivu (Postures) static: Gaja (Elephant), Simha (Lion), Ashva (Horse), Marjara (Cat)
Recommended amount of practice: At least 2x per week

Kalarippayat (Level II)
  • Lohar
  • Kalari Yoga Vanakkam
  • 18 Techniques: I, II
  • Kalugal: Nere Kal, Vide Kal, Akam Kal, Kon Kal, Tirichi Kal (Pendulum), Perukam Kal (Five Kicks)
  • Puthara & Kalari Vandanam
  • Vadivu dynamic: Ashva, Simha, Gaja
  • Meippayat (Shaktiform): Arapukai I, II
  • Kaikuttippayat (Shivaform): Pilaitangi I
  • Kettukari I (Longstick)
  • Vanakkam I-III (Guru-, Ishvara-, Diku Vanakkam)
  • Vadivu static: Gaja, Ashva, Simha I+II, Matsya (Fish), Mayura (Peacock), Marjara (Cat)
Recommended amount of practice: 2 - 4x per week

Kalarippayat (Level III)
  • Lohar
  • Kalari Yoga Vanakkam
  • 18 Techniques: I - VIII
  • Kalugal: Nere Kal, Vithu Kal, Akam Kal, Kon Kal, Tirichu Kal, Perukam Kal, Iruthi Kal (Sitting-Leg), Kaiveethu Iruthi (Handcircling-Sitting-Leg/Sitting-Turning)
  • Tozhuthu-Kuthu (Folded Hands/Backbends)
  • Puthara & Kalari Vandanam advanced
  • Meippayat: Arapukai I - V; Parkachakkal I
  • Kaikuttippayat: Pilaitangi I, II
  • Vadivu dynamic: Ashva, Simha, Gaja
  • Kettukari I - V
  • Cheruvadi (Shortstick) I-II
  • Vanakkam I-V (Guru-, Ishvara-, Diku-, Ayudha,- Naga Vanakkam)
  • Vadivu static: Gaja, Ashva, Simha I+II, Matsya, Mayura, Marjara
Recommended amount of practice: 3-5x per week

Kalarippayat (Level IV and beyond)

Subject to the residing Gurukkal's or senior teacher's discretion