Kalaripayattu words · Beginner

An Indian martial art. Its sport events are a basic-steps display, a body-conditioning display and a paired long-staff fight, all following the syllabus of the Indian Kalaripayattu Federation (IKF).

The training hall or arena where Kalaripayattu is taught and practised.

The school-games events are Chuvadukal (individual), Meyppayattu (individual) and Neduvadippayattu (a team of two), for boys and girls under 17 and under 19.

The basic steps, which condition the body for the more advanced stages and include the salutation and the basics of self-defence. It tests footwork and body positioning through leg movements, combined movement sequences and postural alignment, in at most two minutes. It must follow the IKF syllabus.

The primary exercises and body practices that condition the body for any movement, stance or posture. The display shows speed, strength, flexibility and core techniques through the Ashta Vadivukal, high and low postures, and leaps, stretches and squat-thrust sequences, in at most two minutes.

The long staff fight, a team event for two participants, which the rule book calls both a preparatory and a major event. It simulates traditional long-stick combat, emphasising agility, defensive manoeuvres and striking accuracy, with strikes, blocks, spins, defensive footwork and a controlled engagement stance, in one minute.