What is the kalaripayattu long staff fight?
I · Intermediate · School games events · 3 of 3Neduvadippayattu is a long-staff fight for a team of two, lasting one minute. With cane staffs 5 ft long and 1 in thick, the pair perform set strikes, blocks and spins with defensive footwork. Judges look at stick handling, accurate strikes and blocks, rhythm and coordination. A dropped stick costs one mark; a broken one is replaced at no cost.
How it works
- Team: two.
- Time: one minute.
- Staff: cane, 5 ft.
- Thickness: 1 in.
- Moves: strikes, blocks, spins.
- Footwork: defensive.
- Dropped stick: one mark off.
- Broken stick: replaced, no loss.
The glossary has the Neduvadippayattu, the chooral vadi, the stick drop, the scoring focus, the competition events and the kolthari.
Tricky cases
Is the fight won by one partner?
No. The pair perform together and are marked as a team.
A stick snaps mid-routine. Result?
A replacement, with no mark lost.
How long is the staff?
Five feet.
Is it a beginners' event?
The rule book calls it both preparatory and a major event.
Why the rule exists
A set routine between two partners shows staff skill safely without a real contest.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Time | One minute | L K 3 |
| Staff | 5 ft cane | L K 3 |
| Dropped stick | One mark | L K 3 |
From the rule book
SGFI, Kalarippayattu Events Rule Book for 69th National School Games 2025-26, event 3. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: SGFI Kalarippayattu Events Rule Book 2025-26 (scanned).