kalari

The Kalari was one of the most important institutions of the medieval period in the history of Kerala.In ancient Kerala, the Kalari was a school, which gave instructions bothin arms and letters.With domination of the Namputiris who were expert learners.Kalariactivities were reduced to giving military training.In the middle ages, Kalaris lost theirstatus as educated centres.they became military gymnasiums or fencing schools impartingtraining in arms. Kalaris were usually attached to temples.The Asan (Fencing master) whopresided over the Kalari master supervised the training of the youths and impartedinstructions in martial arts.Fencing, Boxing and Wrestling were some of the arts in whichtraining were given.The training in gymnastics and arms is known asKalaripayattu.Northern ballads are replete with references to the martial art.