The Tradition: Thekkan Kalari
Kerala has two great kalari traditions. Vadakkan Kalari, the northern style, is known for its leaping movements and long weapons training. Thekkan Kalari, the southern style, grew in the old Travancore region and the Kanyakumari border lands, where Kerala and Tamil culture meet.
By tradition, the southern art traces its origin to the sage Agastya, regarded as the father of the Siddha system. That is why martial training and healing are one knowledge in this tradition. A practitioner who learns how the body can be struck also learns how it can be healed.
Varma and Marma
The study of the body’s vital points is called Varma in the Tamil tradition and Marma in Kerala. Both names refer to the same knowledge, and both are used at Sree Rudra Kalari.
A practical art
Thekkan Kalari is direct and practical. It emphasises close-range empty-hand techniques (Adithada), quick footwork, locks and holds, and stick fighting. For generations it was preserved within families and communities of the southern region, including the Nadar community, through oral teaching from Aasan to student.
At Sree Rudra Kalari, this tradition is taught and practised as it was received, with discipline, respect for the gurus, and care for the body.