Kalaripayattu

The most ancient martial arts form

Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest existing

martial art forms in the world, believed to

have originated from Southern India, along

the coast stretching from Gokarnam to

Kanyakumari. It spread to other parts of Asia

and China, where Bodhidharma, a monk

from South India, carried this art to China,

leading to the development of Kung Fu,

which later evolved into Karate, Jiu Jitsu, and

Aikido in Japan.

Kalaripayattu training imparts a high degree

of flexibility, balance, agility, stamina, and

strength. Studies have shown its positive

impact on personality development and

mental strength. As practitioners develop

their skills, they learn to overcome fears and

prepare to face challenges, achieving a

quieting of the mind, which contrasts with

the aggression often associated with martial

arts.

Today, it holds significant relevance in

several contexts:

● As an exercise tool for building

stamina and increasing lung power.

● As an exercise regimen for improving

flexibility and balance, evidenced by

its adoption by European theatre

groups.

● As a tool for physiotherapy.

● As the foundation for classical forms

like Kathakali and Mohiniattam, and

ritual dance forms like Theyyam.

● For acrobats and circus performers

to enhance agility and flexibility.

● For improving memory and

mind-body coordination with

demonstrable benefits.

Kalari Lineage

At Shivarapana, we follow the Arappukai style from the Vadakan Sampradayam

Guru Veerashri Sami Gurukkal

Govindankutty Nambiar Gurukkal

Kottakal Kanaran Gurukkal

About

Shivarpana Kalari School

Shivarpana Kalari was founded on October 12th, 2024, on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami in Dharwad, Karnataka, a place considered to be the land of education.

It was founded by Ashan Nikhil Vargiri with the intention of making the ancient art form of Kalaripayattu accessible to anyone who is curious enough to seek it. Through this school, he hopes to light the way with the wisdom and knowledge he received from his Gurus, for anyone bold enough to choose this path. "As long as the intent exists, lack of resources shouldn't impede progress", he believes.

At Shivarpana, training for Kalaripayattu is offered in four stages, namely "Meiabhyasam" (body control exercises), "Kolthari"(Wooden weapon training), "Ankathari"(Metal weapon training), and "Verum Kai"(Bare hand combat). After attaining mastery in all four stages and upon receiving the Ashan's permission and blessings, senior practitioners are invited to train in Kalari Chikitsa.

Courses at Shivarpana Kalari
(Online)

Online beginners' course

16 weeks course for absolute beginners introducing them to foundations of Kalaripayattu. Course includes: Chuvadukal (Vattakaala, Neetakaala, Konakkaala, Ottekaala). Thozhuthu (Kalari Salutation). Ashtavadivukal (Eight Animal Postures - Gajavadivu, Ashwavadivu, Simhavadivu, Varaahavadivu, Sarpavadivu, Maarjharavadivu, Kukkutavadivu, Matsyavadivu). Kaalukal (Neerekaalu, Neere Tiruchikaalu, Veedukaalu, Ettakkaalu, Irutthikaalu)

Online intermediate course

16 weeks course for existing practitioners (upon completion of beginners' course) of Kalari to go deeper in the practice of Meipayattu (a complete routine crafted by ancient Kalari masters, used by warriors to sharpen their bodies, minds and spirits, which uses the lessons from the beginner course as its foundational basis)

Enquire

Courses at Shivarpana Kalari
(In-Person)

We welcome participants to train with us in-person, where we offer Kalaripayattu training in the following four stages:

Meiabhyasam - Being the first stage of training in Kalaripayattu, this involves understanding and exploring the foundations of the art, upon which the skill will be built up further.
Kolthari - Training with wooden weapons - Kettukaari (long staff), Cheruvadi (short staff), Ottakkol (curved staff), and Gada (Mace).
Ankathari - Training with metal weapons - Kataram (Dagger), Vaalu and Paricha (Sword and Shield), Kuntham (Spear), and Marapidicha Kuntham (Spear vs Sword & Shield), and Urumi (flexible sword).
Verum Kai - Bare hand combat. The reason Verum Kai or the bare hand training comes at the end is because by the time a practitioner reaches a stage of preparedness to receive this training, they become fearless of facing an enemy equipped with any weapons, thus making the practitioner's body, mind and spirit the most well rounded weapon of all.

Upon achieving mastery in this training, participants will be invited to train in Kalari Chikitsa.

Specialised Workshops

Nikhil also curates and conducts personalized workshops for different audiences based on need

Online 1:1 sessions

For Kalari and other movement practitioners who would want to go deeper in a particular domain of alari

In person workshops

For actors, dancers, corporates, kids who would want to experience kalari as a group

Performances

For Kalari performances as individuals or as a group

Facilitator

Ashan Nikhil Varagiri

Nikhil served as a resident teacher of

Kalaripayattu at Kalarigram, Auroville

between 2013 and 2019. He has specialised

in Meithari - (Body conditioning), Kolthari

(Wooden weapon combat), Angathari (Metal

weapon combat) and Verumkai (Bare

handed combat).

He has conducted various workshops for

students of all age groups around the world.

Specialised workshops included training

camps for children to inculcate a sense of

strength and discipline at a young age, self

defense and women empowerment. He also

served as the key member of the core

committee for Kalarigram’s annual festival

Tantrotsav which draws students, talent and

participants globally.

He is also a trained therapist in Kalari Marma

chikitsa and Chavitti uzhichil which is an

ancient healing techinque which involves

massaging by foot. Most importantly, his

devotion to the art form has inspired many

students and onlookers alike, building

curiosity and interest in Kalaripayattu.

After his rigorous training for 10 years under

the authentic and very experienced Kalari

Gurus; Shri Lakshaman Gurukkal, Shri

Shatrugnan Gurukkal and Shri Radhika

Gurukkal, Nikhil has been focused on teaching

Kalarippayattu to actors, dancers, children,

and people from various walks of life.

Facilitator for Adishakti’s Source of

Performance Energy Workshops.

In 2015, he worked in collaboration with

Reunion Island based choreographers

Philippe Palen Baldini and Thierry

Moucazambo of Water Carriers/Porteurs

d’eau on the theatre production “BHU”

.In 2019 he performed as part of a dance

theatre production called “SHAKTI” in

collaboration with the International Academy

of Mohiniyattam, Delhi.

Starred in a short

film titled “Ten Thousand”

.Worked as Kalari and Karate facilitator for The Study

Lecole School, Pondicherry.

Worked with the Shiamak Davar Dance

School as a facilitator for movement through

Kalari.

Kalari faculty at the Drama and Theater

Department of Chandigarh University.

Kalari faculty at Attakkalari Centre for

Movement Arts.

Conducted multiple residential training programs in Kalaripayattu over a span of three years at Kalakeli Movement Arts, Goa.