Kalarippayattu : The Complete Guide to Kerala's Ancient
Martial Art/Chirakkal T. Sreedharan Nair. Chennai, Westland Books, 2007,
xviii, 272 p., (pbk). ISBN 81-89975-10-4.
Kalarippayattu : The Complete Guide to Kerala's Ancient
Martial Art/Chirakkal T. Sreedharan Nair. Chennai, Westland Books, 2007,
xviii, 272 p., (pbk). ISBN 81-89975-10-4.
Contents: Introduction. I: 1. Kalari--the gymnasium. 2. Styles, commands, practice. II: 3. Body exercises (Maippayattu): i. Preliminary postures and phases. ii. Phases explained. iii. Oral commands. 4. Exercises with Wooden Weapons (Kolethaarippayattu). 5. Swinging the long staff (Pandeeraan Veeshal): i. Phases explained. 6. Exercises with the long staff (Kettukaarippayattu): i. Phases explained. ii. Oral commands. 7. Exercises with the short staff (Muchaan Payattu): i. Phases explained. ii. Oral commands. 8. Exercises with the Otta Baton (Otta Payattu): i. Phases explained. ii. Oral commands. 9. Exercises with sharp weapons (Angathaari). 10. Swinging exercises with the sword and shield (Valvali): i. Phases explained. ii. Oral commands. 11. Exercises with the sword and shield (Valppayattu): i. Phases explained. ii. Oral commands. 12. Exercises with sword-shield and spear (Mara Pitichu Kuntha Payattu): i. Phases explained. ii. Oral commands. 13. Techniques of bare-handed defence and attack (Verumkai): i. Dodge (Methods of Dodging). ii. Stride (Methods of Striding). iii. Block (Methods of Blocking). iv. Defence and counter-attacks. v. Counter tricks. vi Throws, smash, thrust and breaks. Glossary. Phases -- index. Bibliography.
"For the first time, this manual opens up the closed world of this martial discipline to anyone interested in physical and mental fitness. In clear, easy-to-understand language, this book will tell you how to learn and practice Payattu with or without weapons. Action photographs make poses and techniques easy to follow, and traditional oral commands in Malayalam have been rendered into English. For the newcomer to martial arts as well as the seasoned enthusiast, this manual offers an authentic and practical guide that will help you find a new, challenging and enjoyable route to health."