Kalaripayattu is a martial art based on the ancient knowledge of the human body.
It originated in Kerala during 3nd century BC to the 2nd century AD. It is now practised in Kerala and in some parts of Tamil Nadu.
The place where this martial art is practised is called a 'Kalari'. It is a Malayalam word that signifies a kind of gymnasium. Kalari literally means 'threshing floor' or 'battlefield'. The word Kalari first appears in the Tamil Sangam literature to describe both a battlefield and combat arena.
It is considered to be one of the oldest fighting systems in existence.
It is also considered as the father of modern Kung - Fu.
