Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial art form
the Northern Kerala performed using swords. This art form dates back to 11th
century BC. Today this ancient art form is taught to the young generation by,
possible the world’s oldest martial arts women, Meenakshi Gurrukkal. It has
been 60 years since she has been practising and teaching this ancient form of
martial arts.
She has almost 150 students in her school, named
Kadathanandan Kalari Sangam. One third of which are girls and she is very proud
of the fact that more and more young girls are eager to learn it. Classes in
the school are held thrice a day from the months of June to September every
year. Along with the northern style of Kalaripayattu, various massage
techniques for aches and pains which are known as Uzhichil are also taught. All
of these are passed down from generations to generations and now Meenakshi is
determined to teach these ancient techniques to her students.
She runs a fees free school for children from all
walks of life. She says that it’s important that everyone can gain any kind of
knowledge without any discrimination. She says it doesn’t matter where you are
from, but what matters is the age. The younger you start learning the better it
is. She herself started learning this along with her sister right since when
she was just six year old. Her father was determined to make his daughters
excellent in this art.
Now she doesn’t only teach but she also performs in
shows. She does around 60 shows per year. Her aim is to make the modern world
know about this ancient holy martial art form.
