yahoo group

Hi, I also have a yahoogroup - kalariwithdilsagar @ yahoogroups.com.If you want to sign up for classes or need more information, mail me or join the group !

Kalaripayattu is a very old martial art form from Kerala which some people say is supposed to be the inspiration for other martial art forms like Kung Fu, Wu Shu, Karate which was taken from India by Buddhist monks to the Far East where other forms developed.

I started training at the age of 8 at SNGS Vallabhatta Kalari Sangham in Trissur, Chavakkad, Kerala. It was a very rigorous training for many years, and I went on to win almost all the District and State Level Championships conducted by the Kerala Kalaripayattu Association. I went on to teach in different schools in Kerala and more details about this and my classes will be in my detailed CV. I have also taught Kalaripayattu in the Diploma for Movement Arts & Mixed Media Programme at Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, Bangalore where I was a Contemporary Dancer and choreographed Kalaripayattu pieces incorporating elements of contemporary dance.

There are many people who teach Kalari and practise it.What makes me different is that I approach it in a contemporary way, combining in my classes Acrobatics and moves from other martial art forms like Capoeira (Brazil )and Taekwondo , so you get a complete workout for your body.Its fun !

My sessions are useful for :

• Dancers
• Theatre People
• Performing Artistes,
• Sportspersons
• in schools as an alternative to Physical Education class.
• I also conduct workshops for dance companies and corporates when requested at a venue convenient to you.

There are 8 animal movements you have to master that really make your muscles work hard. Then there are leg swings, kicks and jumps to learn and finally, weapon usage in the advanced level which includes understanding how to handle the long staff, short staff, dagger, sword ( fencing) and sword and sheild..... In between the weapon training you will also receive training on throwing punches and locks.

Current fitness levels do not matter. Just enjoy yourself and watch your body grow stronger and more flexible day by day.