‘Condensed’ Kalaripayattu helps women face challenges

T'puram: As violence against women continues to rise, Kalaripayattu expert Rajesh C Rajan Gurukkal stands as a beacon of hope. He empowers hundreds of women through self-defence training, equipping them to face challenges, both physically and mentally.
Rajesh, 55, of Kesavadasapuram, believes that people may face unexpected encounters in life. By learning simple self-defence techniques, one can easily protect themselves in such situations. Unlike the traditional approach, which requires years of dedication, Rajesh has created a condensed format that enables anyone to learn the art with ease.
His school, Veerabhadra Marma Kalari, was started in 1943 by Vaidyaratnam Kesavadasapuram Keshavan Gurukkal. Considering his extraordinary expertise in Kalaripayattu and also in astrology, he was honoured by the then ruler of Travancore. Rajesh is the grandson of Keshavan Gurukkal, and he started learning the basics of the martial arts at the age of seven. His brother, Rajeev C Rajan Gurukkal, is also a trainer at the Kalari.
"In present day, women are more exposed to challenges, both physically and mentally. The situation underlines the significance of learning Kalaripayattu to face them. Through training, we sharpen the reflexes, and training in marma vidya (knowledge of body's pressure points) provides them knowledge to conquer an enemy without causing injury and without much physical effort. After all, Kalaripayattu helps them stay fit, as even many elderly women learn the art form here," said Rajesh.
People from all walks of life, irrespective of gender, religion, caste and age, come here to learn Kalaripayattu. "We train people to perform during events and also to become master fighters as well," added Rajesh.