Padmashri Meenakshi Amma: Guardian of Ancient Wisdom.
As Patron of the Kadathanadan Kalari FoundationPadmashri Meenakshi Amma:, Padmashri Meenakshi Amma brings technical skills and decades of experience preserving this cultural treasure.
At ,the goal is to conserve all ancient Indian art forms and localized skill-sets-at-decline and promote them at the highest platforms.
Institute of Naturoppathy,Yoga and Kalaripayattu training
The Kadathanadan Kalari Foundation stands as an educational institute dedicated to Naturopathy, Yoga, and Kalaripayattu—a traditional Indian martial art. These disciplines collectively form the foundation’s comprehensive approach to holistic well-being. As a visionary project of the Kadathanadan Kalari Foundation, it seeks to integrate ancient wisdom with modern practices, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health. The institute’s commitment to Naturopathy emphasizes natural healing, while the incorporation of Yoga fosters balance and flexibility. Additionally, the inclusion of Kalaripayattu not only enhances physical fitness but also embodies discipline and self-defense skills, offering a unique and enriching experience for individuals seeking a holistic approach to wellness.
Why Choose Kadathanadan Kalaripayattu Training in Kerala?
At Kadathanadan Kalari Foundation, we strive to not only be the champion and custodian of the exceptional Indian cultural gems but also the restorer of arts and skills that have lost their vigor.
- To build an infrastructure that supports the research in the discovery and manufacturing of new medicinal solutions in the Ayurvedic medicinal systems. This will require collaboration with different ‘Vaidyas’ from various traditional schools of medicine.
- To work with artisans of extreme caliber but minimal resources and promote their art by providing a platform to not only showcase their skills but also ensure access to market thereby providing them financial stability
- Establish an infrastructure to collaborate, research and develop fusion art forms with the experts of different traditional martial-arts and Indian classical dance forms
- To train students to an expert level that enables the interested students to spread the art of Kalaripayattu all over the world and train more students in the tradition of our school.
K.F. Thomas Gurukkal
Managing Director
Brief History
Kalaripayattu Training Kerala: The Kadathanadan Lineage
Our foundation evolved from our original school, the Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam, which was established in 1949 in Vadakara, Kerala, India. As one of the oldest and most revered traditional training centers in India, the Sangam (which means ‘School’ in Malayalam) was first founded by four legendary masters: Sri V. Sreenivasan Gurukkal, Raghavan Gurukkal, Dhamu Gurukkal, and Valappil Karunan Gurukkal. Through their collective dedication, the foundational truths of this ancient martial art were preserved for future generations.
In 1962, Sreenivasan Gurukkal relocated the school to Wayanad, bringing authentic Kalaripayattu training in Kerala to a serene, high-altitude landscape perfect for deep physical and mental focus. The Sangam has been rooted in its current location since the year 2000, when K. F. Thomas Gurukkal assumed the role of Chief Master Trainer. From this incredible, unbroken lineage, the sacred knowledge of combat, conditioning, and healing was passed on, and it still lives on dynamically in the Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam where we practice today.
Our Traditional Four-Stage Training Curriculum
To truly experience authentic Kalaripayattu training in Kerala, students at our foundation progress through the rigorous, time-tested stages of the northern style. This progressive curriculum ensures that the body is fully prepared before handling dangerous implements:
Meypayattu (Body Conditioning): The crucial first phase consisting of rigorous physical exercises, twists, leaps, and stances. This stage unlocks maximum flexibility, agility, core stamina, and spatial balance.
Kolthari (Wooden Weaponry): Once the body is conditioned, students begin training with wooden weapons. This includes the Kettukari (long cane), Cheruvadi (short stick), and the curved Ottachira, which teaches precise reflex development.
Ankathari (Metal Weaponry): Advanced combat training that introduces heavy metal weaponry. Students master the execution and defense patterns of the dagger, sword, shield, spear, and the lethal, flexible Urumi.
Verumkai (Unarmed Combat): The pinnacle of defensive mastery. Students learn bare-handed combat maneuvers, grappling, locks, and the specialized knowledge of Marma (vital pressure points) for both self-defense and therapeutic healing.
A Holistic Sanctuary for Mind and Body Mastery
At the Kadathanadan Kalari Foundation, we believe that true martial mastery cannot exist without healing. Our campus integrates your daily physical practice with a broader ecosystem of wellness. Alongside your core martial training, you will be exposed to traditional Marma Chikitsa (Ayurvedic musculoskeletal therapies), custom Kalari massages designed to accelerate muscle recovery, and dedicated Yoga practices that harmonize internal energy.
Whether you are a beginner seeking a transformative path to physical fitness or an advanced practitioner looking to absorb an authentic warrior lineage, our doors are open. Join us in Wayanad to begin your journey into genuine, historic Indian martial arts.
Founding Directors
K K Sajeev Kumar
Director
K.F. Thomas Gurukkal
Director
