Learning life lessons from kalari and silambam

In the current state of stiff competition in academics, the well-being of mind and body takes a beating from a very young age. In order to make up for this, several parents in the city are enrolling their children in classes for traditional martial arts like the native silambattam and kalaripayattu (kalari) which has its roots in Kerala. Coupling movements and techniques that involve the complete body, these forms offer the perfect regimen for the mind and the body. 

Gowri Shankar, master at Silambalaya founded by M Gurunathan, running a chain of silambattam classes for people across age groups in the city, says that children as young as five take to the art form. 

“They mainly join here because of the many benefits the art offers. It improves concentration, memory and boosts self-confidence. Today, there are several competitions held at the state level and as a result of these, state champions are able to secure college admissions,” he says. 

SPAARC Institute that runs kalari classes thrice a week, has children from age eight and upwards undergoing training. “There are a number of girls in these batches. It is the strong foundation of strength, flexibility and balance that makes it perfect for children as well,” says Muralikrishnan, who trains as many as 10 students in each batch. 

However, while these ancient martial forms are finding relevance among the younger lot, trainers also say that there needs to be a shift in perceptions. A Stalin of Indian Martial Arts Training School says, “ Silambam has life lessons for students, but sadly, Chinese and Japanese martial art forms seem more attractive.” 

He adds that they are planning to hold a world record soon with close to 1,500 students performing the traditional martial art form together.