Kalaripayattu is an integral part of the Kerala’s sociopolitical system, this practice was originally a secret fighting method of medieval Kerala’s warriors. This martial art is a combination of intense training in physical discipline, armed and unarmed combat, breathing, meditation and healing treatments.

According to early scriptures, Kalaripayattu spread beyond India in 6th century by wandering monk, Bodhidharma, introduced it to his Chinese friends, laying the foundation for Asian martial arts. Karate and Kung-Fu are two of the forms that evolved from Kalaripayattu.