Kerala - Kozhikode   

A centre of excellence in martial arts

R. Madhavan Nair

KOZHIKODE: Sudhakaran Gurukkal is not surprised at his CVN Kalari winning the State award for the best performing arts centre in the State during 2003-04.

``The very design of my kalari is scientific. It strictly follows the design needed not only for imparting training in kalaripayattu but for marma treatment also,'' claims the Gurukkal.

He is convinced that this scientific approach is the secret of CVN Kalari's popularity. Another feature that has been attracting tourists and academics is the serenity of the place where it is located.

Receives award

Sudhakaran Gurukkal received the award from Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at a function in Thiruvananthapuram recently. Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art form of Kerala, has gained immense popularity worldwide. So much so that local people are not surprised to find foreigners relaxing in the refreshing shade of trees on the precincts of CVN Kalari.

Said Sudhakaran Gurukkal, a winner of `Instructor of the Year,' an international award, in 2002: ``About 60 per cent of our visitors are foreigners. Some of them stay here for several months to learn kalaripayattu or to receive kalari-marma treatment and massage. We have also trained a number of foreigners in the fine art of kalaripayattu and taught them the techniques of giving massage.''

Some of them had come from places as distant as Madrid in Spain, the U.S., Korea, Scotland and France after coming to know about CVN Kalari from their friends and its popular website www.kalarippayat.com.

The CVN Kalari troupe had given demonstrations of its skills in seven countries — the U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Russia, and the U.S.

Sudhakaran Gurukkal considers his treatment system unique. He does not prescribe medicines. He claims to have effective cure for back pain and joint pain.

CVN Kalari is also kalaripayattu trainers for the Kozhikode District Martial Arts Training Centre supported by the State Government and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Kalaripayattu is immensely appealing as a performing art. Indian festivals, National Games, World Malayalee Convention, Miss World Contest, Asian Games and SAF Games are major events where CVN Kalari artistes have performed.

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A centre of excellence in martial arts

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