Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Entertainment | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

In step with Kalaripayattu

Twelve French students have been floored by Kalaripayattu, writes Liza George

A HELPING HAND Loran Pottier goes through the basic steps of Kalaripayattu PHOTO: S. MAHINSHA

When Naiswen El Aniou, a professional dancer from France, got an opportunity to learn a new art form in Kerala, she grabbed it even without checking what it was. Little did she know that her training was going to be in `Kalaripayattu,' the ancient martial art of Kerala.

"In fact I was so fascinated with this country and its culture that I did not bother to find out what I was going to learn. It was only on coming to Kerala that I learnt that it was a martial art form. I was hesitant at first though. "

However, a few days into the training, her apprehension gave way to admiration. "I am mentally relaxed now and have gained more stamina," she said.

But then Naiswen is just one among a dozen, comprising dancers, actors, martial artistes and singers from France. They are in Nemom, on the outskirts of the city, to attend a three-week elementary training programme in Kalaripayattu organised by Satsangam International Centre for Art and Culture and Bheeshma, an agency for promoting cultural exchanges between France and India.

While for some it's the health benefit that endears this martial art to them, for others it's the flexibility it provides to the body that appeals.

Balancing act

Herve Guinourd, a street performer and comedian, nurtured a desire to learn Kalaripayattu since his first visit to Kerala as a backpacker. "Ever since I saw Kalaripayattu, I was enamoured by the martial art. The performers' agility amazed me. During my shows I have an act on stilts. Learning Kalaripayattu makes it easier for me to balance on it," he said.

For Loran Pottier, a martial artiste, learning Kalaripayattu is like adding another feather in his cap. Loran is trained in various martial art forms such as Judo, Kung-fu and Kravmaga (a martial art of Israel) since the age of four. "I saw a Kalaripayattu performance on television and was hooked. The `chowadu'(basic steps in Kalaripayattu) are so fluid."

According to him, Kalaripayattu helps him to be `focussed,' especially while practising with the stick while Catherine Ropert, a theatre actress, said that Kalaripayattu has made her "agile" and "mentally alert." And like her, many want to return for another stint at Kalaripayattu.

Training

The participants are trained in `Chowadu,' the basic exercise of Kalaripayattu. According to Maryse Noiseux, a Canadian, who is the director of Satsangam, the participants are trained in the art of combat using weapons like sword and staff for both defence and offence.

Besides Kalaripayattu, the students are also given classes in Indian culture. Said Lucile Paul-Chevance, director, Bheeshma: "It is a must for our students to learn Indian culture and respect it."

As the students effortlessly go through the basic steps of Kalaripayattu, one has to admit that they are not learning Kalaripayattu for kicks. They mean business.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail