The origin of martial arts and sports of Kerala has a history to tell. Due to its practice in ancient Kerala by the warriors we can link it to the theory of the Survival of Fittest as Kerala in ancient times witnessed some wars against rulers of neighboring places. Kalarippayattu is considered as the most ancient martial art forms of Kerala which is as old as Vedic period. Even the eighteen hand exercises of Buddha (in China it is Shaolin Boxing) taught by an Indian Buddhist monk named Bodhidharama to the Chinese monks around 525 AD are believed to be derived from the technique of adavukal, the base of northern style of Kalarippayattu.

The Malayalam meaning of Kalaripayattu is 'the fighting art of the Kalari'. Antique Kerala was the teaching center of medicine, philosophy, architecture, astrology and geometry, besides, combat arts and yoga. In recent times, the field of martial arts in Kerala has been shifted to the basis of circus training. Though in ancient Kerala, there were other forms of martial arts; now-a-days Kalarippayattu is practiced as a tradition.

Kalarippayattu, the Cultural Legacy in Kerala :

Based on the philosophy of Vedic culture, Kalarippayattu is the marital art tradition with highest competency of self-defense techniques, physical training, fighting system based on the principles of ayurveda. Weapons, sticks and steps are the main components of the Kalarippayattu performing arts of Kerala. Kerala since time immemorial has been practicing this martial art and now-a-days these are considered as a form of physical training as well workouts to physical and mental fitness that are taught to the trainees through years of exercises, yoga and training by trainers or the Gurus. Even to learn martial art and sports is a cultural legacy in Kerala now hence the newborns have to learn some art forms like dance, music or martial arts.

Kalarippayattu and its Components :

Culture of Kerala includes this ancient tradition of Kalarippayattu that are practiced gloriously till now. Three different systems of Kalarippayattu developed in Kerala based on the region based practice. The systems are Thekkan (southern style), Vadakkan (northern style) and Kathinayoga style (yogic style). There are some stages of Kalarippayattu in each style of its forms. Combat techniques of Kalarippayattu consist of different postures and steps. Some instruments and arms are used for performing the arts of Kerala while they are displayed in the festivals of temples. Some of them are sticks, swords and knifes.

Kerala Tour Guide takes one to explore this martial arts and sports tradition of the state. There are some teaching centers of martial arts and sports in the state. Besides there are some modern sports in Kerala which are practiced as forms of physical culture.