Kalari is one of the oldest martial arts in the world. The term Kalari is derived from the word “Kalar,” meaning a training ground or battlefield. The practice of Kalari is believed to date back over 3,000 years, drawing influences from early Dravidian traditions.

Kalari flourished under the patronage of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties and gained particular prominence in the Travancore kingdom (modern-day southern Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu). It is not just a martial art to combat but a way of life, incorporating elements of physical training, spirituality, and healing. Kalari gurus (masters) are also trained in Traditional medicine,(vaidhyam) Varma and Massage therapies, using herbs, herbal oils and techniques to treat diseases, injuries and enhance physical performance. Kalari was closely tied to the social and political structure of the region, with warriors being trained to protect their kingdoms and serve the local rulers.

The kings of Travancore, including the legendary Marthanda Varma, are said to have relied on Kalari-trained warriors to defend the kingdom from external invasions, including Dutch colonial forces. Kalari still remains as an important part of Kanyakumari’s cultural identity. It is also known in the name of Silambam, Adimurai etc in various parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

With the noble intention of preserving the art of Kalari to the future generations, Good Vision Seva Trust is training students and youth through trained Kalari instructors. Presently Kalari training is going on in Government Model School Thuckalay, Government High School Pechiparai and Government school Kannanoor. Students from near by schools are also attending this program. 50 students trained by GVST in Kalari took part in the Republic day Programme at Nagercoil and won 1st prize. Altogether 400 students from Kanyakumari are being trained in Kalari. The students also won the “Tamil Nadu Arasu Kalai Elamani Viruthu.” There is an immediate necessity for a research and development centre with training team to completely revive this art to its original form and GVST is planning to establish it in future.