Just like Japan and China have their special form of martial arts, so does Kerala in India. Kalaripayattu is a traditional form of martial arts which was said to be practised by Bodhidharman. It was developed into the present form in the 6th century and is today quite popular among people.
VA Shiad, national secretary of the Indian Kalaripayattu Federation, has told The Hindu that this martial art has grown into a popular sport and they hope that it will soon be included in the Olympics.
Around 1000 people came from across India to take part in the fourth Kalaripayattu national championship at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Kochi last month.
The national championships began in 2013 but have been growing in size and popularity over the last decade. Ranjan Mullaratt is the Kalari guru for the 19-member team from Karnataka. He told the daily that Kalaripayattu was getting popular in places like Bangalore and that many young people were interested in learning this martial art form.
Even in foreign countries, Kalaripayattu exists in the form of a sport. The report adds that there are registered Kalaripyattu federations in 32 countries now. When this number hits 40, Kalaripayattu can apply to be included in the Olympics.
Currently, the national championships being conducted in Kochi are according to age groups and there are different sections an individual can take part in like Meypayattu, Chuvadu, Urumi, Vaalpayattu, freehand fight and Vadipayattu.
source:dna