Spreading Kalaripayattu in Germany

I still thank that great friend who asked me back in 2016 - "Why don't you just offer classes here in Germany then?"

John and I became friends learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) back in the days. Having just finished a gruelling session, he praised my dexterity and hip flexibility which made it difficult for him to pass guard. I responded with how it is Kalaripayattu that I need to, in turn express gratitude to.

Being a German and having never heard of Kalaripayattu, John was left with a quizzzical look. I ended up speaking zealously about the age old and deep martial from Kerala, demonstrated some of the (basic) exercises I learnt as a child - and he finally asked me the question.

We say back home "Vasudaiva Kudumbakam" (All this world is but one big family).

Auspicious ideas are made possible, thanks to the presence of allied minds. Benedikt Schotthöfer, otherwise reknown to be immovable as a rock on the mat, was the first to extend a hand of help and give me a chance to run Kalaripayattu sessions in his reknown gym, Munich MMA. The mission was to provide complementary training for BJJ fighters that helped enhance their agility.

Nearly a decade later, having introduced Kalaripayattu classes to over 500 beginners here in Munich and Augsburg, Germany, I still am making tiny yet steady progress toward my life goal on a daily basis.

"Spread the word. Let Kalaripayattu be known around the world."

#talkaboutthingsyoulove #kalaripayattu #germany #munichmma