No one has ever asked me how a martial artist is different from being a fighter. These days when I walk into a dojo, it is not certain to me if anyone there is aware of either. To be a fighter is easier, as all one needs to be is muster up the courage and tune up certain emotions. But, what does it really take to be a true martial artist? Being a fighter is like being a raging fire. It draws attention, is a disruption to normalcy, is destructive in nature and cannot be sustained for very...

The Transformative Power of Kalaripayattu Many times, I have wondered why we chose to share our knowledge of Kalaripayattu. Is this just a hobby, or is it something more profound? The words you read here, shared by a member of our community, reveal that our thoughts and actions go far deeper. She shares her story: "Life felt like it had come to a standstill following the COVID-19 pandemic. The overwhelming pressure of work, combined with deep emotional exhaustion, transformed me into a...

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 while learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). After a grueling session, he praised my dexterity and hip flexibility. It made it difficult for him to pass guard. I responded by expressing my gratitude for Kalaripayattu. As a German, John had never heard of Kalaripayattu. He looked at me with a quizzical expression. I ended up speaking zealously about this...