Among the many traditions of India, kalaripayattu, the Indian martial art, has gradually gained recognition over the years. Researchers in the field of martial arts say that this is the oldest form of martial art in existence. Although karate and other Asian forms of martial arts are more popular in India and around the world, many trainers nowadays are including the Indian form as well at the centres. 

Kajal Ghosh, who runs Karate Centre in Belur, Salkia and Liluah started kalaripayattu classes at all the centres from last year. “The form is being recognised around the country and kalaripayattu will soon be included in the national games as well. We had to take affiliation from the West Bengal Kalaripayattu Federation,” said Ghosh. 

In February this year, Ghosh sent three students from his centres to take part in the National Kalaripayattu Championships held at Alappuzha, Kerala. Twelve-year-old Shreya Deb and Arpita Nandy secured third and fourth positions at the championships. Although kalaripayattu involves using sword or stick, Ghosh has chosen to include the free-fighting technique in his curriculum. “Weapons are used by seniors and experts in the art. Since kalaripayattu is now accepted as a sport, the use of weapons has been restricted,” said Ghosh. “The art includes all the techniques that we use in karate, kung fu and the other forms of Asian martial arts. Therefore, it is easier for students learning karate to learn kalaripayattu as well. It is a full contact sport and the form of karate that I teach at my centre is also full contact,” added Ghosh. 

Not only boys, but young girls are also showing interest in the sport. “There are some 30 girls training in karate at my centre. Among them 15 girls are learning the Indian martial art as well,” said Ghosh. In karate, this year 120 examinees from Ghosh’s centres appeared for the belt gradation exams on April 3. Among all the students, 14-year old Debayan Ghosh from Belur, was the youngest black belt winner this year.