Join us for an introduction into the oldest existing martial art form in the world, Kalaripayattu.

Said to have been taught by the gods for protection of the land, Kalaripayattu has been a part of the culture of the South Indian state of Kerala for thousands of years. Historically practised by a clan of warriors similar to the Japanese Samurai, now it can be practised by all to achieve good health, character, and synchronisation of body and mind.

During the course a number of basic areas will be covered:

Exercises for strength, fitness and flexibility - Basic leg/hand attacks and blocks - Breathing exercises - Basic stances - Basic Forms (combinations of techniques put together in a single routine)

The intensity/amount of training given will depend on the students existing level of fitness and experience in martial arts.

Courses are held at Dharmikam Ashram.

Dharmikam Ashram is a centre for Kalaripayattu training and Marma therapy research. It is also the home of the Indian School of Martial Arts. Founded 25 years ago to maintain and preserve the ancient martial art form of Kalaripayattu.

We accept guest who are interested in healing and rejuvenation packages (7 to 21 days), martial arts training (from 2 weeks), and Indian culture and spirituality.

Practical Details

• Dharmikam Ashram is a spiritual establishment. There is a beautiful Hanuman temple on site, all are welcome.
• We strive to create an atmosphere of peace and healing
• We respect and accept all religions; all we ask is that those staying here respect our culture and traditions.
• Unlike a resort or hotel we try to make people feel like they are a member of our family.
• The accommodation at the Ashram is modern and of a high standard.
• The food is traditional South Indian vegetarian (no meat, no fish, no egg).
• The water used is Mineral Water from our own well. It is then filtered and boiled to ensure maximum hygiene.
• A lot of the food is organically grown on site.
• The milk used is organically produced in our own dairy.
• There is a strict policy of no alcohol, smoking, or any illegal substances.
• For couples who wish to stay, separate accommodation will be provided.
• Please check out our youtube page: www.youtube.com/dharmikam for a selection of demonstration videos.

Continent or Region: Indian Subcontinent

Country or State/County: India

Located one hour from Trivandrum, capital of the South Indian state of Kerala. Set amongst the lush rural countryside.

We can arrange for lessons in Indian language/music/singing/dancing/cooking/culture/history, at your own expense.

Sightseeing Activities can be arranged (at your own expense) to a number of local attractions. These include:

Kanya Kumari - the southernmost tip of India and meeting place of three oceans. The name of this place has been christened after the virgin goddess – Kanyakumari Amman. Mythological stories depict that Goddess Parvati under the disguise of Devi Kanniya did a penance in one of the rocks in this area to reach the hand of Lord Shiva. This place is also a popular pilgrimage. The tourists who visit this southernmost tip of India would certainly enjoy the exuberant scenes of the sunsets, the sunrises especially on full moon days. The nature of the sand in the beaches of Kanyakumari is unique as it is multi-coloured.

Padmanabhapuram Palace - A magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century, Padmanabhapuram Palace lies at the land's end of mainland India. An enticing piece to any lover of art and architecture this old palace of the Rajas of the erstwhile Travancore (1550 to 1750 AD) is a fine specimen of Kerala's indigenous style of architecture. The antique interiors are replete with intricate rosewood carvings and sculptured decor. The palace also contains 17th and 18th century murals. One can see: the musical bow in mahogany, windows with coloured mica, royal chairs with Chinese carvings, 'Thaikkottaram' or the Queen Mother's palace with painted ceilings, rose wood and teak carved ceilings with 90 different floral designs.

Suchindram Temple - A multi-sectioned temple that is thousands of years old. Suchindram has a temple dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple has a beautiful gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of Hanuman, apart from a valuable collection of art from different periods.

Kovalam Beach - Kovalam beach, was discovered by the western hippies in the 1960s. It was they who chanced upon this hidden paradise, till then a fishing village (as it still is on Chowara Beach). It has since become one of the most popular beach destinations.

Trivandrum City - Thiruvananthapuram which was previously called Trivandrum is an ancient city with tradition dating back to 1000 BC. Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of Raja of Travancore in 1750. The city gets its name from the word, Thiru-anantha-puram, meaning the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred Serpent Anantha on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland spreading over a total of 2,192sq.km.