We were so impressed by the Kalarippayattu at the Kerala Kathakali Centre the other day we went back to watch it again. After the show we chatted to the lads and managed to secure an invite to come and watch them train that evening.
The Kerala Dulfukar Kalalayika Kalari Sangam was as hard to find, in a run down residential area of town, as it is to pronounce but what a gem it proved to be. The Gurukkal or Master was not in attendance that evening and Thanseer and Maneer, our two new friends from the KKC were running the lesson for the younger boys.
We watched from the comfort of two plastic garden chairs as the young apprentices practised their routines of gymnastic discipline. We caused a fair amount of distraction I think, the youngsters aged between 9-15 were clearly not used to foreign spectators, although a healthy number of proud fathers stood on the sidelines to watch their sons.
After the lessons were over Thaneer and Manseer requested that I take some pictures of the more acrobatic sequences of their routine. This is exactly what I was after and despite it being dark and having to use a flash I am pretty happy with the results. Hats off to all of them, this kind of activity provides so much for the young adepts, agility, coordination, discipline, strength and self respect to name but a few and to watch it performed with such talent and flair is a privilege.
This looks very impressive. I wonder is it related to the Brazilian art form that came to light over the last few years...very stylish and seemingly defying gravity. Can't remember what it was called but the BBC nicked it for a few of their link videos.
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