Kalarippayattu: Difference between revisions
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'''Kalarippayattu''' can be traced back to the [[Vedas|Vedic]] period. | '''Kalarippayattu''' is an ancient [[martial arts|martial art]] that has its origins in the [[Kerala]] area of Southern [[India]], and can be traced back to the [[Vedas|Vedic]] period. Although the art itself is not well known outside of India, legend has it that around 525 AD an Indian Buddhist monk named [[Bodhidharma]] traveled to [[China]] to the [[Shaolin Temple]]. Upon finding the monks weak and listless, Bodhidharama taught them the eighteen hands of [[Buddha]], which later became known as the 18 Lohan Hands. This was a specialized set of exercises that had a profound effect on the martial arts of China, [[Shaolin Kung Fu]] in particular. These eighteen hands of Buddha were derived from the eighteen ''adavukal'' (adavu = technique) that form the basis of the ''Vadakkan'' or northern style of Kalarippayattu. | ||
Revision as of 03:41, 24 January 2008
Kalarippayattu is an ancient martial art that has its origins in the Kerala area of Southern India, and can be traced back to the Vedic period. Although the art itself is not well known outside of India, legend has it that around 525 AD an Indian Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma traveled to China to the Shaolin Temple. Upon finding the monks weak and listless, Bodhidharama taught them the eighteen hands of Buddha, which later became known as the 18 Lohan Hands. This was a specialized set of exercises that had a profound effect on the martial arts of China, Shaolin Kung Fu in particular. These eighteen hands of Buddha were derived from the eighteen adavukal (adavu = technique) that form the basis of the Vadakkan or northern style of Kalarippayattu.