Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
Actor credits ancient Kerala martial art for exceptional fitness levels
Bollywood actor Vidyut Jammwal attributes his distinctive physical conditioning to decades of practice in Kalaripayattu, the centuries-old martial art form native to Kerala. The performer began training in the discipline from age three while residing at an ashram in the southern state.
LSN India ·
Kalaripayattu, often recognised as one of the world's oldest fighting systems, has become increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts and performers seeking holistic physical conditioning. The martial art, which originated in Kerala's Malabar region, combines fluid movements, weapons training, and combat techniques that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously.
Jammwal's long association with the practice demonstrates the martial form's practical applications beyond traditional combat contexts. Having undertaken formal training since childhood, the actor has incorporated Kalaripayattu principles into his professional fitness regimen, with visible results reflected in his on-screen performances.
Experts attribute Kalaripayattu's effectiveness to its comprehensive approach to physical development. The discipline emphasizes flexibility, strength, balance, and cardiovascular endurance through choreographed sequences known as "meippayattu." Practitioners also learn weaponry techniques and defensive maneuvers that require sustained focus and body control.
The resurgence of interest in traditional martial arts has prompted fitness professionals across India to integrate Kalaripayattu elements into contemporary training programmes. Beyond physical benefits, practitioners report improved mental clarity and body awareness—qualities increasingly valued in modern wellness frameworks.
Photo: Kalaripayattu practitioners, the traditional martial art of Kerala, December 2019. KaustubhShrm via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).