Agasthyam

Our programs

Agasthyam Kalaripayattu is more than an ancient martial art—it is a path of transformation, discipline, and self-discovery. 

Residential Training Programme

Kalaripayattu Residential Training in Kerala - Live the Kalari Life

Disconnect from noise. Awaken the inner warrior. A transformational residential kalaripayattu journey into discipline, strength, and self-mastery. The Residential Training Programme at Agasthyam is designed for those who wish to immerse fully in kalari training, away from distractions, in a traditional Gurukulam environment in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

About the Kalaripayattu Residential Programme

The Residential Kalari Programme is a structured, phase-based training journey that develops strength, flexibility, endurance, and combat skills through traditional kalaripayattu practice in Kerala.

Guided under disciplined residential training at Agasthyam, participants progress from foundational movements to advanced techniques, integrating body, breath, and mind for complete physical and mental development.

Programme Structure

  • Duration: 15 / 30 / 60 Days
  • Phases: 3
  • Mode: Full-time Residential
  • Training Hours: Morning & Evening Sessions
  • Accommodation: Simple, disciplined Gurukulam living

Outcomes

  • Structured daily routine and disciplined lifestyle.
  • Improved physical fitness and flexibility.
  • Mental clarity and focus. Increased self-confidence.
  • Traditional Gurukkal-guided kalaripayattu learning environment.

Training Highlights

  • Structured progression from Foundation to Master Level.
  • Systematic development of strength, flexibility, agility, and endurance through traditional kalaripayattu training.
  • Body conditioning with breath control integration.
  • Foundational to advanced empty-hand combat training.
  • Progressive weapon training - Stick, Kuruvadi, Gadha.
  • Meypayattu and traditional flow sequences.
  • Partner drills and controlled combat practice.
  • Performance-oriented training modules.
  • Yogic stretching, mobility, and recovery practices.
  • Immersive traditional kalari residential discipline in Kerala.

Who This Programme Is For

  • Martial arts and yoga enthusiasts.
  • Seekers and tradition lovers.
  • Strength, confidence, and vitality seekers.
  • Wellness and fitness enthusiasts.
  • Those seeking stress relief and mental clarity through traditional Indian martial arts.
  • Students and young adults exploring focus and discipline.
  • Aspiring kalaripayattu teachers and instructors. Wellness and mindfulness practitioners.
  • No prior experience required, only genuine interest and willingness to learn.

Daily Schedule

Time Activity
5:30 AMWake Up
6:15 AMRefreshment
6:40 AMPickup
7:05 AMSalutation
7:15 AMSauranga
7:35 AMMeditation
8:00 AMKalari Sadhana
9:40 AMBack to Ashram
10:00 AMBreakfast
11:00 AMMananam
1:00 PMLunch
2:30 PMPickup
3:00 PMKalari Sadhana
5:00 PMFreshen Up
5:30 PMSpiritual Seva
6:30 PMBack to Ashram
7:00 PMDinner

Syllabus - Consolidated Structure

Phase I - Foundation (15 Days)

Vandanachuvadu, Ashtavadivu, Kaaleduppu, Soochikirippu, Vyayamam, Adi Ozhuvukal, 2nd Chuvadu, Neduvadi (Stick: Introduction), Poottu, Gadha (Introduction).

Phase II - Core Practice (21 / 30 Days)

3rd Chuvadu, Neduvadi Stick Movements, Mruga Nada, Poottu, Gadha Movements, Vadivu, Adi-Idi-Chavittu-Adi, Vari and Maru Vari, Thalakku Odukku, Neduvadipayattu, Gadha (Advanced).

Phase III - Intermediate Mastery (60 Days)

Gadha (Advanced), Full Split, 5th Ottachuvadu, 3 Koottachuvadu, Stick - 16 Veethu, Mruga Nada (Crab), Meypayattu, Vari and Maru Vari, Thalakku Odukku (1 vs 1).

Experience and Outcomes by Phase

Phase I - Foundation (15 Days)

What You Will Experience: 

  • Learn to stand, move, and balance correctly in traditional kalaripayattu stances. 
  • Improve flexibility and body control. 
  • Understand basic self-defence movements. 
  • Build stamina and physical discipline. 

What You Will Gain: Better posture and body awareness. Increased strength and flexibility. Improved focus and concentration. A strong physical and mental foundation.

Phase II - Core Practice (21 or 30 Days)

What You Will Experience: 

  • More dynamic kalaripayattu movements and faster combinations. 
  • Introduction to traditional weapon basics, stick and mace.
  • Animal-based movements for strength and agility. 
  • Coordinated striking and defensive techniques. 

What You Will Gain: Increased power and endurance. Better reflexes and coordination. Confidence in handling traditional training weapons. Greater body control and speed.

Phase III - Intermediate Mastery (60 Days)

What You Will Experience: 

  • Advanced flexibility training. 
  • Structured kalaripayattu combat sequences. 
  • Partner practice and controlled combat drills. 
  • Flow-based body movements. 

What You Will Gain: High flexibility and mobility. Strong combat awareness. Improved reaction timing. Confidence in one-on-one kalaripayattu practice.

Phase IV - Combat and Performance (90 Days)

What You Will Experience: 

  • Empty-hand combat training in traditional kalaripayattu. 
  • Advanced movement sequences. 
  • Stick performance practice. 
  • Continuous endurance-based sessions. 

What You Will Gain: Realistic self-defence capability. Physical endurance and stamina. Strong mental confidence. Readiness to perform in demonstrations.

Phase V - Master Level (120 Days)

What You Will Experience: 

  • Advanced kalaripayattu weapon training. 
  • Lineage-specific traditional sequences. 
  • Performance-level refinement. 
  • Integrated full-system practice. 

What You Will Gain: Complete physical transformation. Deep discipline and inner confidence. Strong weapon control and precision. Eligibility to assist in teaching, subject to evaluation.

Investment - Course Fees (Residential Stay and Meals)

  1. 15 Days Dormitory: ₹31,480 · Shared Room (Non-AC): ₹34,630 · Shared Room (AC): ₹37,780 · Private Room (AC): ₹42,505
  2. 21 Days Dormitory: ₹42,420 · Shared Room (Non-AC): ₹46,830 · Shared Room (AC): ₹51,240 · Private Room (AC): ₹57,855
  3. 30 Days Dormitory: ₹54,700 · Shared Room (Non-AC): ₹61,000 · Shared Room (AC): ₹67,300 · Private Room (AC): ₹76,750

The investment includes: Complete Training Fees · Full Training Uniform · Official Kalari Pendant · Ashram Residential Stay and Food · Local Travel and Structured Cultural Immersion.

Benefits and Outcomes by Student Type

School and College Students

  1. Improved physical fitness and flexibility through kalaripayattu training. 
  2. Better focus and concentration in studies. 
  3. Increased discipline and time management. 
  4. Boosted self-confidence and stage presence.

Working Professionals

  1. Stress relief through structured kalaripayattu training in Kerala. 
  2. Improved stamina and posture. 
  3. Mental clarity and emotional balance. 
  4. Stronger work-life discipline.

Fitness Enthusiasts

  1. Functional strength development through traditional kalari practice. 
  2. Deep flexibility and mobility training. 
  3. Natural endurance building. 
  4. Dynamic full-body conditioning.

Martial Arts Practitioners

  1. Exposure to traditional Indian kalaripayattu combat systems. 
  2. Advanced footwork and body control. 
  3. Weapon basics and combat sequencing. 
  4. Improved reaction timing and coordination.

Yoga Practitioners

  1. Dynamic strength combined with flexibility. 
  2. Practical application of breath control in kalaripayattu. 
  3. Improved balance and grounded movements. 
  4. Functional mobility training.

Performers and Stage Artists

  1. Kalaripayattu combat choreography skills. 
  2. Controlled weapon handling. 
  3. Stage confidence and posture. 
  4. Performance endurance.

Defence, Police, and Uniform Service Aspirants

  1. Physical endurance and stamina through traditional kalaripayattu training. 
  2. Mental toughness and discipline. 
  3. Combat basics and defensive awareness. 
  4. Structured training routine.

Physical Education Students and Trainers

  1. Knowledge of traditional Indian physical systems. 
  2. Structured kalaripayattu conditioning techniques. 
  3. Practical combat and weapon basics. 
  4. Teaching observation exposure.

Serious Long-Term Practitioners

  1. Progressive mastery from foundation to advanced kalaripayattu level. 
  2. Deep traditional discipline and lifestyle exposure. 
  3. Advanced weapon and performance skills. 
  4. Eligibility for higher-level guidance.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions — Kalaripayattu Residential Training

We understand that beginning your journey may bring many questions. Here you’ll find clear and helpful answers to some of the most common queries, making it easier to get started with confidence.

Do I need prior experience in kalari or martial arts?

No. Beginners are welcome. Kalaripayattu residential training at Agasthyam starts from foundational level and progresses step-by-step.

Participants can join phase-based residential programmes starting from 7 days. A minimum of 15 days is recommended for meaningful learning and certification eligibility.

The programme is suitable for school students, college students, and adults. Specific age guidelines are available from the centre.

Training is systematic and progressive. Beginners are guided carefully, and intensity increases gradually based on individual capacity.

Yes. Basic weapon training — including stick and Gadha — is included in the kalaripayattu residential syllabus from Phase I onward.