Kalarippayattu is a compound word from the Malayalam language, originating from the state of Kerala, India. Kalari means training place and Payattu, combat training or practice.

Being recognized as one of the oldest martial arts, it is characterized by a codified body language of demanding postures, movements, actions and sequences in time and space, based on animals and qualities of nature, the manipulation of wooden and metal weapons, as well as bare-handed combat. Its ancient origin fuses mythology and history, remaining current through the transfer of oral and practical experience between guru (teacher) and shishya (disciple), in the numerous kalari found mainly in southern India.