What is "kalaripayattu"

Kalaripayattu (, Malayalam :കളരി പയറ്റ്) is a martial art, which originated as a style in Kerala, India. The word kalari first appears in Sangam literature to describe both a battlefield and combat arena. The word kalari tatt denoted a martial feat, while kalari kozhai meant a coward in war. Each warrior in the Sangam era received regular military training. It is considered to be one of the oldest fighting systems in existence. It was originally practiced in northern and central parts of Kerala and the Tulunadu region of Karnataka. In Tulunad region it is often called as Garadi. The Sri Lankan martial art Angampora also exhibits strong similarities with Kalaripayattu, which explains the extent of patronage this art has enjoyed in the past. Currently many other Indian states also practice this martial art .