Vadakkan Kalaripayattu

Vadakkan Kalaripayattu (northern style) is associated with the Namboothiri, Nair and Ezhava communities of the Malabar region. Vadakkan style involves more elaborate graceful body movements and southern style involves very rapid economical and yet powerful movements. Vadakkan Kalaripayattu shows a strong influence of Ayurveda and Kathakali. Kalaripayyattu teachers often provide massages with traditional medicinal oils to their students in
order to increase their physical flexibility or to treat muscle
injuries encountered during practice.