Training

Students begin training at approximately seven years old with a formal initiation ritual performed by the Gurukkal.On the training starting day the student offers the master some money as Dakshina in folded betel leaves and prostrates himself, touching the master's feet as a sign of submission.The guru then places his hands on the pupil's head, blesses him and prays for him.This ritual touching the ground, puttara, guruthara and the guru's feet is repeated every day.It symbolizes a complete submission to and acceptance of the master , the deva , the kalari and the art itself.