As Kalarippayattu evolved in various parts of Kerala over the centuries, differences in practices crystallized to such an extent as to create two distinct styles within the state of its birth – the Northern (Vadakkan Kalari) and the Southern (Thekkan Kalari). (Some opine that a mid-Kerala style also exists.) Kalaripayattu as practised in southern Kerala traces its lineage to Sage Agastya. It depends on Siddha medicine for treatments and cures, and not Ayurvedic medicine patronized in northern Kerala. Another visible difference is that while the northern school imparts training in enclosed kalaris created below ground level, the southern school conducts lessons on open spaces or inside thatched structures constructed on the ground. Not withstanding these differences, a comprehensive training in Kalaripayattu includes teaching the techniques of attack and defence using weapons like stick, lance, spear, knife, dagger, sword and shield, and also using the body itself as a weapon; imparting knowledge about the marmas [vital parts of the human body] attacking or defending which is often known to clinch a duel; giving lessons in medical treatment and massage in order to cure bruises, cuts, dislocations, breakage of bones and so on; instructing them on the different techniques of breathing and meditation, etc.

Thekkan Kalari / Southern Style of Kalarippayattu

            Thekkan Kalari, also known as 'Adi Thadai' in Tamil Marma Shastra, is the Southern Kalari and is the more secretive and subtle art, compared to the flamboyant and glamorous Vaddakan Kalari. Based on 'Adi Thadai', the Tamil Marma Shastra, Thekkan Kalari focuses on energy centres, channelizing them and pressure points, was believed to be developed by Sage Agastya. The first segment of Thekkan Kalari is Ottachoovadu, single leg movement in four directions, the next is Koottachoovadu, Double leg movements, third segment is Kaiporu or two man sparring, Naduvadi- long stick fight training and kuruvadi- short stick fight training, vettukathi- knife fighting and the last bit being Sword and Shield and Urumi fighting. Thattumarmachoovadu, or understanding the Marma pressure points is the main factor of Thekkan Kalari. This art form also emphasis on Stealth training or Chaadi as it is called. There are several Adi Thadai techniques that train an individual in stealth and ambush fighting. Thekkan Kalari or Adi Thadai focuses a lot on dissipating energy, and it is believed that with each strike, at a certain energy point, not only can one cause pain in the opponent, but also wrought changes emotional, mentally and physical.

            The practitioners of Thekkan Kalari believe in balancing the Chakras, it is believed that the human body on its subtle plane constitutes of 7 chakras, Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra), Swadisthana Chakra (Sacral Chakra), Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus), Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra), Vishudhi Chakra (Throat Chakra), Ajna Chakra (Third Eye) and the Sahasrara Chakra. It is said that, with the activation of balance and correct energy flow in the chakras leads to a super human strength and control. Unlike Vaddakan style, Thekkan Kalari does not require years and years of training for physical development. You can learn what is required to defend yourself, within two years. Thekkan Kalari or 'Adi Thadai' or Nadar Reethi of Tamil Marma Shastra is more meditative and internal in nature. Unfortunately, this art form is very guarded and secretive, it is just transferred from one master to a 'suitable' student, and not to everyone