This paper aims to study the perception of kalarippayattu, an Indian martial art form, founded on the views expressed by instructors and students in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Speculated to have sustained through antiquity, the origins of this martial art form are shrouded in mythical tales. Despite its rich history, kalarippayattu has not gained its due academic interest from martial arts scholars. It is in this context that this study propounds a mixed-methods approach to analyse the contemporary perception of kalarippayattu among practitioners. The participants of the study include kalarippayattu instructors and students practising kalarippayattu. The study analysed participants’ perception of changes in pedagogy and elicited supportive and critical observations on various aspects of kalarippayattu like health benefits, motivation of practice, challenges and suggestions for future growth. Correspondingly, the philosophy that dictates kalarippayattu is rooted in dharma, the Indian concept of ethics. Dharma in kalarippayattu extends beyond individual duties and responsibilities towards personal growth. The practitioner is trained to be committed to the larger society. The findings also highlight the positive perception of this martial art among its practitioners signifying the importance of the preservation and revival of kalarippayattu.
Suresh et al. (2026) studied this question.