Gurukkal / Kalaripayattu Teacher
ഗുരുക്കൾ
A traditional title for a teacher and master in the South Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu.
Quick Facts
Definition
Gurukkal is a traditional title given to a teacher of Kalaripayattu, the South Indian martial art originating in the state of Kerala, who has attained deep knowledge of its combat techniques, traditional medicine, and ritual aspects. The term combines the Sanskrit word guru (teacher) with a Tamil-Malayalam honorific suffix, and in regions closer to the Tamil border the same role is often called Asan instead. A gurukkal not only leads training in the training space called kalari, but often also provides traditional healing treatments (uzhichil) based on knowledge of the human body gained through the study of the martial art itself. The position of gurukkal carries great respect within the community, as this person is responsible for passing the entire lineage (sampradaya) of their style on to the next generation of students. The relationship between a gurukkal and a student in Kalaripayattu is traditionally very personal and built on years of devotion and trust, similar to other traditional Indian arts.