Kalari.org
When the Body becomes all Eyes
Kalarippayat or Kalari was once created for warriors and healers. Today it has transcended the battlefields and helps us to live a self-empowered life with open eyes, vitality and posture. Its unique approach to holistic psychophysical training is truly holistic and timeless. Embark on a transformative journey of health, personal growth and empowerment.
Days
Students
Hours
Kalari.org 60h Practitioner Training
Become one of the first certified Kalarippayat Practitioners and a true ambassador of the practice.
INTO THE PIT | The word “Kalari” means “space” or “arena” in Malayalam, the indigenous language of Kerala. Northern Style Kalaris are palm leaf covered pits and they have been dug into the red earth of Southern India since times immemorial. 42 by 21 feet and built in strict east-west-alignment, the entrance three and a half stairs down from the east, they sing an ancient hynm to Kundalini – that which “resides in the pit”.
THE KALARI WAY | Kalarippayat was once a way of life, called “Kalari Mura”. Every 6-8 year old child would be initiated during the annual monsoon season, regardless of sex, caste or religion. This ancient tradition continued until Kalarippayat was banned by the British in 1793. Much was lost during the British Raj, but the art continued to be practiced in secrecy by Gurukkals who defied the ban by the British.
INDIA’S GIFT TO THE WORLD | These revivalists have ensured the art’s survival, and Kalarippayat has started to retake its place as part of the rekindled southern indian national identity. The art is once again practiced all over Kerala and even beyond. Today, Kalarippayat receives wider recognition and attention outside of its native southern indian habitat, slowly but gradually taking its rightful place among its sister sciences Ayurveda and Yoga as one of India’s great gifts to the world.
PRIMAL MOVEMENT | Kalari stresses the practice of archetypical movement principles and primal whole body movement over the repetitive practice of isolated techniques. These are movements that we can instinctively relied upon in times when fear- or stress-induced surges of adrenalin make a trained response all but impossible. Kalari grandmasters have described this process as “training the reptile brain”.
TENDON STRENGTH | The Kalari practice exposes the practitioner to a very unique and versatile training regime. Intensity is imperative in Kalarippayat. However, the practice scales after the practitioner and not the other way around. Physically, the practice promotes and stresses tendon strength over muscle strength. The body created is lean, strong and does not deteriorate as quickly with old age.
SENSORY AWARENESS | The concept of primal whole body movement and tendon strength goes hand in hand with a strong evolution of the senses. Kalari practitioners are taught to expand their sensory awareness. This starts with the gross physical senses, especially sight and hearing, but eventually transcends into the realm of prana or life force. The experienced Abhyassi will eventually start to sense the flow of energy, first within his own body and later in the world around him.
WAY OF THE WARRIOR | Kalari was created as an art of war and healing. It is crucial to acknowledge these roots to understand why the practice is so immeasurably valuable for us today: It was created for people whose responsibility was to take care of and engage with the people and world around them. At the same time it completes the ancient trinity of mysticism (e.g. yoga), healing (e.g. ayurveda) and martial art.
ART OF LIVING | Kalari can teach us how to live. It teaches us how to encounter each moment with open eyes, posture and tenacity. This makes Kalari the perfect foundation for a self-determined and healthy life in the modern world. For this reason Kalari is also gradually becoming one of the preferred tools of personal growth and development for privateers, athletes and professionals of all backgrounds.
PERSONAL GROWTH | The practice provides a unique phsychophysical framework. It enables the practitioner to physically experience real life encounters, e.g. confrontation with a colleague at work, and learn how to (re-) act adequately. This could mean anything from standing our ground to simply detaching and fully stepping into the moment. The decision is ours and not influenced by external factors or uncontrolled impulse. The result is true self-empowerment and freedom.
Training Types
The section below provides a quick overview over trainings offered by Kalari.org. Please note that no workshops can be booked on our page, but on the respective studio’s page for the given training that can be found in training dates section further below.
Kalari.org 5-week online course
The Kalari.org 5-week online course serves as a risk-free and flexible introduction to the practice of Kalarippayat. Set your own pace and work through 5 comprehensive lessons which will introduce you to the main principles and some of the key exercises of the practice:
- Cheruthozil: Small set of basic warm-ups
- Groundwork: Small set of basic ground exercises
- Vadivu: Horse Posture (moved and static)
- Kalugal: Nere Kal (Straight Leg Swing)
- Rhythm and flow of the practice
>> learn more
Workshops
Workshops are residential courses with a duration of 1-3 days. Prerequisites vary depending on topic and will be clearly stated in the description. Workshops for beginners like the Introductory Weekend Workshop require no prerequisites. >> check for dates
Intensives
Intensives are residential courses with a duration of 3-10+ days and will offer intensity and deep immersion. Prerequisite for participation varies and will be stated in the individual retreat description. The regular Beginners Weekend Intensive has no prerequisites, but previous participation in the 5-week Online Course is a perfect primer. >> check for dates
Kalari.org 60h Practitioner Training
The Kalari.org 60h Practitioner Training primarily serves to create a rock-solid self practice, making you a true Abhyassi and eligible for participation in all upcoming classes, workshops and intensives. It also serve as a stairway to becoming one of the first Kalari Lvl I Teachers in the future. Prerequisite for participation is the previous participation in at least one the following workshops or trainings or the equivalent, eligibility assessed by Kalari.org:
- Kalari.org 5-Week Online Course
- Kalari Introductory Workshop
- Kalari Beginner’s Weekend Retreat
The curriculum will take you through the all the basics needed to become a full fledged Kalari Abhyassi:
- Cheruthozil: Basic warm-ups
- Vadivu: Basic postures
- Kalugal: Basic leg swings
- Meithozhil: Puthara & Kalari Vandanam
- Meithozhil: Meippayat – Arapukai I
- Meithozhil: Kaikuttippayat – Pilaitangi I
- Kolthari: Longstick I
- Brief History of Kalarippayat
- Basic phychophysical principles
>> learn more
Kalari.org 200h Teacher Lvl I Training
The first Kalari.org 200h Teacher Lvl I Training is going to start in 2018 in two locations: The Kalari.org headquarters at Human Posture in Germany and YogaOne in Barcelona. The teacher training will be a transformative journey of 12 months that will ultimately make you one of the first certified teachers of the ancient art of Kalarippayat in the west. …but before this happens, your physical technique and stamina will be taken to your individual limit to break the bonds of the mind and unleash true movement. You will learn new body forms as well as weapons forms, including the teacher sides of the first long- and shortstick form. We will then transcend physical technique and go into oral teaching, body scanning, scaling and adjustment techniques. The fundamentals of the Nadi-Marma System will be covered. As required by Kalari.org tradition you will look beyond Northern Style and will get initiated into the first exercises of Southern Style Kalarippayat, also known als Thekkan Sampradayam. Prerequisite for participation is the successful completion of the 60h Kalari Practitioner Training and an active Kalari Practice, eligibility assessed by Kalari.org: The curriculum:
- 6 x 7 days
- 200h of training
- Cheruthozil: Core warm-ups
- Groundwork: Core cycle
- Kalari Yoga Vanakkam variations (Sun Salutation of the Kalari Tradition)
- Vadivu: Core postures
- Kalugal: Core leg swings
- Meithozhil: Puthara & Kalari Vandanam
- Meithozhil: Meippayat – Arapukai I-III
- Meithozhil: Kaikuttippayat – Pilaitangi I-II
- Kolthari: Longstick I teacher side
- Kolthari: Shortstick I
- Vaitari: Methodology of oral teaching
- Scaling: Learn how to safely adjust Meithozhil and Vadivu to individual levels
- Introduction to Thekkan Sampradayam (Southern Style Kalarippayat)
- Phychophysical principles
- History of Kalarippayat
- Kalari.org teacher listing
- Free personal check in with kalari.org for coaching up to 6 months after certification
>> learn more
Personal Training
Wouldn’t you want to live and experience life fully, present and with a sense of true choice and freedom? Kalari one-on-one or in a small group setting is a powerful experience. This training is perfect for individuals, groups or companies, who see Kalari as a powerful tool to take their life, leadership or creativity to the next level. These are bespoke sessions, carefully tailored to your individual needs and targeted to support your self in unlocking your very own phycophysical potential. We are just a tour guide. Our sessions will be infused with our experience of an authentic student-teacher-relationship, as well as a background of over 10 years of working on director level in the media industry. Today Kalari.org’s clients include privateers and professionals of all backgrounds. Reach out today and embark on a transformative journey alone or as a group of 2 or more. We will help you to find out what the best possible set up could look like. >> learn more
Training Dates
10.03. from 10.00am – 12.00pm | Kalari free Introductory Class at YogaOne Molina (Barcelona, Spain) with Kai
16.03. – 18.03.2018 | Kalari.org Beginners Weekend Intensive at Sa Nau Dansa (Barcelona, Spain) with Kai
13.04. – 15.04.2018 | Kalari.org Beginners Weekend Intensive at Center of Gravity (Hamburg, Germany)
27.04. – 29.04.2018 | Kalari.org Weekend Retreat at Fundació La Plana (Barcelona, Spain) with Kai and Deva
05.05.2018 from 10.45 – 12.15am | Kalari Class at the Yogi Days (Hamburg, Germany) with Deva and Kai
18.05. – 20.05.2018 | Kalari.org Weekend Intensive at YogaOne Molina (Barcelona, Spain) with Kai
26.05. – 28.05.2018 | Kalari classes at Ljubljana Yoga Conference (Ljubljana, Slowenia) with Kai
07.06. – 10.06.2018 | Kalari.org classes at Agni Spirit Festival Sessions (Barcelona) with Alex, Malwina and Ezequiel >> Book Now
22.06. – 24.06.2018 | Kalari Beginners Weekend Intensive at Maya Yoga (Istanbul, Turkey) with Kai >> Book Now
29.06.2018 | Kalari Women Tribe at Mindful Space (Hamburg, Kai) with Deva >> Book Now
29.06. – 02.07.2018 | Kalari Morning Sessions at Nordic Acro Festival (Mundekulla, SE) >> Book Now
12.07. – 15.07.2018 | Kalari Introduction Workshop at Move Copenhagen (Copenhagen, DK) >> Book Now
10.08. – 12.08.2018 | Kalari.org Weekend Intensive at Center of Gravity in Hamburg with Kai >> Book Now
19.08.2018 | Kalari Sessions with Deva & Kai at Wanderlust108 (Berlin, DE) >> Book Now
07.09. – 09.09.2018 | Kalari.org Weekend Intensive at Center of Gravity in Hamburg with Kai >> Book Now
24.09. – 30.09.2018 | Kalari Beginners Intensive at Moksha Yoga (Chicago, IL, USA)
05.10. – 07.10.2018 | Kalari Beginners Weekend Intensive at Mandala Yoga (Santa Monica, CA, USA)
12.10. – 14.10.2018 | Kalari Sessions at Global Yoga Conference (Barcelona, Spain) >> Book Now
19.10. – 21.10.2018 | Introductory Workshop at Yoga Vidya (Bad Meinberg, Germany) >> Book Now
29.10. – 11.11.2018 | Kalari.og Practitioner Training 2018 at Center of Gravity (Hamburg, Germany) >> Book Now
10.11.2018 | Kalari Session with Kai at the Yogi Days Men Special (Hamburg, Germany) >> Book Now
10.11.2018 from 09.30 – 11.00am | Kalari Session with Deva at the Yogi Days Women Special (Hamburg, Germany) >> Book Now
30.11. – 02.12.2018 | Kalari Beginners Weekend at Maya Yoga (Istanbul, Turkey) with Deva >> Book Now
30.11. – 02.12.2018 | Kalari Intermediate Weekend at Maya Yoga (Istanbul, Turkey) with Kai >> Book Now
07.12. – 09.12.2018 | Beginners Weekend Intensive at Patrick Broome Yoga Lehel (Munich, Germany)
25.12.2018 – 25.01.2019 | Kalari.org India Retreat at the Kerala Kalarippayat Academy (Kerala, India)
04.05. – 10.05.2019 | Kalari.org 200h Teacher Training Module II (35h) at YogaOne Molina (Barcelona, Spain) with Kai
20.07. – 28.07.2019 | Kalari.org Summer Intensive 2019 (60h) at TBD (Barcelona, Spain) with Kai
07.09. – 13.09.2019 | Kalari.org 200h Teacher Training Module III (35h) at YogaOne Molina (Barcelona, Spain) with Kai
02.11. – 08.11.2019 | Kalari.org 200h Teacher Training Module IV (35h) at YogaOne Molina (Barcelona, Spain) with Kai
Weekly Classes
Below you find the weekly classes of Kalari.org founder Kai and his partner, Deva, at the Center of Gravity in their hometown of Hamburg. If you are looking for a Kalari class near you, please check Kalari Locator for the next teacher close to your location.
Center of Gravity
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“I feel absolute respect for the Kalari practice. It is an inspiring form of self development: Spiritually, mentally and physically awakening strength on all levels, developing the warrior consciousness. Kai is an extraordinary teacher who transmits Kalari according the tradition and makes this ancient practice known around the world. Thank you Kai, Jai Kalari!”
Jordi Canela Viscarrues (Om Ram)
Co-founder, YogaOne
“I consider myself an athletic person, I do yoga, pilates, cross fit training, play tennis and love to run and swim, but nothing compares to the training intensity of Kalari. Where all your senses are awakened and the mind and body both concentrated on the movement, flow and energy that is Kalari. I encourage everyone to try it, no matter if you think your not coordinated, you would be surprised at what you discover within yourself with Kalari.”
Haneen Alrayes
Founder and CEO, HIVE
“I’ve been practicing sports since I was 6 years old. And I’ve done a lot, like tennis, ice hockey, football, golf and also taekwondo. What I missed was the inclusion of mind in my sporting activities. Kai Hitzer gave me the opportunity to try Kalari during a personal training session. It was an incredible experience and it hasn’t left me ever since. The connection of body and mind is very unique and I can, without a second thought, recommend Kalari to everyone.Thanks Kai!”
Pete David
Managing Director, PDavid Consulting
“I had the honor of practicing with Kai for two hours, and I am really psyched. Thanks a lot and see you very soon, Kai! I am looking forward to more lessons in the future.”
Mathis Landwehr
Actor, Producer and Martial Artist, Mathis Landwehr
“Working with Kai both as his student and as a business partner is inspiring! His supportive way of teaching always gives me the right spirit and motivation to move on. Even the short time I practice Kalari yet changed the way I recognize my body and mind. Especially that has made a huge difference in dealing with my chronic illness multiple sclerosis. I’m absolutely positive that Kalari makes you strong in a really deep and ongoing way.”
Sabine Marina
Co-Founder and Managing Director, Paperkite Pictures
“The beautiful art of Kalari is a deep and powerful practice with an ancient sparkle. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn and practice with the excellent, dedicated teacher Kai Hitzer. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone who loves yoga and or martial arts.”
Keri Lassalle
Writer and Entrepreneur, Sacred Jewels
“I really enjoyed practicing Kalari with Kai Hitzer. Kai is a great communicator, sharing generously, what he has learned from his own practice and from his teachers in India. From the instant we met I could sense his mastery of polarity, and his congruence with the subtle energetics of masculine & feminine. He embodies “Positive Masculinity,” where one lives unabashedly as a Man, while honoring and upholding the feminine within themselves and others. Kai holds the space for each student to have their own inner experience, by teaching them how to use their physical bodies as a vehicle for self-awareness.”
Jai Sugrim
C.S.C.S, L.M.T, J.Y.T Yoga Teacher and Author, Body Mind Mastery
“As professional business coach and trainer, I am continuesly looking for new methods of empowerment for my clients. My research eventually lead me to a passage on Kalari.org which explicetely talked about Kalari’s potential for personal growth and training professionals, and the consecutive personal training session with Kai did not fail to deliver. I have eversince incorporated the practice in my own life and also successfully collaborated with Kalari.org for several teambuilding and coaching projects.”
Jan Oliver Dahl
HR Interim Manager, Business Coach, Dahl & Friends