Think You are Fit? Meet this 76 year old Kalari Instructor from Calicut

Think You are Fit? Meet this 76 year old Kalari Instructor from Calicut

  • 20 Sep 2016
  • Amena P H
  • Features

Just after sunrise, when the light of the day slowly nudge people out of their beds, Kadathanadu Kalari Sangham and Meenakshi Gurukkal were already beaming with life. In a stifling room, mixed miasma of oil, herbs and sweat, she was swiftly moving, watching and guiding over 70 students, aged between 7 to 40. This 76 year old woman is the owner and main trainer of a Kalari that trains generations of disciplined fighters who speak with utmost civility and touch her feet twice a day for blessings. For many onlookers, including yours truly, the idea of a woman her age fighting men in their primes was a surprise. Looking straight at her opponents, she would make each move with great speed and mastery.Kalari has been in Meenakshi Gurukkal's life for 67 years. 

The Ebullient ‘Lady-Next Door’

Gurukkal’s journey in Kalari began at the age of seven when her father took her and her sister to a centre close to their home, ignoring social bias against girls joining a “boys” sport. She fell under the guidance of Raghavan master, a former school teacher, whom she eventually married at the age of 17 when she followed in his footsteps to instruct the art. Since then, there has been no looking back. What was an unusual hobby for her became her vitality. As well as training her students, she was also a responsible homemaker, a loving mother and grandmother. Her day usually starts at 5 in the morning with a black coffee, which she claims is the secret of her energy! Gurukkal goes without breakfast till about 9 or 10, training at the Kalari. Once she gets home, she runs her chores around the house, gets some rest and heads back to the school in the afternoon, staying back until late.

Gurukkal doesn’t remember a time that she was unwell. “It is a daily schedule. My body and mind are quite used to it,” she claims. The Kalari also offers Ayurvedic treatments like Uzhichil and Kizhi, which helps strengthen muscles and improve health. “Ayurveda is about lifestyle and building immunity, unlike Western medicine which gives immediate cure. People don’t opt for this alternative type of medicine because it comes with rules like a good diet and limitations in physical activity.” She giggled when asked about how she manages to stay this fit. “I used to be thinner. Then after a visit to see my son in the Middle East, I gained some weight!”

 

The Art or Artillery

Gurukkal’s charm is her uncanny resemblance to the legendary Unniyarcha, from the ballads of North Malabar – oral folklore called Vadakkan Pattukal (northern songs). Unniyarcha was a legendary warrior princess who singlehandedly warded off vagabonds to protect women in her village. “Kalari is an art and a weapon. I learned Kalari at a time where women weren’t let out of their houses after 14. But I think today’s girls need it more,” Gurukkal claims. Her classes are a mix of both men and women, including beginners who seek to condition their physique through martial arts before they embark on their dancing training. “There are no distinctions or ill intentions here. All of them are brothers and sisters. Above all, we respect the power of what we learn here.”

Incidentally, Gurukkal was also a dancer many moons ago; something that she gave up for Kalari since it was physically impossible for her to commit to both art forms. Her dedication and prowess prove that age is just a number. Way to go Meenakshi Gurukkal, may you continue to inspire.


This story has been adapted from the original article from FWD Life August 2016 issue: THE INVISIBLE GRIT 

Words:  Likhitha P Nair  

Photos: Nithin John

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