Discover the Ancient Art of Karlakattai: A Wholistic Body Conditioning Practice
Have you ever heard of Karlakattai? It's a fascinating training tool used for body conditioning that originated from the Tamil people of India. This wooden club has specific dimensions, shape, and wood type, setting it apart from more common Indian Clubs. But what makes it unique is its versatility, as it's used by both men and women from various trades and professions to stay fit, strong, and healthy.
The name Karlakattai has an interesting backstory. It is believed to have been inspired by Karalan, the head of Shiva's Ganas, who was known for uprooting large trees and using their bases as weapons and exercise tools. "Kattai" in Tamil means wood or log, so the tool Karalan used became known as Karlakattai. Over time, it evolved into a weapon called Gadhayutham or Gada.
Karlakattai Training goes way back to the times of ancient gods and warriors, with evidence found in some of the oldest temples in India. Initially, Karlakattai was taught to kings and warriors by Gurus and Siddars, but over time, it became popular among ordinary people, including women, seeking to stay fit and functional in their daily lives.
The training involves a holistic approach to improve the entire body's fitness, health, and functionality. It includes three main components:
Mei Paadam: Understanding the body's capabilities and building on them through a series of free hand exercises and warm-ups. Mei Paadam consists of over 1500 movements, making it a complete body workout on its own.
Udal Kattu Paadam: This stage focuses on building strength and endurance with free-hand exercises that use the body's weight.
Karlakattai Exercises: These rotations are performed with the Karlakattai and are a vital part of the training.
A key aspect of Karlakattai Training is Kshaktiriya Pranayama, a breathing technique that accompanies all exercises. This technique helps gather energy through breathing, enhancing the training's effectiveness.
The benefits of Karlakattai Training are numerous. It increases joint mobility, strengthens the posterior chain, and improves neural coordination. What's fascinating is that it works on all 12 of the body's systems, from the skin and skeletal system to blood circulation, respiratory function, and even digestion and excretion. The Karlakattais are made from special medicinal wood treated with herbal oils, which get absorbed into the skin, providing the practitioner with various health benefits.
There are six different types of Karlakattai, each with 64 main rotations that work the entire body. These rotations act like chapters, with various subdivisions and variations that target different parts of the body, even boosting the immune system. Moreover, Karlakattai's meditative movements help keep the mind sharp, clear, and calm.
However, it's essential to use authentic traditional Karlakattai's to experience its true benefits. So, if you're curious to explore this ancient practice, seek genuine Karlakattai's and embark on a journey to a healthier and more vibrant you.
