British Influencer Captivated by Kerala's Mesmerizing Martial Art Spectacle

In a recent social media post, a British travel influencer has gone viral for sharing her exhilarating experience with Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art form originating in the Indian state of Kerala. Deanna Leigh, the influencer, took to her Instagram handle to post a video that captures athletes performing intense exercises featuring weapons, fire, and an adrenaline-pumping atmosphere.

Leigh expressed her surprise and excitement, stating that the men performing the daredevil acts were incredibly talented, and she could barely watch some of the performances due to the level of danger involved. The video showcased the traditional martial arts, which Leigh described as "intense," as well as the grand finale where the performers whipped out the fire, leaving the audience in awe.

Kalaripayattu, also known as Kalari, is regarded as the oldest surviving martial art form in India. The training involves progressive combat techniques, starting with meypattu (oil massage) and exercises to condition the body, followed by stick fighting, weapon combat, and ultimately, unarmed combat. It typically takes up to five years to master Kalaripayattu, which serves not only as a combat art but also as a means to instill discipline, build strength, and develop self-defense skills.