Online classes
- Open to students worldwide
- Live in Zoom virtual classrooms
- 10 lesson plans designed for online delivery
Martial Arts Courses
Kalari Adimurai and Silambam classes offered by the World Federation of Kalari, our martial arts partner headquartered in the USA. Train online from anywhere in the world, or in person.
About the World Federation of Kalari
The World Federation of Kalari (WFK) is a union of Kalari Adimurai and Kalari Payattu. It acts as a governing body for this ancient art, promoting it for physical and mental strength.
Its headquarters are in Cary, North Carolina, USA, with an India office in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Peraasan Murugesan
WFK's featured Grand Master, who helped structure an international standard syllabus for the art.
- 45+
- years of practice
- 5000+
- students trained
- 500+
- Aasans (masters) developed
Two ways to train
Both class formats are taught by WFK's Aasans (teachers).
In-person classes
- Held in Tamil Nadu, India
- Face-to-face training with an Aasan
- Contact us for location and timings
In both formats
- 2 × 1 hour
- classes a week
- 8+
- classes a month
- 12–15
- students per class
- 7+
- minimum age for children; adults welcome
Classes mix children and adults, and parents and children are encouraged to take part together.
What students learn
With roots in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Kalari is a holistic art that brings together body, mind and spirit.
Tamil Nadu
Kalari Adimurai
The southern tradition, also called Thekkan Kalari, known for combat techniques such as strikes, grappling and locks.
Kerala
Kalari Payattu
The northern tradition, also called Vadakan Kalari, known for dynamic movement and weaponry skills.
Disciplines Kalari brings together
- Adimurai
- Mei Payattu
- Silambam
- Kuthu Varisai
- Nada Saari
- Siramam
- Mallu
- Kusti
- Eithal
- Erithal
- Ayutha Perukkam
The six principles of Kalari Adimurai
- Respect
- Self-discipline
- Focus
- Confidence
- Safety
- Leadership
What WFK offers beyond the class
A full structure, from a first class through to competition, teaching and research.
WFK membership
Registering as a member is required to attend classes and to compete in WFK-approved competitions.
Ranks and the Aasan pathway
Students advance through a ranking system. Becoming an Aasan (master instructor) takes about 3 to 5 years of committed training.
Competitions
World and national championships in disciplines including Chuvadu, Silambam and Velkambu, with age groups from 8 to 50+.
Workshops and events
Events such as the 2024 Chuvadu Workshop, and Aytham 2024, presented jointly with the Indian Kalari Foundation.
Academy partnerships
Academy and club owners can partner with WFK to teach Kalari to their own students.
Research journal: IJAMA
The International Journal of Ancient Martial Arts promotes research in martial arts, sports sciences, humanities and culture.
Recent championships
January 2025
WFK & Open World Championship
Dubai, UAE
2024
WFK National Championship
USA
February 2023
2nd World Championship
Held virtually, from each participant's own location
The heritage of Kalari
Sangam period
WFK traces Kalari to this era, citing Silappathikaram, Manimekalai, Purananuru and Agananuru, which refer to it in connection with the battlefield.
Around 1000 AD
Gurukul training became more structured. Swords, staffs and daggers joined the training, alongside Yoga and Ayurveda.
Colonial era
Royal patronage declined and indigenous practices were suppressed. Some practitioners adapted or continued in secret.
Today
WFK brings Kalari Adimurai and Kalari Payattu together under one union and is taking the art to the world.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure where to start?
Tell us about your child and our team will help you find the right class and level.
Details of WFK's classes and services are summarised from its website. Visit the WFK website