About us
Ayodhana Kalarippayattu Gurukul is a holistic place to experience and explore the most ancient and surviving martial art, Kalarippayattu. It’s the best place to nurture our next generation with the ancient and modern world’s values and valour. Our vision and mission is to develop a healthy and fit nation by training through our integrated approach aiming at physical, emotional & mental fitness.
Ayodhana
Ayodhana Kalarippayattu Gurukul is established in 2016 by Manoj Kumar Gurukkal.
Ayodhana Kalarippayattu Gurukul is a holistic place to experience and explore the most ancient and surviving martial art, Kalarippayattu. It’s the best place to nurture our next generation with the ancient and modern world’s values and valour. Our vision and mission is to develop a healthy and fit nation by training through our integrated approach aiming at physical, emotional & mental fitness.
The Founder
Manoj Kumar Kalarippayattu abhyasi and Gurukkal from Kerala ,India. He has established and is founder of Ayodhana Kalarippayattu Gurukul, Bangaluru. Along with Kalarippayattu he is also trained in different martial arts forms,
e.g. Wushu(National medalist), Karate (Second dan black belt), Kubudo, Boxing, Kungfu(Black belt) Taekwondo, MMA, etc.
He has participated in district, state and national championships in different forms and brought laurels by winning medals.
Kalarippayattu
Kalarippayattu (the word “Kalari” meaning “battlefield”), is an Indian matrial art which is originated in south Indian state of Kerala and it is often considered as the oldest surviving martial art in the world with weapons and combative techniques that are unique to Kerala.
Like most Indian martial arts, Kalaripayattu contains rituals and philosophies inspired by Hinduism.The art also bases medical treatments upon concepts found in the ancient Indian medical text, the Ayurveda. Practitioners of Kalaripayattu possess intricate
Frequently Asked Questions
5 years and above
Yes, of course.
Testimonials
As everyone runs around in this hustle bustle life to find what could keep them fit and happy my fitness journey with this Traditional martial art form began 6 yrs ago . The crouch and leaps in Kalaripayattu inspired me and I realized that they are not mere movements but it is like a poetry in motion that has helped me in improving the agility , posture and muscle tone which is a vital factor for my dance too. As a Special Parent and as Special Educator in my career it has helped me work with a calm demeanor with my children and help them improve in neuro muscular coordination and cognitive development. It inculcates self discipline and strong will power to push and challenge yourself every single day which in turn helps to lead a balanced life . Proud to be a student of Ayodhana Kalari Gurukul which is building a healthy community and a healthy nation.
From when I was in school, I have always wanted to learn the ancient art form called Kalaripayattu. Growing in Chennai, I never found an opportunity to. As destiny would have it, I ended up in the same apartment as Shri Manoj Kumar Gurukkal who started teaching Kalaripayattu – irrespective of age! And I was probably one of the “oldest” to start learning. Manu Sir always tells me to watch if I am better than what I was yesterday and that’s exactly what I tried to emulate. It has been over 5 years now and I am proud to be a student of Ayodhana Kalari. From modest beginnings to conduct these classes in tiled flooring, Manu Sir built the Kalari with great efforts and it is great to see students from across the country and the globe learning from him online and offline. Blessed to receive personal attention from him which has led me to a bit more healthy than before. And the two hours, three days a week that I spend in the Kalari is a great form of meditation. It is a must learn art form which was almost lost and Manu Sir is doing yeoman service in keeping Kalaripayattu alive.
I came to Manu sir and Ayodhana Kalari to learn self defense, because I used to travel alone and i didn't want to be afraid, but what I have got back in return from this academy is priceless and I'm not sure if i can express it all in a few lines. This beautiful martial art has helped me turn within to understand my own weakness and strength, it's helped me gain clarity. I not only travel alone without fear but Kalari has become a way of life for me and my family. All three of us learn this art form, and it has cultivated a sense of discipline, love and curiosity to practise and make this a part of our everyday life. The dedication, commitment and relentless attitude that Manu sir shows in nurturing the students and the art form is nothing short of a miracle
I have been a student of Manu sir and Ayodhana Kalari for over 4 years now. In him, I have found an exceptional teacher of Kalaripayattu, the ancient Indian martial arts, who has helped me improve my fitness and skills. Manu sir has a genuine passion for martial arts and an unwavering commitment to his student's progress. His dedication and motivation to push us to improve and not quit is a testament to his teaching abilities. It takes a special kind of instructor to recognize the potential in their students and have the patience to help them reach their goals. Manu sir taught us that Kalaripayattu is not just about physical fitness and self-defense; it's about learning discipline, focus, and perseverance. Manu sir strives to instill these values in his students. Learning an ancient martial art is an incredible opportunity, and having a teacher who is passionate and knowledgeable about the art only adds to the experience. Over the years, Manu sir has built Team Ayodhana, consisting of skilled teachers like Praveen sir and Manju mam. Their dedication and professional skill continues to help students and drive Ayodhana Kalari to new heights.
I wholeheartedly recommend Ayodhana Kalaripayattu Gurukul for anyone interested in traditional martial arts and ancient combat techniques. The gurukul is a true gem, in preserving the rich heritage and traditions of Kalari Payattu in a traditional and accessible way. Our Gurus- Manu aashan, Praveen aashan, Manju ma'am, Anuraj aashan are highly skilled and knowledgeable, with years of experience in this art form.
The training at the school is comprehensive and rigorous, covering various aspects of Kalaripayattu including flexibility, strength, coordination and weapon techniques. Our Gurus pay close attention to each student, providing personalized guidance and ensuring that proper form and techniques are learned and practiced. They create a supportive and encouraging environment that fosters growth and development. The classes are structured in a way that accommodates students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
One of the remarkable aspects of this gurukul is its emphasis on discipline and respect. Students are not only taught physical techniques but also the values of humility, integrity, and self-control. The school is deeply rooted in the principles of Kalaripayattu, instilling a sense of appreciation for the art's history and cultural significance.
Overall, Ayodhana Kalaripayattu gurukul is a place where one can truly immerse themselves in the beauty and essence of this ancient martial art. It is an enriching and transformative experience that not only enhances physical fitness but also nurtures the mind and spirit.
I wanted to take a moment to express my utmost gratitude and appreciation for the incredible experience I've had at Ayodhana Kalari Gurukul.
First and foremost, the expertise and professionalism demonstrated by our beloved Manoj sir, Praveen Sir and Manju Mam are outstanding. Their deep knowledge and passion for martial arts shine through in every class, creating a highly engaging and enriching learning environment. They possess a remarkable ability to tailor their instruction to different skill levels, ensuring that beginners like me and advanced students alike can benefit from their expertise.
Moreover, I have been consistently impressed by the warm and inclusive atmosphere fostered within the school. The mutual trust and friendship among fellow students and the sense of community is truly remarkable. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by all the instructors and my fellow martial artists, which has significantly enhanced my overall experience. This positive and supportive environment motivates me to push my limits and strive for excellence in every class.
I must also commend Ayodhana on the excellent facilities and resources provided. The training equipment is of the highest quality, allowing students to practice techniques with confidence and safety. The cleanliness and organization of the training area reflect the school's commitment to maintaining a professional and comfortable space for all students. I think only Ayodhana has such Traditional Kalari space in Bengaluru which gives the feeling of learning Kalari from the birthplace of Kalari, Kerala itself.
Furthermore, I deeply appreciate the emphasis Manoj sir places on personal growth and character development. Through Kalarippayattu, you will not only get physical fitness and learn self-defence skills but also gain valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and self-confidence. I wholeheartedly recommend Ayodhana Kalari Gurukul to anyone looking to embark on a martial arts journey or further their existing practice.
Ayodhana has become like a Family to me now. I hope with God’s blessing my journey with Ayodhana will continue for my life witnessing the growth of both the school and its students.
Thank you, Manoj sir, the backbone of Ayodhana Kalari, for setting up this Kalarippayattu Gurukul and your tireless efforts to spread the knowledge of World’s most ancient martial Arts, the Mother of all Martial Arts – Kalarippayattu. I deeply respect your unwavering dedication, expertise and determination and wish Ayodhana more success and growth in the coming years.
' When the student is ready, the Teacher will appear', this saying is exemplified in my case with meeting Manu , my Kalari guru. As I reflect on my two year journey with Ayodhana the things that stand out are the commitment that Manu brings to this art form, the nurturing each student receives based on their strengths and challenges, the holistic development one can experience beyond achieving the goals of physical fitness and learning kalari payattu. Personally it has enhanced many aspects of my personality such as discipline , dedication, commitment to goals, team work and much more. I feel humbled to have the privilege of learning this sacred art form and glad to be associated with Ayodhana. Manu is one of the best guru's you can learn from.
I feel very grateful and proud for the moment when I decided to join the Ayodhana Kalaripayyattu Gurukul one year back.
At Ayodhana we are learning this ancient martial art technique kalaripayyattu in its most authentic form and with traditional way.
We are getting trained not only in martial art but we are also learning various life skills. I am thankful to all the respected Gurus and teachers here who are pushing us to become the better version of ourselves and helping us to master this art form.
I am looking forward to master this technique and carry forward the legacy to the next generation.
It’s been 2-3years I have been practicing and learning kalari the ancient art form of India.
The ambience and the energy that i feel and experience in class is greater…it’s just full of positive vibes
The pure love and passion that guru has got with regards this art just makes us more and more curious to learn…
Personally I feel really really blessed to train under manu sir i look Upto to him and hope I reach all his expectations that he kept on me…
And apart from kalari the knowledge and the life values/lessons that manu sir has taught me will always be with me for the rest of life
Thank you for accepting me as your student I will never let you down
Namaste !!!
If you have come this far in your research(till the reviews)for considering joining Ayodhana kalari Academy it means you are already half way through to joining the academy.
I have been practicing here for almost a year now. Let me give you some insights about the class and my journey so far, i think this will enable you and help you visualise better about why you should really join this academy.
I will give few pointers and try to be as consice as possible.
Firstly about the person behind this Academy
1) Manu sir - he is the heart and soul of this place. He totally lives up to the expectations of a true Martial Artist.
Extremely positive and helpful and a very calm and level headed personality.
He has his eyes on each and every student in his academy, whether he is present or not he knows about your progress and what you are learning. He has immense gratitude towards every student in the academy. Be it a small kid or an elderly person, he knows how to match up to their frequency and wavelength and navigate them and guide them in the way they understand better. he is not at all commercial minded person. His vision and aim is to train and impart his knowledge to every serious student in the kalari.
He asks for only your commitment to come regularly and leave the rest to him and his team.
I can go on and on about him , but I want to leave the rest for you guys to experience and feel what I feel.
The other instructors who have and who are teaching me are Pravin sir, Dilip Sir and Muthu sir. I can't thank them enough for the patience and dedication they have shown to me and towards each and every other practitioner. It's not an easy job to teach different people with different limitations, but they do it effortlessly.
The academy is a very traditional looking one. Very very rare to find this kind of traditional looking and traditional way of teaching academy in Bangalore. I did plenty of research in searching for this kind of place.. and finally I am glad and proud and happy to be a part of this family now.
I see small improvements and progress in myself after every class. And i have realised and learnt that being regular to class and being consistent is the key learn and grow.
Here we get to learn the most authentic and traditional art form.
One thing is for sure , just walk in to the academy once and you will not leave without enrolling yourself even if you have just 50% inclination towards learning martial arts, that's something I am sure of as a practitioner myself.
Attending the class in the morning is something I wait for and look forward to everyday, which is a very big thing to have that feeling every single day. Thats how good the training here is.
Thank you.
I have been practicing Kalari at Ayodhana for the last 16 months. When I started, my daily routines were all over the place with strange sleeping patterns and eating habits. Kalari wasn't something I had planned to do when I first came to Bangalore; I had other interests. I joined almost by accident, just wanting to explore this art form. But soon, it became a major part of my life, taking precedence over many other things. I've learned various skills from different teachers, but what makes Ayodhana special is the dedicated and passionate instructors who give each of us personal attention. They focus on teaching in a way that suits our bodies, ensuring we don't get hurt. Everyone who comes here has a positive mindset and energy, creating a welcoming environment where age is no barrier to connecting with others. The morning Kalari classes now set the tone for my entire day, boosting my mental agility and concentration. Without even trying too hard, I've naturally adopted a healthier lifestyle, paying more attention to what I eat because my body craves it. I think everyone, especially kids, should learn Kalari as it helps you become a better person. At Ayodhana, we are lucky to have experienced and knowledgeable teachers who simplify complex sequences for us. They patiently teach us according to our body types. One thing I love about training here is breaking down long sequences into small parts, practicing them repeatedly, and then putting them all together—it's fascinating. I used to practice dance steps a few times until I got them right, but here I learned the value of practicing until it becomes second nature. Learning Kalari with the right guidance and practice is possible for anyone. Listening to our bodies is key here, where emphasis is placed on strengthening muscles and preparing our bodies before learning new techniques. The teachers are incredible at observing and correcting even the smallest mistakes. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from them and for all their time and effort. I plan to continue learning Kalari as long as I can at Ayodhana. I highly recommend everyone to give Kalari at Ayodhana a try, especially if you have a passion for learning.
Exceptional Kalaripayattu Training Experience at Ayodhana
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My daughter has been a student at Ayodhana for seven years now, and I can confidently say that this place has exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I stepped into the academy, I knew I had found a gem for learning Kalaripayattu.
The facilities at Ayodhana are top-notch, providing a pure and spacious environment for training. The training area is well-equipped, and the ambiance is always motivating and energizing.
The instructors here are truly exceptional. Their depth of knowledge and passion for Kalaripayattu shine through in every class. They are not only skilled martial artists but also patient teachers who are dedicated to helping each student improve their techniques and understanding of this ancient art form.
The training programs offered at Ayodhana are comprehensive and well-structured. Classes are challenging yet accessible, catering to students of all skill levels. I have seen phenomenal progress in my daughter’s skills and fitness levels since joining the academy, thanks to the well-rounded training curriculum.
What sets Ayodhana apart is the strong sense of community and camaraderie among students and instructors. The supportive environment fosters growth and encourages everyone to push their limits while respecting the roots of Kalaripayattu.
Overall, my daughter’s experience at Ayodhana has been truly transformative. She is ever grateful for the opportunity to learn from such knowledgeable instructors and train alongside motivated peers. I highly recommend Ayodhana to anyone looking to embark on a journey of self-discovery through the practice of Kalaripayattu.
Thank you to the entire team at Ayodhana under the stewardship of Manoj Gurukkal for their dedication and commitment to preserving and promoting this ancient martial art. I look forward to continuing my daughter’s training and further exploring the depths of Kalaripayattu at this outstanding academy.
She has blossomed into a confident, disciplined, strong,
dedicated, coolly aggressive self restrained teenager from a hesitant , self absorbed & not so very confident child ….
It’s reflecting in her Bharathnatyam recitals & academics too !!!!!!
Mr. Manoj Gurukkal symbolises patience and humility, the virtue with which he and his team has scaled up Ayodhana………. over the years. The memories of joining our daughter to learn the most ancient form martial art - Kalaripayattu feels afresh but it’s been almost 7 years. Ayodhana also advocates character-building lessons that go beyond the training floor and make it incredibly fun for kids. They believe focusing on attaining perfection in fundamentals which becomes a muscle memory for further up-skilling… we heart-fully cherish our wards and our association with Ayodhana in making their pupil responsible citizens in our society.
