Northern StyleThis system generally gives much importance for physical flexibility exercises. These exercises are done individually and as combinations. After that meypayattu (equivalent of Karate kata) is taught.These are combination of flexibility exercises with attacking/defence techniques but the actual techniques are taught very much later. Traditionally the number of meypayattu may differ as per the teaching methods of the Guru. After the student learns meypayattu, stick fighting is taught. Generally a majority of the Kalaris (schools that teach Kalaripayattu) start training with weapons within 3 to 6 months. But some Kalaris allow taking each weapon once in a year only. After long stick and small stick fighting iron weapons are introduced. Training is begun with the dagger, sword and then the spear. Not all modern schools use specialized weapons. Traditionally, bows and arrows were commonly used in Kerala and students were trained in these techniques, but it is uncommon now.
