Kettukari

From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source

Pirambu, Neduvati, Kettukari or Shareeravadi are the terms used to denote the Kalarippayattu Long Pole. This usually is as long as the distance from the ground to the ear of the practitioner while standing. Needless to say that the length of the staff varies according to the height of the user. Most kalari practitioners use rattan sticks about .05 inches to 1 inch thick and of the prescribed length. Training begins with the practice of many of the turning, twisting and swirling movements done as Chuvadu or solo forms. Long practice of these gives the trainee the necessary skill to hit from any and every angle and more importantly turn and block attacks from any direction or angle, even from positions of disadvantage. In many of the Thekkan schools a special equipment or training device called “Rattu” is used to prepare the trainees for the rigors of the long staff training. The next step is the prearranged sparring with partners. This is very dangerous since no protective equipments are used. Constant, dedicated practice of long staff develops the fighting skill along with terrific strength in the wrist and forearm regions.