An Introduction to Kalari Yoga with Gerhard Schmid

Kalari Yoga is a mystical tantric form of Yoga which cannot be separated from Kalarippayat, the martial art form. According to legend its purpose was to combine the advantages of Hatha Yoga with those of Kalarippayat to enhance the physical and spiritual growth of the Kalari-warriors of medieval Kerala. 

November 15: 
1st Session: 12:30 - 2:30 PM
2nd Session: 3:00 - 5:00 PM

November 16:
1st Session: 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM
3rd Session: 2:00 - 5:00 PM

$35 per session or $99 for all 3

First Session: Lohar, Surya Namaskara, Kalugal and Vadivu 

The Kalari practitioner is commonly referred to as abhyasi, the repeating one. In this first session, the abhyasis will be introduced to some key elements or the practice: Lohar warm-up exercises, Kalari Surya Namaskara, Vadivu, animal postures. These first practices create grounding, steadfastness, focus, alignment, flow and an expansion of sensory awareness. They are repeated many times to begin the conditioning required to progress to the next phase of practice. 

No prior Kalari experience necessary.

 

Second Session: Puthara + Kalari Vandanam 

Every Kalari class will start the main practice with one form: Puthara and Kalari Vandanam. We first salute the Puthara-the seat of the teacher, and flow immediately into the Vandanam-salutation form. The Vandanam is 

an ageless and beautiful flowing sequence that includes many of the animal postures, as well as a set of absolutely unique movements. 

The first session, or prior kalari experience is a pre-requisite to attend this session. 

Third Session: Shiva Form: Kaikuttippayat – Shiva Pilaitangi I 

Join us for this three hour practice where you will learn the art and foundations of the Kalari practice. Shiva and Shakti forms have different 

families and are the heart of the Kalari Yoga practice. We will start with the first Shiva form – Kaikuttippayat. This is a body form with intense flowing movements. Here powerful energy is created by focusing on stamina, grounding, alignment, will power and the pure and emotionless aspect of energy culminating in the transformative fury of the Shiva Tandava. 

Gerhard Schmid: Since 1999 Gerhard has embarked on a powerful journey, training up to six months every year with his teacher C. M. Sherif Gurukkal in Kerala, India. He has completed nine years of the traditional 12-year-“gurukkula”- education and is one of the very few Westerners who have been trained in all three different styles of Kalarippayat. Being a certified senior instructor of the Kerala Kalarippayat Academy in Kannur, Kerala and teaching at his own studio in Hamburg, Germany as well in various places around the world.