THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sajitha Menon and Rosa Varghese are in their forties; an age where many of us confine ourselves to work and home. But not them, for they are on a unique mission, the one they say is very relevant in present times.
To prove their point they have mastered the art of Kalaripayattu at this age and now aim to teach as many women and children to defend and empower themselves.
Taking advantage of the vacation, Sajitha and Rosa now hold kalari classes, under the tutelage of their master Sivan Gurukkal, at Rotary Bala Bhavan, Panampilly Nagar, and St Teresa’s College, for women and children and they say the response is overwhelming.
Both began to take kalari lessons in their late 30s and fell in love with the age-old art form while searching for a martial arts class for their children.
“I was on a hunt for a martial art class for my son when I learnt about kalari. Meeting Sivan Gurukkal was a turning point. I have been learning kalari for the last three years and I think this is one art form that can bring about a huge change in us,” says Sajitha Menon who quit her job as a software engineer and turned to skill development training.
Meanwhile, Rosa says she always had an inclination to martial arts. “I wanted my son to take defence classes but karate was not something I was looking for. That’s when I heard about kalari classes. I think this is the best martial arts form because it is ancient and mastered to perfection,” says Rosa.
And, years of disciplined learning have brought in a change in them, both agree. “Actually, kalari can be a good exercise and fitness option as well. But, what makes it the best is the emotional fitness it gives. Not only it brings about agility and flexibility, but also improves your focus and inner strength,” says Rosa.
Their mission to bring awareness about kalari is bearing fruit, though in a slower pace. “We wanted to do our bit about kalari. It is disappointing to learn that the younger generation knows everything from karate to taekwondo but has no idea about our own kalari. This is one art form which can be a perfect tool to women empowerment. That’s why we go to schools and colleges distributing leaflets about kalari classes. And, institutions like St Teresa’s have acknowledged our mission,” says Rosa.
The duo take as many as 20 sessions of basic kalari and those who want to master it can follow it with them. According to them, one has to have a passion for this to learn it more.
“Kalari is not your basic fitness art that keeps changing every week. It needs perseverance and certain commitment. But, even the 20 sessions instil confidence in you. In fact, it makes you physically and mentally strong to immediately react and snap back in case of any physical or sexual assault, which is a everyday norm for women these days,” says Sajitha.
Lakshmi Narayanankutty, a kalari student who started learning the martial art under Rosa and Sajitha, says the confidence and physical well being she gained from just a few classes is overwhelming.
“It is so refreshing. Not only it makes you physically stronger and fit, it gives you certain confidence. It isn’t all about attacking men or fighting people, it is about ensuring one’s safety and well-being. I aim to master the techniques,” says Lakshmi who lives in Angamaly.
For attending classes, contact Sajitha Menon and Rosa Varghese at 9744076325 and 9495966184.