Dubai Kalari Club

ABOUT KALARI CLUB

Kalari Club Dubai, is a martial art club based in Dubai, which promotes the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu. Approved by the UAE Karate Federation and Ministry of Youth & Sports, the institute has been training students from various nationalities with no age or gender limitations since 2020.

Fitness and self defence is tested by time for imbibing the traits of respect, brotherhood, cooperation and compassion among those who practice this form. Understanding that these are the perfect qualities that humanity strives for in this modern era, we are honoured to be the flag bearers of this valued ancient knowledge and are determined to transcend the prowess into our future generations.

Our commitment transcends the present; we strive to pass on Kalaripayattu's prowess to future generations. Honored with the first ever Guinness World Record under Dubai Police patronage during UAE National Day, we've also received accolades from Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi on the 96th episode of Man Ki Baat.

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Years of kalari heritage

Our Founder

Dr. RAHIS GURUKKAL

Meet Dr. Rahis Gurukkal, a trailblazer in the world of Kalaripayattu. Originating from Ponnani, Kerala, India, he brings over two decades of expertise to the ancient Indian martial art. In 2019, he ventured to Dubai, establishing the groundbreaking "Kalari Club Dubai," the UAE's first Kalaripayattu exclusive training center. This institution earned official recognition from the Ministry of Youth & Sports and the UAE Karate Federation. Dr. Rahis Gurukkal's efforts transcend the training center. His passion for Kalaripayattu led to extensive promotion across the UAE, breaking cultural barriers with diverse training sessions for people of all ages and nationalities. Notable appearances at the Dubai Fitness Challenge, Global Village, Ajman Festival Land, Consulate General of India in Dubai, and Expo 2020 Dubai showcased Kalaripayattu on a global stage. Making history at Expo 2020 Dubai, Dr. Rahis Gurukkal presented the first-ever Kalaripayattu demonstration at the official Jubilee stage Uk Pavilion and the Indian pavilion. His impactful workshops fostered international cultural exchanges and showcased the art's global allure. Recognized by the Dubai Police, Dr. Rahis Gurukkal collaborated on key events, emphasizing Kalaripayattu's impact on the UAE's cultural scene. Holding expertise in Kalaripayattu, Yoga, and Ayurvedic Kalari Marma treatment, he is a dedicated researcher and disciple of Acharya Shree K.G Padmanabhan Gurukkal. Adding academic accomplishments to his profile, Dr. Rahis Gurukkal holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's degree in Psychology. As a district champion recognized by the Indian Kalaripayattu Federation, he upholds authenticity and traditions.

Vision

To preserve, promote and make the ancient Indian martial art of Kalarippayattu accessible to everyone, thereby developing a global disciple community.

Mission

To introduce and empower people across ages, nationalities and cultures achieve mental and physical wellbeing through Kalarippayattu.

KALARIPAYATTU

Kalaripayattu, a venerable Indian martial art with roots stretching back over 3000 years, stands as the oldest martial art still practiced today. Originating in Kerala,India. It is regarded as the precursor to many martial arts, with techniques influencing diverse combat styles. Legend holds that Bodhi Dharma, founder of Shaolin Kung-Fu, was a Kalaripayattu master from South India. The term Kalari denotes the practice area, while Payattu signifies the art of combat. Kalarippayattu, the combat art of hardcore training, seeks to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit. Emphasizing internal well-being, it builds strength physically and mentally. Beyond combat, Kalarippayattu embodies a holistic lifestyle, integrating physical fitness, mental stability, spiritual awareness, healing, and meditation. Warriors of Kalari do not inflict harm unnecessarily; rather, they are skilled in treating and curing injuries. Dr. Rahis Gurukkal's initiative, Kalari Club Dubai, strives to globalize this profound martial art, offering a gateway to its ancient wisdom under expert guidance in Dubai, UAE.

PONNYATHANGAM

PONNYATHANGAM is the most prestigious Kalaripayattu martial art festival organised by the Kerala Folklore Academy-Government of Kerala. Participating in Ponnyathankam is the biggest aspiration for any Kalaripayattu practitioner. Being a part of a 500+ year old legacy,an arena that once heard the battle cries of legendary ancient warriors of the Kalari,the same soil that once walked the heroes only known to us through the tales of the greatest ballads of the region-the Vadakkan Ballads Among the thousands of local Kalaripayattu institutions across India,only few Kalaris get shortlisted to participate in the event. Travelling to India to representing the UAE in the field of Kalaripayattu for the first time internationally was a matter of extreme pride and gratitude.

Dubai Fitness Challenge

The Dubai Fitness 30×30 is an initiative by the Government of Dubai spearheaded His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Crown Prince of the Dubai to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle among the residents and Citizens.They organised several workshops and activities across their m official venue.

Kalari Club Dubai introduced the ancient Indian Martial art of Kalaripayattu into the event as an official partner with workshops throughout the 30×30 season at the Fitness Village in Kite Beach.

The workshops were filled with action packed self deffence and weaponary sessions which became a heartthrob among the hundreds of attendees from diverse nationalities as this was some of their experiences with this martial art form from the subcontinent

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