In Kerala the basic martial art is called Kalaripayettu. The influence and elements of this martial tradition are found in many dances and theater forms of Kerala. In some forms of dance and theater the elements of Kalaripayettu is obvious, in others though not so evident, it is not also totally transformed. Kerala had a very long and rich martial tradition. The heroic warrior displayed prowess, heroism, courage and other traits display the ethos that shaped Kalaripayettu and it became a dominant aspect of medieval Kerala culture. The main aspects of this martial art are: (a) A distinctive kind of oil massage of the whole body to make it supple and extremely pliable. (b) Typical exercises to make the body stronger and pliable. (c) Practicing some yoga – like postures named after animals like horse, cat, elephants etc (d) Wielding of weapons like sword, shield, spear, etc, together with the techniques of attack and defense with appropriate stepping, jump, turn etc.
These aspects, either all of them or partly, are found in several forms of dance and theatre including Kathakali, the classical theatre form of Kerala. Some of the main dances that evolved out of Kalaripayettu are : Kolkali, Parichhamuttumkali, Velakali, Oachirakali and Yatrakali.