Kalaripayattu: An Ancient Practice for the Modern Body. Discover India's ancient martial tradition through guided classes that develop Strength, Agility, Flexibility, Balance and Body awareness.

Age: 5+

When: Tuesdays & Fridays, 6.30 - 7.30 PM (Attendance required for 2 classes per week)

Venue: UPF Cal Center, 5369 Camden Ave, Ste 280, San Jose CA 95124

Complimentary trials offered on Sep 18th or 25th. Book Trial →

Program starts from Oct 2nd, 2026

Kalaripayattu is one of the world’s oldest living martial traditions, originating in Keralam, India. More than a system of self-defence, it is a holistic discipline that develops strength, mobility, balance, coordination, endurance, focus, and self-awareness.

Every movement in Kalaripayattu is designed to cultivate an intelligent, responsive body. The practice combines dynamic movement, flexibility, breath, rhythm, and mindful attention, making it equally valuable for martial artists, dancers, actors, athletes, yoga practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper relationship with their body.

Why Practice Kalaripayattu?

Regular practice helps develop:

* Functional strength and mobility

* Balance, agility, and coordination

* Better posture and body awareness

* Improved focus and concentration

* Faster neuromuscular response

* Confidence and discipline

* Resilience through mindful physical practice

Rather than isolating muscles, Kalaripayattu trains the body as an integrated whole.

Kalaripayattu and Yoga

Kalaripayattu and Yoga emerged from the same cultural and philosophical landscape of India. While Yoga and Kalaripayattu share a common philosophy of mind-body integration, Kalaripayattu expresses these principles through dynamic movement. Its practice develops agility, mobility, coordination, balance, and neuromuscular control, complementing the strength, flexibility, and inner awareness cultivated through Yoga.

Both practices cultivate:

* Breath awareness

* Flexibility and stability

* Mind-body integration

* Balance and concentration

* Physical and mental discipline

Many practitioners find the two systems naturally complement one another.

Learning Progression

Unlike many modern martial arts, traditional Kalaripayattu does not follow a coloured belt system.

Progress is based on consistent practice, individual readiness, and guidance from the Guru. Students advance through progressively challenging stages of training as their movement quality, discipline, and understanding develop.

A typical progression includes:

* Kaalukal (Foundational body conditioning)

* ⁠Meipayattu (body conditioning and movement sequences)

* Chuvadu (foundational footwork)

* Vadivu (animal postures)

* Vettum Chumadum (coordinated whole body movement sequence)

* Kolthari (wooden weapon training)

* Angathari (metal weapon training)

* Verumkai (empty-hand combat)

There is no race to the next level. Progress is measured by how the body moves, responds, and grows over time.

About the Instructor

Belraj Soni has dedicated more than 45 years to the study, practice, teaching, and promotion of Kalaripayattu.

He is the founder of Navaneetham Cultural Trust, an organisation committed to preserving and sharing India’s traditional performing and martial arts. Over the past three decades, he has trained thousands of students across India and internationally, working with martial artists, dancers, actors, educators, and wellness practitioners.

His teaching emphasizes precision, awareness, discipline, and the intelligent use of the body, making traditional Kalaripayattu accessible to contemporary practitioners without compromising its authenticity.

About the Assistant Instructor

Uma Menon has immersed her life in learning different classical art forms from India. She has been training with Guru Belraj Soni for the last 2 years on Kalari both online and in person. Previously, she has learned and performed Kathak, Odissi, Mohiniyattom and has been a teaching assistant to these art forms. Uma will be in person assisting the class at UPFCal helping students understand the Kalari syllables and helping them achieve the right form.

What Students Say

I came looking for martial arts training but discovered a completely new way of understanding my body

Every session challenged me physically while making me more aware, balanced, and focused.

Belraj Soni teaches with remarkable patience and depth. The practice stays with you long after class ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

•Do I need prior martial arts experience?

No. Beginners are welcome.

•Am I too old to begin?

People of different ages and fitness levels can practice. Training is adapted to individual capacity.

•Is it similar to Karate?

While both are martial arts, Kalaripayattu is a traditional Indian movement system with a broader emphasis on body conditioning, mobility, weapons training, healing knowledge, and holistic development. It does not use a coloured belt ranking system.

•Do I need to be very flexible?

No. Flexibility and strength develops gradually through regular practice.

Explore More at UPF Cal

Interested in discovering more opportunities for you or your family? Explore UPF Cal programs in Yoga, Meditation, Bhagavad Gita, Kalari Payattu, Kathak, Slokas & Mantra chanting, Hindustani Music, Mridangam, and more for children, youth, and adults.

Explore All Programs →

General Instructions:

Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothes, preferably white that allows free body movement. No shorts, sleeveless, capri’s & tights.Try to avoid zippers and big buttons in the shirts & pants. Braided hair. (Avoid big hairpins, clips & bracelets/ jewelry)

Food: Kalari is preferably done with light stomach. A small snack like milk or fruits is okay if needed. At least 1.5 hr interval is needed after a regular meal

Bring along: Sweat towel & Water bottle

Drop-off & Pick-up: Students are required to arrive 5 to 10 min earlier to the class and should be picked within 5 mins after the class is over.

2026-27 Holidays:

Sep 7 : Labor day 

Nov 23-29 :  Thanksgiving break

Dec 21-Jan 4 : Christmas/ New Year break 

Feb 13-19: Winter break

Apr 10-16 : Spring break

May 30 : Memorial Day

Policies:

Class cancellation: If UPF cancels the class a makeup class will be determined by the student’s instructor.

Makeup class: UPF may offer an online makeup class but it is not guaranteed due to limited class schedules.

Enrollment Cancellation Policy: At UPF, we understand that plans can change. We accept cancellation, but kindly ask that parents notify us via email at [email protected] at least 30 days in advance.

Vacation Pause Policy: Memberships may be paused for extended vacations with at least 30 days notice. A $15/month maintenance fee applies during the pause period. The remaining balance will be refunded to the card on file. To request a pause, contact via emai [email protected] or text 408-638-6743

Please note that our payments are processed through third party merchant services. Therefore, it is crucial to provide us with sufficient notice to ensure we can stop your recurring payment. If we do not receive your cancellation request 30 days prior, your card may still be charged for the next billing cycle.

Free Trial Available

New to the program? Experience a class before enrolling. We offer a complimentary trial class for new students so you can meet the instructor, experience the learning environment, and see if the program is the right fit for you or your child.

Book Trial →

Registration Form

I acknowledge and grant Universal Peace Foundation California and their representatives permission to use my child/children's image, voice, and recordings in various formats, including video and still images. I understand that this content may be copied, exhibited, published, or distributed without any expectation of compensation. I acknowledge that these recordings may be displayed online or in public, and this permission has no time limit. This release specifically applies to the recordings of the session listed on this document. I have read and understood this release and agree to its terms. I release Universal Peace Foundation California and its representatives from any claims related to the legitimate use of these materials.
PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ASSUMPTION OF RISK & RELEASE OF LIABILITY I understand and acknowledge that participation in Yoga, Meditation, Kalaripayattu, Kathak, Music, Bhagavad Gita, Mantra changing, and other cultural, educational, wellness, or physical activities offered by Universal Peace Foundation California (“UPF Cal”) may involve physical movement and other activities that carry inherent risks, including the possibility of physical injury.I voluntarily choose to participate, or authorize my child to participate, and knowingly assume the risks ordinarily associated with such participation.I represent that I, or my child, am reasonably able to participate in the selected program. I agree to disclose to UPF Cal any known medical condition, injury, physical limitation, or other circumstance that may reasonably affect safe participation. I understand that it is my responsibility to consult an appropriate healthcare professional regarding any concerns about participation.In consideration of being permitted to participate in programs offered or sponsored by UPF Cal, I hereby release and discharge Universal Peace Foundation California and its directors, officers, instructors, employees, volunteers, and authorized representatives from claims arising from the ordinary risks of participation or ordinary negligence, to the fullest extent permitted by California law.This release does not apply to gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any other liability that cannot legally be waived.If I am signing on behalf of a minor child, I represent that I am the child's parent or legal guardian and have authority to provide this consent and authorization for the child's participation. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PROGRAM PURPOSE I understand that UPF Cal's yoga, meditation, spiritual, cultural, and educational programs are offered for purposes including physical and mental well-being, self-awareness, inner peace, personal development, and the cultivation of Santhosam — inner contentment and well-being.I understand that these programs are educational and spiritual in nature and are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, psychotherapy, or other professional healthcare. CONFIDENTIALITY OF DESIGNATED PRACTICES & MATERIALS I understand that certain meditation practices, spiritual techniques, instructional methods, course materials, recordings, and teachings provided by UPF Cal may be designated as being for the participant's personal practice and learning.I agree not to teach, reproduce, record, distribute, publish, or disclose any technique or instructional material specifically identified by UPF Cal as confidential or restricted, without prior written authorization from UPF Cal.  ACKNOWLEDGMENT  I confirm that I have read and understood this Participant Acknowledgment, Assumption of Risk, Release of Liability, and Confidentiality Agreement. I have had the opportunity to ask questions before agreeing to its terms, and I voluntarily consent to participation for myself and/or my child.
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