Indian Kalarippayattu Federation (IKF)
Recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India
Preserving India’s Oldest Martial Art
Training • Discipline • Tradition
Indian Kalarippayattu Federation (IKF), established in 1995, is the nationally recognized body for the promotion of Kalarippayattu—the ancient martial art of Kerala. We work with affiliated state associations to train, certify, and organize competitions for practitioners across India and abroad.
Read more about Kalarippayattu & the Federation →Kalarippayattu is one of the oldest surviving martial art forms in the world, native to Kerala on India's southwestern coast. Historians trace its roots to somewhere between 200 BCE and 600 CE, with the art reaching its peak popularity between the 14th and 16th centuries.
Combining armed and unarmed combat, footwork, breathing techniques, meditation, and Marma Chikilsa—a traditional healing therapy—Kalarippayattu is often described as one of the earliest comprehensive martial systems, and is sometimes called the "mother of martial arts."
Learn more about Kalarippayattu →
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Reach out to us for training, certification, competitions, or setting up a state association.