Minaksha Raghavan from India has become known as the oldest woman who continues to teach the ancient Indian martial art of Kaaripyatt. In her 82 years, she does not plan to retire and confidently says that she will continue to practice this kind of art "until death."
Kaaripyatt is a martial art that originated more than 3000 years ago in the Southern Indian state of Kerala. His practice helps not only in battle, but also in the development of discipline, strength and self -defense skills. Raghavan began to engage in Kaaripyatt when she was only seven years old. Her life seems to have been an integrally related art: at the age of 17 she married her guru, and together they opened a Kalakipaatt school in 1950. After the death of her husband, Minaksha took over the school management. Today, her days are saturated: she holds lessons from five in the morning to noon, teaching about 50 students daily. In addition to the fact that she passes knowledge to the new generation, her own children also began to study calacipaatt at an early age. "My four children have begun to study this art from the age of six," she says.
Calipapayatt consists of four stages. The first is Magattu - a massage using oil that prepares the body for the next training. Two years later, the students move to the Palichna battle and then to fight with weapons. Only at the last stage is the highest level of skill achieved. Usually, it takes about five years of intensive classes to fully develop this martial art.
Minaksha Raghavan is a striking example of how martial art that has survived thousands of years is not only preserved, but also flourishes through devotion and desire to convey traditions for future generations.
