Ageless Warrior: Meet the Inspiring 82-Year-Old Kalaripayattu Teacher

Known as Meenakshi Amma, this remarkable woman dedicates her days to preserving and teaching Kalaripayattu, inspiring many with her passion for this age-old martial art. As one of its oldest practitioners, her commitment reflects a life devoted to discipline, culture, and community.

At 82 years old, Meenakshi Raghavan, affectionately known as Meenakshi Amma, embodies strength and tenacity as she continues to teach Kalaripayattu—the ancient Indian martial art thought to have originated over 3,000 years ago in Kerala. This remarkable woman has no desire to retire, stating, "I'll probably practise Kalari until the day I die."

Kalaripayattu, with "kalari" meaning battlefield and "payattu" meaning fight, extends beyond mere combat; it fosters discipline, strength, and self-defense skills among its practitioners. Residing in the town of Vadakara, Meenakshi Amma belongs to a lineage of esteemed Kalaripayattu masters, including legendary figures like Unniyarcha and Aromal Chekavar.

Meenakshi Amma actively manages a Kalari school founded by her husband in 1950, maintaining a bustling schedule filled with classes from early morning until noon. "I teach around 50 students each day," she says proudly. Her own children began training in the discipline at the age of six, a tradition she continues enthusiastically.

Kalaripayattu comprises four main training stages, requiring substantial dedication and patience. It begins with meypattu (body conditioning), leads into kolthari (stick fighting), progresses to angathari (weapon combat), and culminates in verumkai (unarmed combat). The journey to mastering this dynamic art can take up to five years.

Scholars have noted that aspects of Kalaripayattu, such as breathing techniques and the concept of marmashastra—stimulating vital energy points—have even influenced other martial arts, including Kung Fu. This exchange traces back to the legendary Buddhist monk Bodhidharma, who introduced the art to China's Shaolin monks around the 6th Century.

Reflecting on her own journey, Meenakshi Amma recalls stepping into a Kalari for the first time at the age of seven. Her dance background seamlessly transitioned into martial training, as her guru recognized her potential. Though physical education for girls was encouraged in schools, societal expectations often curtailed further study after puberty. Luckily, her father supported her ongoing training, unlike many young women of her time.

After marrying her husband Raghavan at 17, the couple tirelessly taught hundreds of students, often without charge, to ensure that children from impoverished families could also partake in the teachings. The school relied on donations while Raghavan supplemented their income with a teaching job.

Following Raghavan's passing in 2007, Meenakshi Amma took full charge of the school, with plans to someday pass it on to her eldest son, Sanjeev, who shares her passion for the art. However, despite being his mother, he insists she is still his toughest rival.

Today, this local celebrity is frequently celebrated within her community. During an interview, politicians approached her, vying for her presence at an awards ceremony, to which she graciously agreed.

Her students express profound admiration for her balanced approach; she commands respect through both love and strict discipline. "She inspires women everywhere," says former pupil KF Thomas, reflecting on her unique ability to motivate while maintaining high standards in Kalaripayattu. As Meenakshi Amma continues her journey, she remains a testament to the enduring spirit of martial arts and empowerment in her community.