Kalarippayattu is planned in four succeeding stages of training

1.Meippayatt,

2.Koltari,

3.Ankatari,

4.Verum Kai Prayogam.

The first “Meippayatt” stage is a sequence of body control aerobics, methodically designed & practiced according to “Vaytari” or verbal directions. It is also identified as “Meiotukkappayatt” a martial arts in Kerala; that which give proper orientation to the body, elasticity & suppleness. Moreover this gives a natural power to the body for speedy movements in attack & defense. After learning “Meippayatt” martial arts in Kerala, the learner is moved into the other stage of combating with weapons made of wood called as “Koltari”. Proficiency in “Koltari” direct to the “Ankatari” stage or skill of combating with metal arms. Lastly, the student will be instructed training in bare hand fighting methods called “Verumkai Prayogam”. In previous period’s martial arts in Kerala, learner is trained in the use of several other weapons like three-proned spear, ponti & axe.

Kettukari or Shareeravadi

After attaining perfect body control during “Meippayatt”, the Kalari learner will be commenced into the teaching of “Koltari” martial arts in Kerala or fight using wooden weapons. There are 3 types of wooden weapons utilized in present day martial arts in kerala, they are Otta,  Muchhan & Kalaries Kettukari.

The Kettukari is a lengthy rod prepared from “solid cane” with either the height of the learner from foot to eyebrow or 12 spans in length. In “Koltari ankam”, though there are eighteen graded series or stages, currently only 7 or 8 of the stages are saved & practised in the “Kalaries”. This combat with a 12 spanner bar, combine blows, blocks & locks associated with jumps & leaps for hit & defense.

Muchhan or Cheruvadi

A “Muchhan” (a 3 Spanner bar) or also called” Cheruvadi” is sturdy wooden staff, generally 22” in length & about 2” in width. The “Amaram” or the end used for holding will be a bit denser than Muna or the using end. The “Cheruvadi” training requires extra accuracy & speed than the 12 spanner. The uses of “Cheruvadi” consist of counter-attack, defense, attacks, unarming techniques & use of locks in martial arts in Kerala. Different “Vativus” & “Chuvatus” are combined in this graded attack & defense combination. A specialist can perform not less than 150 blows in a minute with this outwardly simple weapon.

Otta

It is also known as Curved Staff. A saying in Northern Malabar martial arts in Kerala is that “Otta” payattiyal Urakkattum payattum (the person who is talented in “Otta” be able to even battle when asleep). This show the significance involved to this arched wood staff, which is believed as the ideal weapon in “Kalarippayattu” martial arts in Kerala.

Gadha

The “Gadha” or club is an additional wooden weapon used for teaching martial arts in Kerala in the “kalaries”. The employ of this weapon require agility, strength & great body control. It is weighty & the tough wielding of which has to follow firm regulations & certain rules. The holding end of Gadha is only 3” in width but the diameter of the using end vary from 8 inches to 12 inches. It is usually carved out of a Tamarind core, with an extent of 3 - 4 feet.

Ankatari

The 3rd main stage in “Kalari” learning is the “Ankatari” martial arts in Kerala or practice of lethal weapons like shield, sword, dagger & spear. In Northern approach, the final phase of “Ankatari” martial arts in Kerala is the teaching in “Urumi”.