Kalarippayat, the revered physical, cultural and traditional martial art form of Kerala, is believed to have originated in early 4th century. The legend has it that Lord Parasurama instituted this tradition in this land after reclaiming it from the sea. The name 'Kalari' has been derived from the Sanskrit word 'Khaloorika',meaning the place where the art of wielding weapons and physic is imparted.'Kalari' in common parlance means a gymnasium and 'payat' means the practice of wielding weapons and physic in a Kalari.It is the oldest form of Martial arts.