About Us

Maha Acharyan

EP Vasudeva Gurukkal

E P Vasudeva Gurukkal, born in 1932 in Malaparambu near Calicut district to Kunnamkulam Cheruvathani Ezhuthupurakal Pangodu Thandar and Kunjuamma, received his early education in Kalari from his grandfather Aiyappa Thandar and later formal training under Chandappan Gurukkal and Pathriyil Gopalan Gurukkal.

Beyond Kalari, he delved into diverse disciplines, learning magic from Vazhakunnam Thirumeni, circus acrobatics from Thalasheri Achuthan Gurukkal, Judo from Thalashery Baskaren, and Yoga from Swamy Buoyoananda and Swamiji Puthooran.

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Years of Experience

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Natural Products

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Authentic Methods

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Students

Why EP Vasudeva Gurukkal’s CVN Kalari?

EP Vasudeva Gurukkal's CVN Kalari has a long history of training students in Kerala, with some even pursuing martial arts as a profession. The school offers free training to underprivileged students, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility.

Beyond its local impact, CVN Kalari Kaduthuruthy has achieved international recognition. Students from the school participated in a historic event at the Kremlin in Russia, performing alongside international artists in front of dignitaries. The school has also collaborated with renowned choreographer Smt. Chandralekha and attracted international martial arts and dance figures for training. This global reach is further evidenced by its mention in a BBC book and documentary, "The Way of the Warrior," which highlighted the village of Kaduthuruthy, home to the Kalari.

Dr. E P Shaji

Vasudeva Gurukkal

Dr. E P Shaji Vasudeva Gurukkal, son of EP Vasudeva Gurukkal is the 4th generation of this blood line. Witnessing his father, he followed this family tradition.

Dr. Shaji Vasudeva Gurukkal is the Chief physician at EPV Ayurveda Kalari. He took his BAMS from Madras University. He is a doctor cum therapist and son of a guru E .P. Vasudeva Gurukkal who had 60 years experience in Ayurvedic and Marma Chikitsa.

His passion for Kalaripayattu has led him to present Kalaripayattu performances to global audience in London, Italy and Germany.

Our Journey

When the BBC brought out a documentary film, The Way of the Warrior, followed by a book of the same name, covering nine major martial arts from around the world, they chose Kalaripayat as representative of Indian systems. Their very stringent selection process shortlisted E P Vasudeva Gurukkal from Kaduthuruthi and Valappil Karunan Gurukkal from Vadakara as worthy masters of Kalaripayat. The final choice fell on E P Vasudeva Gurukkal for reasons of logistics.

Kalaripayattu has made significant contributions to dance. Perhaps the first to exploit this aspect of Kalaripayattu was the internationally renowned danseuse and dance choreographer Chandralekha Prabhudas Patel (niece of Sardar Vallabhai Patel who was Deputy Prime Minister of India under Jawaharlal Nehru). Select members of EPV Kalari, Kaduthuruthi, accompanied her dance troupe to several European countries, giving demonstrations of Kalaripayattu.

A Sunday Supplement published by the leading Malayalam newspaper featuring CVN Kalari.

Inauguration of the Festival of India in the USSR (now Russia) in 1986. Five students from EP Vasudeva Gurukkal CVN Kalari, Kaduthuruthi are shown engaged in preparation and rehearsal.

For the 25 th anniversary celebration of the Italian Yoga Federation, E P Vasudeva Gurukkal of CVN Kalari, Kaduthuruthi, and his son Dr. Shaji Vasudeva Gurukkal who is also an Ayurvedic specialist, were invited as resource persons. They participated in a seminar on Kalaripayat, Ayurveda and Yoga, and Dr. Shaji Vasudeva Gurukkal presented a scholarly paper combining these three topics.

An article written by V Kaladharan and published in a Malayalam newspaper interviews the Great Vasudeva Gurukkal from CVN Kalari.

Mango Meadows Agricultural Theme Park
Pathiramanal Island
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Hill Palace Museum

Vaikom Lake Beach
Ilaveezhapoonchira
Illikkal Kallu
Marmala Waterfalls