Ekalavya Kalari

Preserving Martial Tradition

Authenticity

Honouring a lineage as old as Parashurama, we teach just as it was taught to us, through Gurukkal Balachandra Menon.

Precision

Precision is the mark of a warrior. It is built into our teaching and we strive to take one step closer everyday.

Excellence

25 national champions & 100+ national medals. A legacy that continues.

Gurukkal Sumesh Subramanian with traditional Kalaripayattu weapons

Our Roots

Ekalavya Kalari was established by Gurukkal Sumesh Subramanian in 2014. What began with a single 45-year-old student has touched 5,000+ lives, with 500+ regular practitioners across centres in Kerala and the United States — grown through word of mouth that reflected our quality and commitment to teaching. We have produced 25 national champions, with 100+ national medals including the Khelo India Youth Games, and performances at platforms such as the Kalinga Festival, Odisha.

Gurukkal Sumesh Subramanian was a disciple of Gurukkal Balachandra Menon, a deeply respected figure instrumental in preserving both the Northern and Southern styles of Kalaripayattu. Before founding Ekalavya, Gurukkal Sumesh spent 8 years teaching at Isha Home School and 3 years at Isha Samskriti, holding a Bachelors in Education from Chittur Government College.

5,000+Trained
20National Champions
50National Medals

Program Offerings

6-Day Residential Immersion

Twenty two hours of kalaripayattu taught with authenticity, precision and excellence — alongside local experiences, meditation and an ayurveda food session.

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Longer Residential Immersion

Flexible duration — 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months or more for you to explore and immerse in the art.

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One to One Online Classes

Opt for 1-on-1, or group (max 4-on-1) classes. Get personalised corrections and guidance throughout your journey.

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In-Person Center Classes

Across 4 centers in Kerala, 1 in Maharashtra and 1 in the United States. Contact our centers for further information.

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Stories from the kalari