The Grandmother Warrior

Hello Friends,

In 2017 & 2018, Hollywood gave us movies with fictional female warriors such as Wonder Woman and Black Panther’s, Nakia—a fierce warrior, Okoye, the General and greatest warrior of the nation, and the Dora Milaje—the all-female army.

India has a living warrior, and her name is Meenaskshi Amma. She started martial arts training at the age of 7. Sixty-six years later, Meenaskshi, a grandmother, still practices the ancient tradition of Kalarippayattu.

Kalarippayattu, shortened to Kalari was popular during the medieval period. The martial art is not for any destructive or harmful activity, but for sports and developing strength and self-defense. Interestingly, she says, “any injury caused through Kalari can be cured back with Kalari too.”

Meenaskshi does performance shows of fighting. She also teaches Kalari at her school which also includes children, and she helps young girls to defend themselves. She is a Kalari Gurukkal, which means a master. Sword-wielding and turning swiftly to defend herself, the grand lady warrior of Kalarippayattu defies age.

Watch her in action.

Have a happy weekend,

♥ Ashlyn

The picture of Meenaskshi Amma was sourced from www.indiastudychannel.com/