82-year-old Meenakshi Raghavan teaches and practises the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu
A real-life warrior in a saree, Meenakshi Raghavan defies age and expectations as she continues to master and teach India's oldest martial art—Kalaripayattu—at 82 years old.
🔥 A Living Legend in the Red-Earth Arena
In the quiet town of Vadakara, Kerala, the clang of swords still echoes each morning—not from warriors in movies, but from the determined hands of Meenakshi Amma, an 82-year-old grandmother who’s redefining strength, discipline, and grace.
Clad in a traditional saree, Meenakshi Raghavan (fondly called Amma) is considered the oldest woman in the world actively practicing and teaching Kalaripayattu—an ancient martial art believed to have originated over 3,000 years ago.
“I’ll probably practise Kalari until the day I die,” says Amma with a spark in her eyes that matches the blades she wields.
🛡️ What is Kalaripayattu?
Kalaripayattu, derived from the words kalari (battlefield) and payattu (fight), is more than just combat training. It’s a holistic discipline blending self-defense, physical agility, mental clarity, and spiritual energy.
The art form unfolds in four demanding stages:
- Meypattu – body conditioning and massage
- Kolthari – stick fighting
- Angathari – weapon-based combat
- Verumkai – advanced unarmed combat
Each stage demands patience, balance, and years of disciplined effort, often taking up to five years to master.
🌺 Amma’s Journey from Dancer to Warrior
Meenakshi Amma first entered the Kalari arena at the age of 7, her flexibility and grace as a dancer catching the attention of her future guru—and husband—VP Raghavan.
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| Meenakshi Amma runs a traditional Kalari school and performs martial art demos across India |
Coming from Kerala’s Thiyya community, both Amma and her guru faced discrimination due to caste barriers. But they didn't let that stop them. In 1950, Raghavan opened his own Kalari school, where Amma joined him in training hundreds of students, many from underprivileged backgrounds.
Despite societal expectations for women to give up martial arts after puberty, Amma’s father encouraged her to keep going. She trained through her teens, married her guru at 17, and together they built a legacy.
👊 A Routine of Strength and Dedication
Even today, Meenakshi Amma teaches up to 50 students a day, beginning her classes at 5:00 a.m. and going until noon.
Meenakshi Amma starts Kalaripayattu training at 5 AM, teaching until noon every day
From performing in cities across India to mentoring students who now run their own Kalari schools, her impact is far-reaching.
“She’s an inspiration to women everywhere,” says KF Thomas, a former student. “Strict in training, but full of love.”
Her eldest son, Sanjeev, now 62, is also an instructor—and often her sparring partner. He admits with a laugh, “She’s still my toughest opponent!”
💬 A Symbol of Grace, Power, and Legacy
In a world quick to glorify youth, Meenakshi Amma stands as a powerful symbol of timeless strength. Her story is not just about martial arts—it's about passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers across age, gender, and caste.
With politicians lining up for her blessings and former students opening their own schools in her honor, Amma is more than a martial artist—she is a movement.
“Thank you for considering me, I’ll attend,” she humbly responds to a politician inviting her to an award ceremony. No grandeur, just grace.
🙌 Why Her Story Matters Today
In an age where tradition often feels distant, Meenakshi Amma reminds us that ancient practices like Kalaripayattu still carry deep relevance. They shape minds, bodies, and spirits.
Her journey shows us what’s possible when you live with purpose—and refuse to let age define you.
✨ Final Thoughts
In her own words, Meenakshi Amma says she will never stop practicing Kalari. And perhaps, she never will—because her spirit has already become immortal in the minds of all those she's inspired.
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