Shakthi of self-defence: Gurukkal Mahesh empowers 16,000 Women

Thiruvananthapuram: From empowering more than 16,000 girls and women through self-defence training to taking Kerala’s ancient martial art of Kalarippayattu to 20 countries, Gurukkal S. Mahesh is making tradition a powerful tool for transformation. Carrying forward a five-generation family legacy dating back to 1896, the founder of Agasthyam Kalari in Nemom, Thiruvananthapuram, is inspiring a new generation to embrace self-confidence, discipline and physical empowerment through his initiative, Shakthi. With training programmes for the Indian Army, CRPF and young people across India, along with international recognition, Mahesh is extending the reach of Kalarippayattu far beyond the kalari’s traditional boundaries.

At the heart of Mahesh's mission is ‘Shakthi’. He believes that self-defence should be accessible to everyone, Mahesh draws on the principles of Kalarippayattu to promote physical preparedness, situational awareness and confidence.

One of the programme's major initiatives brought together 425 girls for a training session in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, demonstrating how traditional martial arts can contribute to women's empowerment and safety.

For Mahesh, martial arts training goes beyond physical strength. Discipline, mental composure and the confidence to respond to challenging situations are equally important. Through Shakthi, he seeks to make these skills accessible to girls and women from diverse backgrounds.

Mahesh's journey into Kalarippayattu began at the age of four under the guidance of his father, R. Sanal Kumar, popularly known as Sanalji Gurukkal. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the traditional Gurukulam system, he learnt that mastering physical techniques also involves understanding the values, discipline and responsibilities associated with the art.

While remaining committed to this heritage, Mahesh has embraced contemporary platforms to introduce Kalarippayattu to wider audiences.

With a reported social media following of more than two million and millions of video views, his digital presence has helped introduce the movements, training methods and cultural significance of Kalarippayattu to audiences worldwide. The platform offers an introduction to a tradition historically transmitted through direct instruction from guru to student, while practical training remains central to mastering the art.

His international outreach has taken Kerala's martial heritage to 20 countries, including Mauritius, Sri Lanka, the United States and countries across Europe. Through workshops and cultural exchanges, he has introduced international audiences to Kalarippayattu and its wider philosophy.

A two-time TEDx speaker, Mahesh has also shared his perspectives on traditional knowledge and its relevance to contemporary life. His work received international visibility when he was featured on the cover of Russia's martial arts magazine, Budo Global.

Agasthyam Kalari's activities extend beyond traditional martial arts instruction into professional training, competitive sport and academic research.

Mahesh has conducted training programmes involving Indian Army personnel and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), focusing on physical conditioning, coordination, discipline and mental resilience. He has also received excellence recognitions associated with his work with the Indian Army.

His engagement with contemporary institutions includes programmes for students at leading Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), as well as IT professionals and corporate organisations. These sessions explore the relevance of traditional physical practices to concentration, physical well-being, stress management and disciplined living.

Agasthyam has also trained athletes who, according to the organisation, have won medals at national-level competitions, including events associated with the National Games and Khelo India.

Mahesh's efforts to preserve and expand India's martial heritage have also led to the development of specialised training programmes.

Warrior Yoga, an initiative developed by him, draws inspiration from the dynamic movements of Kalarippayattu, combining physical conditioning, balance, agility, movement and breath awareness. The programme explores how dynamic physical practice can complement conventional yoga and encourage greater body awareness.

Dhanurvidya, another initiative at Agasthyam, focuses on traditional Indian archery, a discipline that calls for concentration, coordination, control and precision. Through structured training, the programme seeks to introduce new generations to India's traditional martial practices.

Preparing future instructors is another important aspect of his work. The Sampradayam Teacher Training Course aims to develop practitioners capable of teaching Kalarippayattu responsibly, combining technical proficiency with an understanding of the discipline and values of the traditional guru parampara.

Mahesh's work also encompasses academic engagement and documentation. He serves as Principal Investigator at the Agasthyam Indian Knowledge Systems Centre for Kalarippayattu and Siddhar Tradition.

The centre connects traditional practice with research, documentation and contemporary educational frameworks within the Indian Knowledge Systems initiative. Its broader approach reflects the importance of studying indigenous traditions systematically while retaining their connection to experienced practitioners and established methods of transmission.

For Mahesh, the traditional Gurukulam and modern educational institutions can complement each other in developing a deeper understanding of India's indigenous knowledge systems. Research and documentation, when combined with practical experience, can help preserve these traditions and make their knowledge accessible to future generations.

From its base at Agasthyam Kalari brings a range of programmes addressing contemporary needs. Kalarippayattu training, women's self-defence through Shakthi, Dhanurvidya, Warrior Yoga, instructor development and Indian Knowledge Systems research form different strands of this wider effort.

For Mahesh, traditional knowledge must remain active to remain relevant. It can empower a young woman through self-defence, help students and professionals cultivate discipline, introduce international audiences to Kerala's cultural heritage and provide a foundation for academic research.

By combining inherited wisdom with new approaches to education, outreach and research, Gurukkal S. Mahesh is working to ensure that the knowledge and values passed down through five generations continue to serve society and inspire future generations.

Author: Jiji M. John