An ancient practice for the modern body
Kalaripayattu Classes in San Jose
India’s ancient martial tradition, taught by Belraj Soni. Guided classes develop strength, agility, flexibility, balance, and body awareness. Ages 5+.
An ancient practice for the modern body
Kalaripayattu Classes in San Jose
India’s ancient martial tradition, taught by Belraj Soni. Guided classes develop strength, agility, flexibility, balance, and body awareness. Ages 5+.
What is Kalaripayattu?
Kalaripayattu is one of the world’s oldest living martial traditions, originating in Keralam, India. More than a system of self-defense, it’s a holistic discipline. Every movement is designed to cultivate an intelligent, responsive body, combining dynamic movement, flexibility, breath, rhythm, and mindful attention. Rather than isolating muscles, it trains the body as a whole.
- Regular practice helps develop:
Functional strength and mobility
Balance, agility, and coordination
Better posture and body awareness
Focus and concentration
Faster neuromuscular response
Confidence, discipline, and resilience
Kalaripayattu at UPF Cal
Valuable for martial artists, dancers, actors, athletes, yoga practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper relationship with their body.
- Age
5+
- When
Tuesdays and Fridays, 6:30–7:30 PM
Attendance at both weekly classes is required.
- Where
UPF Cal Center, 5369 Camden Ave, Ste 280, San Jose, CA 95124
- Tuition
$150 per month
The program starts Friday, October 2, 2026.
We offer a complimentary trial class for new students, so you can meet the instructor, see the class, and decide whether it’s the right fit.
Kalaripayattu and yoga
Kalaripayattu and yoga grew from the same cultural and philosophical landscape of India and share a philosophy of mind-body integration. Kalaripayattu expresses it through dynamic movement, developing agility, mobility, coordination, balance, and neuromuscular control that complement the strength, flexibility, and inner awareness of yoga. Both cultivate breath awareness, flexibility and stability, balance, concentration, and discipline.
How students progress
Traditional Kalaripayattu has no colored-belt system. Students advance through progressively challenging stages as their movement quality, discipline, and understanding develop, guided by the Guru. There’s no race to the next level.
- Kaalukal: foundational body conditioning
- Meipayattu: body conditioning and movement sequences
- Chuvadu: foundational footwork
- Vadivu: animal postures
- Vettum Chumadum: coordinated whole-body sequences
- Kolthari: wooden weapon training
- Angathari: metal weapon training
- Verumkai: empty-hand combat
What students say
“I came looking for martial arts training but discovered a completely new way of understanding my body.”
“Every session challenged me physically while making me more aware, balanced, and focused.”
“Belraj Soni teaches with remarkable patience and depth. The practice stays with you long after class ends.”
Meet Your Instructors
Belraj Soni
Instructor
Belraj has dedicated more than 45 years to the study, practice, teaching, and promotion of Kalaripayattu. He founded Navaneetham Cultural Trust to preserve and share India’s traditional performing and martial arts, and over three decades has trained thousands of students in India and internationally. His teaching emphasizes precision, awareness, discipline, and the intelligent use of the body.
Uma Menon
Assistant instructor
Uma has trained with Guru Belraj Soni for the last 2 years, online and in person, and has learned and performed Kathak, Odissi, and Mohiniyattam as a teaching assistant. She assists the class in person at UPF Cal, helping students with the Kalari syllables and the right form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior martial arts experience?
No. Beginners are welcome.
Am I too old to begin?
People of different ages and fitness levels can practice. Training is adapted to each person.
Is it similar to karate?
Both are martial arts, but Kalaripayattu is a traditional Indian movement system with a broader emphasis on body conditioning, mobility, weapons training, healing knowledge, and holistic development. It has no colored-belt ranking.
Do I need to be very flexible?
No. Flexibility and strength develop gradually through regular practice.
Enroll
Ready to join? Complete the form below to enroll.
Not sure yet? Book a free trial class first.
General Instructions
Dress code: Comfortable clothes that allow free movement, preferably white. No shorts, sleeveless tops, capris, or tights. Avoid zippers and big buttons. Hair braided; no big hairpins, clips, bracelets, or jewelry.
Food: Practice on a light stomach. A small snack like milk or fruit is fine; allow at least 1.5 hours after a regular meal.
Bring along: A sweat towel and a water bottle.
2026–27 Holidays (no class)
Sep 7 · Labor Day
Nov 23–29 · Thanksgiving break
Dec 21–Jan 4 · Christmas / New Year break
Feb 13–19 · Winter break
Apr 10–16 · Spring break
May 30 · Memorial Day
Policies
Class cancellation: If UPF cancels a class, the student’s instructor will set a makeup class.
Makeup class: UPF may offer an online makeup class, but it isn’t guaranteed because class schedules are limited.
Enrollment cancellation: Plans change, and we accept cancellations. Please email accounts@upfcal.org at least 30 days in advance.
Vacation pause: Memberships can be paused for extended vacations with at least 30 days’ notice. A $15/month maintenance fee applies during the pause, and the remaining balance is refunded to the card on file. To request a pause, email accounts@upfcal.org or text 408-638-6743.
Recurring payments: Payments are processed by a third-party merchant service, so we need notice to stop a recurring payment. If we don’t receive your cancellation 30 days before the next billing cycle, your card may still be charged for it.