Discovery to telecast feature on 'Kalarippayat'

Kochi, May 15 (UNI) Featuring the world's oldest martial art forms, Discovery Channel's 'Fight Quest' series team is currently in Kerala filming an episode on Kalarippayat, recognised as one of the most comprehensive personal combat training forms.

The team started shooting since yesterday in and around the northern town of Kozhikode, where most of the 'kalaris' are located, Discovery Channel officials said here today.

'Fight Quest' premieres every Tuesday at 2100 hrs on the Channel. In the series, viewers will get to travel the world learning various forms of hand-to-hand combat and martial art traditions.

In each episode, hosts Doug Anderson and seasoned martial arts fighter Jimmy Smith will explore a new location identified with a style of fighting, such as Wushu in China, Kali in Philippines, Krav Maga in Israel, Kalarippayat in India and Boxing in Mexico.

'Kalarippayat' is the only Indian martial art form to be featured in the series, which blends cultural experiences with the hard-edged thrill of actual fights.

In the series, the hosts immerse themselves in the local culture and train with experts for five days before facing off against the toughest competitors the place has to offer.

''The challenges are tough, experiences are grueling and very often traumatising. The hosts are often knocked out; they sweat, bleed and sometimes break their bones to reveal the fighter's mentality and instinct,'' Discovery Communications India Director, Marketing and Communications, Rajiv Bakshi said.

The channel was excited that an Indian martial art form, would be showcased to Discovery viewers around the world, he added.

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