Kalaripayattu has been the constant companion in Arjun’s life from the age of 14. The martial art form runs in Arjun’s family and he did his first formal training in kalaripayattu under his uncle Guru Lenin Chirayil, Sree Narayana Kalari. Being trained in the ‘Vadakkan sampradayam’ of kalaripayattu, he went onto equip himself in other styles of the art form from different gurus. Along with kalaripayattu, he is also an active practitioner of acrobatics starting from childhood.
After having received his undergraduate degree, Arjun went onto work in the logistics department of Unique shipping agencies for four years. Bidding adieu to the corporate world, he embraced the artist in him and took up his passion as his profession. Arjun joined the team, ‘The Great Millennium’ wherein he received his training in body balancing, aerial acts, tricking and also polished his skills in acrobatics. As part of the team, Arjun has done more than 50 shows in India as well as abroad. The team participated in the reality show ‘Entertainment ke liye kuch bhi karega’ and reached the quarter finals of the show. They were also a part of two seasons of the Malayalam reality show ‘Ugram Ujwalam’. In one season they were the finalists and in the other bagged the position of first runner’s up. The show won them accolades for their audacious acts.
Arjun was also a performer at Greenix village for a time span of four years wherein he did shows on a daily basis. It was also an interactive session with foreigners and the native people. Arjun, along with his team took the audience into the world of kalaripayattu with their oratory skills of its history and contemporary significance as well as their skills in the martial art with different kinds of weapons. Sometimes, this became a two way process when professionals from other martial arts joined them in the audience. The enthusiasts took each other into their knowledge realm.
He has also freelanced with major dance companies in Kochi adding a flavor of kalaripayattu into their dance pieces. Mamangam The School of Dance, The Floor and Mudra Center for dance are some of the major companies.
Along with his performance skills, Arjun was also emerging as a good teacher. He worked in the dARC1 fitness center as the fitness trainer and his sessions included calisthenics, yoga and martial arts. He is also the kalaripayattu trainer for Golokayoga school and has signed upcoming projects with them .
To add to his achievements, Arjun has also worked in the film industry as a stuntman and a stunt double. He has performed stunts with a variety of actors and in a variety of films. His major works include the malayalam films ‘chanakyathanthram,’ contossa and Love FM.
Arjun’s inquisitiveness in the field of martial arts paved the way for him to broaden his horizons by training himself in other forms. He trained himself in hatha yoga from Maruti yoga center, Kochi for five years. He learned Kung fu ( Wushu ) under Udayan master from Kochi. He also practiced Tai Chi along with a friend to understand the dynamics of different martial art forms.
Arjun’s understanding and love for the martial arts led him to start a new venture called “HYBRID KALARI”. With a focus on kalaripayattu, the hybrid kalari team amalgamates the martial art with calisthenics, tricking and acrobatics. The endeavor started by Arjun is gradually flourishing with members on board. Hybrid Kalari organizes workshops in and outside Kerala. Workshops were conducted in Goa and Mumbai. Hybrid Kalari has also collaborated with Golokayoga, Croatia. The workshop includes detailed sessions on breathing, body-ground connection, hand conditioning and self-defense basics. Advanced classes are also available for people who are familiar with martial arts.
