Some people study a martial art; Gurukkal Shinto Mathew has devoted his life to preserving and sharing one. Over more than two decades of practice, teaching, research, and continuous travel — from the Kalaris of Kerala to stages in Indonesia, Egypt, South Korea, and beyond — he has helped bring Kalaripayattu far beyond its regional roots while keeping its essence intact. An accomplished teacher and the founder of Kalari Kendram, a traditional school devoted to the Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu, he has mastered both the northern and southern styles under Guru Shri K.K. Vijayan of Calicut, Kerala.
Gurukkal Shinto Mathew holds a research fellowship from CCRT under India’s Ministry of Culture, one of the highest honours extended to traditional practitioners in the country. He is also a member of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations’ Reference Panel and has served as a Sessional Professor of Kalaripayattu at Ashoka University. In 2024, he received the award for “Best in Kalaripayattu Training and Revival” at the Action Hero Fitness Awards, a platform created and hosted by actor Vidyut Jammwal, who personally selected him for the honour. In 2023, he was recognised by Dr. Manu Korulla of DRDO for his contribution to expanding the art’s reach among Indian youth.
His approach is not that of a fitness class built around Kalaripayattu-inspired movement. He leads a Gurukulam. Every student follows the full traditional structure — Meithari, Kolthari, Ankathari, Verumkai — in the proper sequence, at the right pace, and under direct observation. Advancement is guided by the Kerala Gurukkal rather than by a fixed timetable. The art is transmitted as it always has been: person to person, with complete attention, full accountability, and no shortcuts.
In addition to the martial art itself, Gurukkal Shinto Mathew holds profound knowledge of Kalari Chikitsa, the healing system of Kalaripayattu. The Kalari massage, Marma work, and healing treatments offered at Kalari Ashramam all arise from this same lineage and are delivered by practitioners trained directly under him.