In 2003 Guru Balachandran achieved his long held dream by opening Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram in the Trivandrum district. Since that time the main focus of I.S.M.A. has shifted to the Ashram, and Guru Balachandran has taken the name Swami Hanuman Das. The School in Vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum is still conducting classes on a daily basis for the youth of Trivandrum. Both the school in Vazhuthacaud, and Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram continue to play a vital role in the preservation of traditional arts, traditions, and values.
The Indian School of Martial Arts is a premier training centre for the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu. Set up in 1983, the ISMA or Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram has been a place of healing and rejuvenation for many. This has happened under the leadership of Mr.Balachandran Nair who hails from a family of warrior-healers. He believes that Kalarichikitsa (Kalari treatment) originated from Siddhavaidyam (science parallel to Ayurveda), Dhanurveda (mother of Ayurveda) and Olagranthas (manuscripts on dry palm leaves). It was developed specifically for the practitioners of this art form. Its teachings are based on the 108 nerve pressure points (marmas) in the human body.
Instead of modern medicinal parameters, more importance is given to intuition built after years of experience and introspection in the field. ISMA has a three storey complex with its own Kalari arena. A 600 year old massage table that was built from a single tree lies in the complex. The meditation hall and roof garden are the other places of interest here. There are simple facilities for all who seek lodging along with the facility to read ancient manuscripts. It is truly an educational and invigorating experience.
