Kalari Payat is an ancient form of combat practiced in the southern part of India. The foundation of the art is a series of training drills intended to condition the body for toughness and speed. The next stage consists of exercises with wooden staffs of various lengths. The staff drills are performed individually or in pairs. In the third stage, weapons are learned. First solo exercieses with a sword and shield, then practiced in pairs. The most dangerous of the exercises is attacking and defending with daggers. The final stage of kalari payat deals with bare fisted exercises.