V.K.M. Kalari — Al Karama
About VKM Kalari
V.K.M. Kalari teaches Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala. Manikandan Gurukkal founded VKM Kalari in 2013, and it now runs five branches: Al Karama, Al Qusais and Al Nahda in Dubai, and Al Mahatta and New Muweileh in Sharjah. The club says it offers training for all ages, with a focus on physical fitness, mental discipline and cultural appreciation, and parents writing on its website describe their children training there. Its website also describes spring, summer and winter holiday camps it has run (the summer camp was for children aged 5 to 15 and mixed martial arts with water activities, dance and arts), but gives no dates or branch, so ask whether a camp is coming up and where. Prices and class times are not published, so call or WhatsApp the club on 055 340 4099 to ask which branch suits you.
The activity
Martial Arts, explained
Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art from Kerala in south India. Its name joins the Malayalam words 'kalari' (training ground) and 'payattu' (rigorous physical practice). Training covers strikes, kicks, throws and joint locks, alongside weapons work, flexibility and mental discipline, and the art also draws on Ayurveda, yoga and spiritual practice. V.K.M. Kalari says its training is for all ages and aims to build physical fitness, mental discipline and an appreciation of the art's cultural roots. Starting ages and how children's classes are grouped are not published, so ask the provider which class fits your child.
Who it's for
VKM Kalari says it offers training for all ages. Parent testimonials on its website mention their children, including daughters, training there, and its past summer camp was for children aged 5 to 15. Age bands for regular classes, levels and whether boys and girls train together are not published - ask the provider.
What to expect
The club describes Kalaripayattu training as strikes, kicks, throws and joint locks, alongside weapons training, flexibility and mental discipline. A parent testimonial on its website calls the class 'a great mix of physical activity and discipline' and describes the teachers as patient and encouraging. The website does not say what a first session involves, what to wear, how long classes last or whether a trial class is offered, so ask before your first visit. Call or WhatsApp 055 340 4099, or email [email protected].
Highlights
- Teaches Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala (vkmkalariuae.com)
- Founded in 2013 by Manikandan Gurukkal; five branches across Dubai and Sharjah (vkmkalariuae.com)
- Training for all ages, focused on fitness, mental discipline and cultural appreciation (vkmkalariuae.com)
- Has run spring, summer and winter holiday camps - ask about upcoming dates and branch (vkmkalariuae.com)
Why parents rate it
What parents say on Google
On Google, the Al Karama branch is rated 5.0 from 120 reviews (103 five-star, three four-star and one three-star), and New Muweileh is rated 4.9 from 41. Each branch's own rating shows when you pick it. Parent testimonials on the club's website mention patient, encouraging teachers, a clean, well-kept facility and a class that mixes physical activity with discipline.
The facts
- Ages
- All ages (club's website)
- Not published yet
- Ask about prices and trials
- Where
- 46B St, near Lulu Hypermarket, Al Karama, Dubai
- How to book
- wa.me/971553404099 · +971 55 340 4099 · [email protected]
- Opening hours
- Mon2–10pm
- Tue–Sun8am–10pm
Questions parents ask
Good to know
- Wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance; toilet on site (Google listing)
- Al Karama: near Lulu Hypermarket on 46B Street, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance and a toilet on site (Google listing)
- The hours shown for a branch are opening hours, not class times - ask for the timetable (Google listing)
- One phone, WhatsApp and email serve every branch; say which branch you want (vkmkalariuae.com)
Prices, ages and times change — confirm with the provider before you book.
Location
Skip map46B St - near Lulu Hyper Market - Al Karama - Dubai
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