This developed mostly in the northern part of Kerala especially in the region of Malabar. Though in the ancient days the place was ruled and controlled by local chieftains, they had only a minimal role as far as law enforcement was concerned. Disputes between persons or the chieftains were settled by duels in a specially constructed arena in the town square called ankathattu. If someone is not prepared or not good enough to fight, then they could always hire the services of professional fighters of the Chekava caste. (The people of this particular community were excellent warriors and include the legends like Aromal chekavar, and Unniyarcha (sister of Aromal chekavar) and their legendary fighting and the life style of those days can be seen in the Vadakkan pattukal, a collection of folk songs of Malabar). The fights often were lethal and one of them usually got killed. This led to the development of the skills needed for one on one fighting with sword and shield and other weapons like Churika and Urumi made of metal. Each family of the warriors were said to have developed secret fighting formula.
	This style is characterized with the typical leaping and jumping movements which is unique to the system. The training starts at an early age- as early as 5 yrs. The place of training called Kalari has very strict dimensions. Details of dimensions and plan will be given later. Another unique practice of the Vadakkan style is the applying of oil on the practitioner's body before training. Herbal oils are applied and Chavutti Thirummal or foot massage is performed before undertaking training. This helps in developing flexibility and preventing injury. After the Meyppayttu (solo forms) the student progresses to Kettukari (long staff), Muchchan (short stick), Katara (dagger), Valum parichayum (sword and shield) and Urumi (flexible sword) and then to the Ottakkol (curved stick).