Disciples must meet a number of criteria beyond martial arts competence they are required to have an understanding of biology, mathematics, political science, astronomy, physics, chemistry, Saamuthriga Lakshanam, Yoga, military tactics, horsmanship, elephant riding, charioteering and Hindu philosophy (Saiva,Vaisnava, Saktha, Koumara, Boutha, Samana) etc. Requirements for Training Varma Kalai teachers are highly selective in their choice of students. Currently Varma Kalai is practised in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, usually as part of Kuttu varisai and Kalari training. The film's popularity generated a resurgence of interest in the art. Due to its secretive nature, Varma Kalai remained largely unknown even in India until the release of the movie Indian, in which Kamal Haasan played the role of a Varma Kalai expert.
The art was taught only to selected individuals, but due to the strict requirements for new students it never gained large numbers of adherents. Aasan and Periyaasan of Varma Kalai were highly respected. The schools received nivandhanams (donation with high respect) from the Kings of Tamil Kingdom (Chera, Chola, Pandya and Pallava. However, even royalty were required to pass the stringent requirements for discipleship. Historically, Varma Kalai has been one of the arts taught to those of royal blood. The teachers were called as Aasan (Tamil: ஆச ) and the grand masters were called as Periyaasan (Tamil: ப ய ச ) or Iyan (Tamil: ஐய ). Knowledge of Varma Kalai was considered vital in both arts to become a Grand Master. Though Varma Kalai has its own form of katas and procedures, it was closely assorted with Silambam's component Kuttu varisai and Kalaripayattu. The presence of shrines to Agathiar in Courtallam suggests that he researched the art there. He transferred the knowledge of this art to other Siddhar's and he also wrote treatises on this art in Tamil. Kurunthadi Varmam History Legend has it that Lord Siva taught this art form to his son Lord Murugan and Lord Murugan taught this art to the sage Agastya, foremost of the Siddhar's, during the times of Sangam Literature.
It is an element of the Tamil martial art Kuttu varisai. The name literally translate as "The Art of Vital Points". 1 Varma Kalai (Tamil: வ ம க ல) is a martial art and esoteric healing art originating from ancient Tamil Nadu in South India.