Kadhirur Gurukkal

Kadhirur Gurukkal, also known as Mathiloor Gurukkal, was a martial artist of medieval India.^{[1][full citation needed]} He came from Kadirur, near to Thalasserry in the North Malabar region of present-day Kerala. He operated the Mathiloor Kalari, where Thacholi Othenan trained in Kalaripayattu.^[2]

Gurukkal is mentioned in the Northern Ballads (Vadakkan Pattukal),^{[3][need quotation to verify]} which say he belonged to the Kaniyar caste who were traditionally astrologers.^{[citation needed]} Despite being an excellent master, Gurukkal was killed by a trainee called Thacholi Othenan in a duel.^{[4][2][need quotation to verify][5][need quotation to verify]}