A Kathakali pupil undergoes extensive and vigorous training from an early age. This is done to enable the body to respond to the unusual forms weaved in the course of dancing. Between the age of eleven and fourteen the pupil goes to the ashan (teacher) and offer him present either in cash or in kind. He enrolls himself for training by giving the Guru Dakshina (benediction).

At first massages and oil bath are done to awaken muscles, joints, nerves and to control their behaviour. Following the massage split leg training is done. It resembles acrobatics. This is done to imitate the movement of certain animals for example monkey. Then comes the third course which consists of movement of eyes, eyebrows, eyeballs, cheek, neck, lips and other accessories of the body employed for the expression of different emotions.  This strenuous practise make the actors eye obedient to his mind

In the final stage of training, the pupil is taught the formation of mudras and their use. Movement in keeping with thala are also taught. In takes the whole child hood of a pupil to learn this course of training.

When a pupil proves his skill in gestures, he is presented in a Kathakali performance. The minimum period of practise is six years and every year during the monsoon (June to August) he has to undergo and elaborate massage. The whole process is repeated for a lifetime