Shaji K John, a professional Kalaripayattu instructor, is a student of Shri E P Vasudevan Gurukkal, Kerala. Trained in the traditional Kalaripayattu of the northern style for nearly 10 years, Shaji joined the Contemporary Dancer-Choreographer Chandralekha under the instruction of Gurukkal. Shaji won the District Championship during the years 1986 to 1991 and the State Championship during the years 1988 to 1989 in Kerala.

Shaji has performed in major productions of Chandralekha since 1986. He has traveled extensively the world over, including US, Japan, Singapore, London, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Austria, Holland, France, Germany, Reunion, etc and has also conducted Kalaripayattu interactive workshops as part of international cultural exchange programme. Shaji is a recipient of Theater Communications Group International Fellowship and is an artist in residence with Pangea World Theater, Minneapolis, U.S.

Shaji started regular Kalaripayattu classes in Chennai in 1998 and since then has been conducting regular classes in various parts of Chennai. The Kalari massage Chikilsa, a part of Kalaripayattu, is used for various treatment combined with Ayurvedic medicines. Shaji treats people with such ailments.

Shaji can be contacted at 9840031043 or at shajikalari@gmail.com.