In Kalarippayattu, the traditional martial art if Kerala, fight using long sticks known as Kettukari is an important item. This long, smooth cane is one among the first weapons to be learnt in Kalarippayattu.

The stick has to be held with both the hands. Pantheeran, Sareera Vadi etc. are some other canes with differences in length. There are twelve adavus (tactics) in the fight using canes. Kalarippayattu is widely practiced by women and children now.

Flexibility of the body of the trainee is one of the most influential factors in Kalarippayattu training. In the scene from CVN Kalari, Thiruvananthapuram the little girl seems to say it all about the training.