Established in 1955, the CVN Kalari, at Nadakkavu, is a well-known institute for training in Kalaripayattu, the unique martial art of Kerala. Kalarippayattu fighters wear no armour and fight with a selection of weapons like poles, spears, daggers, swords and shields and even a long springy whip like sword called Urumi . This martial art form has its own system of medicine to treat various injuries, fractures and sprains.