Sometimes, all you need to protect yourself is a sharp pencil or pen, says Shihan Hussaini, president All India Isshinryu Karate Association. Aim for his eyes or neck. That, and a kerchief laced with chilli powder, can help buy time when under attack, says the ace martial arts instructor.
Hussaini has conducted nearly 500 self-defence capsules for institutions and the general public. “Every creature in the world has an inherent capacity to defend itself, and there’s little reason why humans must not learn how to keep themselves safe,” he says.
Experts have been speaking about the importance of self-defence for long. But they say that the interest peaks every time there is a ghastly incident, and then dies down.
Hussaini says that people don’t have to spend years learning the martial arts. “Just a single session of four to six hours can empower you to tackle opponents.”
“Sexual violence is just one of the threats faced by women. It is important to raise ‘good’ boys, but as important to equip girls to deal with a changing world,” he says.
Tai chi expert Sonika Vikraman says the response to self-defence courses in Coimbatore is abysmal. “People just don’t take it seriously,” she laments.
Sonika says that, ideally, people must learn self-defence over the weekends for some months, and follow it up with regular refresher courses. “A crash course just won’t do. People tend to forget techniques. Regular practice is vital to improve reflexes and reaction time,” she states.
Also, with training, women will learn how to cope with an attacker when in a sari or while wearing heels. “Most importantly, they will learn to become more aware of their surroundings,” she says. Hussaini says that if women empowered themselves with self-defence techniques, that in itself will prove a great deterrent against crime.
Shihan Hussaini visits Coimbatore every Thursday. He conducts self-defence classes for free. Call him at 98416-18386. Sonika conducts free demo sessions on self-defence. For details, call: 98431-32079
