Learning self-defence this Dasara

Mysore Dasara-2014 gave a perfect platform for a group of college women to learn the art of self-defence.

As part of Mahila Dasara, a weeklong training is being conducted to equip the women with skills to defend themselves. Karate experts from various institutions have been teaching self-defence classes at J.K. Grounds, the venue of Mahila Dasara, since the beginning of the festivities.

Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha, Dasara Special Officer, suggested conducting self-defence classes to women.

“Today, self-protection skills have become essential for women. She needs to know how to defend herself in case of an attack,” Ms. Shikha told

The Hindu .

She added, “This Dasara, we are holding events for women on the theme of Veerangani to spread awareness on the safety of women.”

Speaking to

The Hindu , Mysore Karate Schools’ Association president M. Mahadevaswamy said these skills were essential for women today. “The training has been designed to pass on essential skills in one week,” he opined.

He said there are about 15 institutions teaching karate in Mysore which are members of the association. A member from each institute had been roped in to train the participants. The participants will be given certificates at the end of training, he added.

Mr. Mahadevaswamy said the association would volunteer to give advance training to interested participants after Dasara. They need at least two years to achieve mastery in self-defence, he said.