Students get a taste of Israeli martial art

In the wake of the increasing atrocities against women and girls in the country in recent years, Vasavya Mahila Mandali (VMM), in association with Dr NTR University of Health Sciences, organised an innovative programme to train women students in self-defence. More than 150 students from various medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana took part in the programme conducted by Fitcomb business head and chief instructor Dipti Shanker, in the city on Tuesday.

Speaking about the programme Dipti Shanker said, “The self-defence course makes women bold besides enhancing their confidence level as they can better defend themselves in case of an attack. Self-defence is not just a martial art. It is perhaps a basic requirement for every young girl and woman to successfully defend themselves in case of an attack. It does not require years of rigorous practice. A few simple techniques help women better safeguard themselves.”

As part of the self-defence training programme, students are being taught Krav Maga, a martial art form developed by Israeli defence forces which revolves around the idea of how one can overcome the enemy who is much stronger. It is especially suited for young girls and women as they are generally frail compared to the well-built attackers in most sexual assault cases.

Tips and tricks are also bring taught to young girls as part of the programme to better protect themselves in a critical situation through demonstrations as well as case study of sexual assaults.

“We are keen on educating women and girls on emergency preparedness and first-aid. Parents should develop a good rapport with their daughters and create a confidence among them to overcome difficult situations in the daily life. This will help end gender discrimination and sexual harassment at workplaces,” Dipti added.

“I had a little fear to repulse the comments made by eve-teasers while going on the road. After undergoing training in self-defence, I am bold and confident now that I can better protect myself in case of an attack,” said M Sravanthi, a second year BAMS student.

Vasavya Mahila Mandali president and former MP Chennupati Vidya said, “The main aim of conducting the self-defence training programme for girls is to boost their confidence level and make them bold enough to better protect themselves from harassment on streets and at workplace.”

NTR Health University NSS coordinator Dr KS Karuna Murthy said that two NSS students from each college underwent training in self-defence at the programme. The trained students would teach the self-defence techniques to the rest of students of their college.

“In the coming days, we are planning to hold regular training programmes in self-defence as a measure to make girl students able enough to protect themselves,” he added.