Sheikh Ira

Self-defence basically means possessing the skill or knowledge that can protect one from physical harm by assailant/s. If you Google the word self-defence, this is what will appear on your screen: it is a countermeasure that involves defending the health and well-being of oneself from harm. Various forms of martial arts used for self-defence like karate, judo, taekwondo and kickboxing are popular. Studying different types of martial arts for self-defence not only enhances a person’s capability to remain safe in potentially dangerous situations, but these unarmed combat methods have become a part of many people’s lifestyle. Many have taken up martial arts as sports, and won medals and accolades for the country. Learning self-defence skills helps to build self-confidence, changes the way we think and move, and of course, keeps us physically fit. Getting mugged, or even physically assaulted, is common in most society and ours is no exception. Of course, there are police and other law-enforcement agencies, and they do and will continue to carry out their duties. Regardless of that, why not have a set of skills which can easily prove to be crucial in times of need? This week, Y&I spoke to some experts and students who are associated with different martial arts.    

Irtifa Ali

Being a very free-spirited independent woman, I have always believed that it is our primary duty to ensure our own safety. If we have adequate knowledge about self-defence moves and techniques, we can at least do something when a dangerous situation arises. When I trained in London in pilates and yoga, I also took kickboxing lessons, and there I learned many useful techniques which can be used for self-defence. Different jabs, hooks, and punches in different places can cause sufficient damage and buy you time to run for help. In Kyokushin Karate at KO Fight Studio, I have learned many moves and techniques to render an opponent weak or injured. Many women have a tendency to think that one needs to be super strong and muscular to win over an adversary, but nothing can be further from the truth. Self-defence is more about technique than power. Most important factor is to keep your head calm and make a strategy. Look around the environment and see what you can use as a weapon. If it is possible to run away from the adversary, then just run. This way, you will decrease the adversary’s stamina which can become your greatest asset if you have to fight him/ her later on. As a woman of the 21st century, I deeply encourage everyone to join self-defence workshops run by professionally qualified instructors.

Sameeha Rahman

I was 14-years-old when I first started practicing taekwondo at the Women Sports Complex in Dhanmondi. Later, I contacted the Bangladesh Taekwondo Federation. After training there for three years I participated in a number of competitions and earned my black belt. In the National Korean Cup, I won a gold medal. Although I do not practice regularly anymore, the skills I have learned will always help me in my life. It has made me physically and mentally stronger and given me the confidence to approach life with a positive outlook.

Shumona Sharmin Sharma

I started learning karate while I was studying at the Asian University for Women. I did not like it in the beginning, but slowly I found out about its benefits. I came to understand that by learning karate for self-defence helped me in a number of ways. I do not get scared even if I have to go out at night. Let me share a story. One day I was walking down the street with a crowd around me, suddenly a person tried to physically harass me. I quickly understood what was going on and caught the person using my karate skills. That person fell to his knees and was completely surprised. He later apologised in front of the crowd, but had I not known how to protect myself I could not have done anything. We have to understand one thing, there are some people out there who like to harass others; they are nothing but bullies and bullies can do very little against skill and confidence. I would suggest to everyone to learn some self-defence skills as it will only make you a better and a stronger person.

Reaz Ahmed

I have been practicing karate since I was four-years-old. It was my father who encouraged me. Karate is a part of my life. I have just completed my graduation and due to my studies, I was not able to continue the practice every day. So I made a plan to practise karate from time to time, to make sure my skills remain sharp, and I went to the gym also. This ensured that I remained physical fit. Although I know karate, I never had to use it for self-defence. I would like to add one thing _ even if you are an expert in martial arts and the attackers have weapons, try not to engage. We have to remember self-defence means to protect yourself from getting hurt, not engaging in combat.   

Main Uddin Ahmed

I was 40 years old when I first started practicing karate. In the beginning, it was hard but one day my trainer came to me and said: “You have patience, so continue practising”. After four and a half years, I earned my black belt. Through the colour of the belt, one’s skill is measured. In karate, there are four colours _ white, green, orange and black. There are many styles of karate, but only four are universally recognised. Knowing self-defence techniques is extremely important. I am also associated with the Bangladesh Karate-Do, where I serve as an adviser. Every day, new students come there to learn martial arts. I have seen that those who learn karate and continue the practice lead a disciplined life. I would urge young people to learn different self-defence skills, for example, learning karate does not cost much and it will help you for the rest of your life. From my point of view, karate mixed with judo can be very good self-defence technique.       
Mahmudul Islam Rana

Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art turned into an international sport. It is a modern version of martial arts. In 1996, I became the general secretary of the Bangladesh Taekwondo Federation. Taekwondo started its journey in our country more than a decade ago, but in this short time, it has become quite popular. At Dhaka University, Chittagong University, Jahangirnagar University and in some well-known schools and colleges we organise regular workshops. Anyone from the age of six to eighty can learn taekwondo. From the technological point of view, we collect all the data of our students. Anyone can contact us through our website and we always try to reply back to them as soon as possible. Through taekwondo, we not only teach self-defence, but we also try to create a better environment for the students. Those who learn taekwondo gain physical and psychological fitness. Those who regularly practice do not engage in anything that is harmful to them or to the society.

Sheikh Ali Ahasan Badal

I took the responsibility of general secretary of the Bangladesh Karate Federation in 2010. In 2012, I won the black belt ‘7th dan’. When it comes to self-defence, karate is one of the best possible martial arts out there. Karate teaches you how to protect yourself. To perform better in karate you need to have a fit body, and to have a fit body you cannot smoke. If you smoke then you won’t be able to hold your breath for long, thus you cannot become a good karate practitioner. All those who practice with us do not smoke. Every year we arrange different competitions from which we chose talented players. In the 2010 South Asian Games, we won 4 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals, and it is something we should be proud of. However, due to insufficient funds and lack of media coverage, we remain out of the limelight for most of the time. Karate teaches how to have control over yourself, how to be smart and quick at the same time. Self-defence is what karate teaches. Right now we conduct regular workshops in Dhaka University and we want to spread this beautiful art of self-defence to other educational institutions as well.   

Nayanayana Chowdhury

I have been involved with judo and karate for a long time now. It was my mother who inspired me and made sure that I continue my practice. In the 3rd Japan Judo Championship in 1984, I became the champion. In 2007, karate and judo courses were officially included in the Physical Education Centre of Dhaka University. And since then, I am working there as in-charge of both karate and judo. Now, for both men and women having self-defence skills is extremely important, especially for girls. In our karate and judo classes, we teach our students how to tackle different situations in different ways. Besides Dhaka University, karate and judo classes are conducted regularly at AUST, BUET and University of Chittagong. When it comes to judo, there is no age limit, anyone from the age of five can start practicing. There are different types of martial arts and I think karate is extremely effective for self-defence.   n