Hyderabad: Although most women have never showed much interest in learning any form of martial arts for self-defence techniques, the Disha gang-rape and murder that shook the nation has forced a change of mindset.
Today, learning self-defence techniques and getting trained in the martial arts like karate is a priority for many women, both in urban and rural.
Martial arts instructors from Hyderabad are reportedly being flooded with calls from women, including college girls, to take them on board.
Many are willing to join classes over the weekends.
On their part, the Cyberabad, Rachakonda and Hyderabad police commissionerates are organising special drives in school, colleges, and other institutions to urge women to learn self-defence techniques.
Dr G.S. Gopal Reddy, who has 14 world records in martial arts, has started training sessions at the Madapati Hanumantha Rao School in Narayanguda. He says that women of every age group are keen to enroll themselves.
Cyberabad DCP SHE Team in-charge C. Anusuya said, “we conduct special sessions for the IT sector. The number of sessions, and women’s enrolment, have increased after the Disha incident. When girls become capable of defending themselves and fend off physical assaults, it changes the mindset of people and promotes gender equality.”
Malleswari, a Class 12 student said, “When I first saw the horrific incident on TV channels, I began thinking of my safety I now believe that self-defence skills are something every woman must have.”
Radhika, pursuing an undergraduate degree said, “when something wrong happens, we find we are not equipped adequately to defend ourselves or to avert an assault. I felt karate is something that will protect me without any weapon. I schedule my time everyday for karate after my classes.”
Two other college students, Priya Diya and Anuroopa, are among the many who have decided to take self-defence courses. It is not just students showing an inclination to learn karate. A 47-year-old doctor who is also on the same path, said, “I have been attending classes for the last two years. It’s always frightening to go out late in the evenings, especially because I need to attend meetings. I learnt about pressure points and other techniques that are basic and simple to practice. This has bolstered my confidence. I wish every woman learns it because we don’t know when an incident occurs and in what form. This technique will help us be prepared.”
Saujanya, a college student, told Deccan Chronicle, “we are targeted when we least expected it. It has been almost 18 months since I began learning karate. Seeing the way I am shaping up, I now get my friends to learn self-defence techniques.”
Meanwhile, pepper sprays have also emerged as a secret weapon for many women.
