International Women’s Day Special: Lets pledge to make women capable of truly taking care of themselves

New Delhi, March 8: Women’s day brings an opportunity to celebrate the strength of women! The progress quotient of any society is determined by the health and happiness levels of their women. The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is Courage. Courage comes from the confidence in one capability, independence and to defend one’s self in every situation.

Women in today’s times must realize that investing in one’s mental, emotional and physical health is the most important investment says Sumit K Virman- founder of Kaishogun Martial Arts Sports Academy. Sumit is a renowned Martial Arts trainer from the last two decades. He emphasises the importance of Self-defense training which inculcates discipline, strength and confidence to fight challenges both outside and inside like fears and self-doubts.

International Women’s Day is also an occasion to rethink the challenge of women’s safety. Looking at the rising crime rates ladies must know how they can stay safe. Self-defence techniques play a huge role here. A women must feel confident and safe going to market place, staying home alone, going to work place, going to an unfamiliar place, waiting in a lonely place for bus and cabs, walking in dark and shady areas. A woman who is well-trained through martial arts can protect herself from any harm in any situation as she feels strong and confident.

Sensei Sumit appeals to all the Parents to enroll their daughters for self-defence training – ‘Government should give more CSR fund to NGOs who trains women on self-defence. All educational institutions should adopt martial art for self-defence as a part of their curriculum. Government should make martial art training as compulsory for women’.

After all, the other side of fear is freedom.

“Fearlessness is like a muscle. I know from my own life that the more I exercise it the more natural it becomes to not let my fears run me,” are the sentiment echoed by Kiyra.

All women must realise that the responsibility for their safety lies in their own hands. Sensei Sumit recommends joining a self-defence class, exercising regularly, and keeping oneself motivated will help them to tackle any situations effectively.

‘Women find lots of advice of carrying pepper spray, chilli powder packet etc. with them while travelling alone. These are often impractical and unreliable ways. But if women learn martial-arts they will be able to combat any assailant with ease.  It is very crucial to remember that when women are confident and they can make society strong,” says Nishta Dhoot, black belt in Karate.

Sensei Sumit advises, “Just like parents collect jewellery to secure their daughter’s future they must insist on training their daughter in self-defence.”

On this occasion of Women’s Day, lets pledge to make women capable of truly taking care of themselves!