For the last eight months, Khaire, a second-degree black belt, has trained at least 500 women to resist men who attack them on trains, buses and on the streets. ``The idea is to escape after wounding or disorienting your attacker and not to keep on fighting as depicted in movies. After the Jayabala Asher incident and growing cases of violence against women, we thought it was necessary to encourage women of all ages to learn to defend themselves,'' says Khaire, who has beenconducting the self-defence classes in association with the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA).

``A violent mind will seek out an easy target, someone who is physically weaker. But remember, your body is the best weapon you have,'' he tells a 12-year-old girl enjoying herself hitting back at one of Khaire's students. ``If you don't have a pen or a comb, use your nails, teeth, elbow, knee or your feet to kick and attack your enemy.''

It is important to know where exactly to strike your enemy -- it can be anywhere from the top of the head, bridge of the nose, temples, under the nose, adam's apple to the stomach, groin, knee and shin. ``It does not matter if your attacker is a big man as long as you can hit any of these spots. The temples are so sensitive that when hit it can unbalance you or even lead to loss of eyesight. When hit on the philtrum or under the nose, the nose can start bleeding. You can even pinch on the inner arms,'' he explains when one of the women says she would like to onlyinjure and not kill her opponent.

But can a woman remember any of these tips when actually attacked? Says Khaire, ``If you keep on practising, it becomes second nature. The idea is also to make her confident so that she can venture out alone. There are several women who will not leave home without an escort even if it is a five-year-old boy. This is because of the constant fear in their minds. Fear can have two effects. When negative, you will panic or even freeze; when positive, it will make you more powerful and alert.''

Haleema Syed, a working woman and a victim of domestic violence, says men are scared when they know that their women at home will strike back if abused. ``It instills fear in their minds. Even if you scream aloud, it makes a lot of difference. I would recommend this class even for housewives.''

Khaire is also planning to write a book listing precautions women should take while travelling on trains. ``They should avoid boarding ladies' compartments late in the night or sit with theirback towards the door. They must also use their pallus or dupattas to cover their jewellery.''