As a child, Sanya Modak was shy, meek and submissive never daring to look into your eyes as she spoke. Today, the 20-year-old is a transformed young woman, not only taking in the confidently but also quite ready to respond with a well-aimed kick or a punch if you mess with her.

A resident of a sprawling slum in Bandra, Sanya’s life changed when the National School of Combat Art (NSCA) visited the Anjuman-e-Islam school where she studied, and offered the girls classes in martial arts. For many others in the school too, this was a ticket to a new and improved self, a confidence makeover.

NSCA is an institute teaching martial arts to young kids, especially girls from underprivileged sections. Significantly, most of its patrons are from the Muslim community.

Completing 25 years this year, the institute is run by a feisty 42-year-old, Radhika Sheikh. “Women cutting across all barriers of caste and community are a vulnerable lot. But, after the riots, many innocent Muslim women were harassed. They became unnecessary victims. My late husband Arif Sheikh and I were irked by this, we wanted to do something for these young women,” says Radhika.

They started their first branch in Nagpada. After advertising in Urdu newspapers, the duo tied up with Anjuman-e-Islam schools dotting the city and soon, their movement started flourishing.Today, the institute has branches all across the country from Mizoram to Kerala to Bangalore.

“The institute is actually my late husband’s idea. He himself was an accomplished martial arts trainer. He was deeply disturbed to find women going into a shell stemming from the fear of riots,” says Radhika. “Initially, we had a tough time convincing parents to send their girls. But later they saw that the classes are held in the safe grounds of schools and conducted by women instructors, so their inhibitions dulled. More and more school principals from Anjuman-e-Islam schools started inviting us.”

The institute charges a nominal sum of Rs 10 per month per student and teaches various aspects of martial arts, from karate and kick-boxing to stick-fighting and punching. Radhika says the art is collectively called Eskrima Kali Arnis, a popular martial arts system that has its origins in the Philippines. “Mere karate is not enough; we need to teach girls how to react in any unguarded situation. Also, they need to be taught how everyday articles like books, a pen or a hairbrush can be used to protect themselves, Eskrima does that,” says Radhika.

Several of Radhika’s students have gone on to become instructors grooming younger batches of girls. “Learning self-defence boosts your confidence immensely. This is especially true for girls coming from slum pockets who are as it is a deprived lot and hence have less confidence. Also, today Mumbai is no longer safe for women. Self-defence is the only solution,” says Sanya.

She herself joined NSCA in her fifth grade and thanks the institute for helping her to get rid of her meekness. “Once, when I was in Class VII, a guy would regularly stalk me. It would become a pain to get out in the morning and see him following me. One day when the opportunity struck, I kicked him in the groin. That was the end of the episode. It taught me I don’t have to take any nuisance from anybody,” she says.

Sanya today juggles her college and works as a trainer and counselor at the institute.

“We do face some reluctance among parents. But thankfully today the problem is reducing, more and more people are realizing the importance of self-defence,” she adds.

The NSCA has also tied up with several corporate houses and call centers to train female employees. “With gender violence rising in the city, more and more corporate houses and call centers are waking up to the need to train their female employees. We are only too happy,” smiles Radhika, as she gears up for another round of punches, kicks and stick-fighting.