“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.

... contd.