Fitness training gives way to martial arts

Posted online: Sunday, December 05, 2004 at 0000 hours IST

Sometime back, 80 women employees at the Oberoi underwent training in Krav-Maga, an Israeli martial art form. Says Nidhi Chauhan, director, HR, The Oberoi,” This technique highlights the aspect of self-defence and also stresses on physical fitness and personality development.” Ms Chauhan also underwent the training. “After undergoing the course, I am able to cope with work pressure much better.”

Krav-Maga forms an important component of the armed forces training in Israel. Says Commander Avi Moyal, director and senior instructor, International Krav-Maga Federation, Israel, “This technique focuses more on confrontation rather than shooting. For example, women are faced with adverse situations every day. They get pushed around, jostled and eve-teased when they board a bus or train. Krav-Maga helps women get out of such situations. It helps them to remain calm and be self-confident.”Mr Moyal has protected Michael Jackson and Madonna. He has also developed a special pepper spray for situations where weapons can’t be used! Mr Moyal has also taught self-defence courses to the prime minister’s office staff in Israel.

Martial arts expert Vicky Kapoor recently opened one such fitness centre in Saket, New Delhi. Mr Kapoor is an official representative of the International Krav-Maga Federation in India. Over the last one year, Mr Kapoor has conducted several Krav-Maga training sessions for women from all walks of life.

“Delhi is becoming the crime capital of the country. It is necessary for women to know some form of self-defence techniques,” he remarks. Krav-Maga can also be a stress buster for harried corporate executives. “This form of exercise helps take out aggression and frustration that one experiences during work hours. Apart from physical well being, Krav-Maga also helps in building self confidence,” he adds.

The fitness centre in New Delhi will focus on workouts minus gym equipment. The studio will offer workouts and exercise programmes on Krav-Maga, kick boxing and karate among others. The charges for Krav-Maga are Rs 1,400 per month (12 classes).

Advocates claim martial arts as a therapeutic form of exercise. It lays emphasis on strength and performance. Music, dance and acrobat techniques combined with martial arts occupy an important place in Chinese theatre. Thanks to Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, martial arts is finding a lot of takers across the world.

Martial arts can be useful in real fight situations as intense mental control is a key requirement. Tai chi or shadow boxing is very popular with the elderly in Hong Kong. Shadow boxing is also popular with tourists who find it an excellent means of relaxation. Tai chi is usually performed at dawn in parks or gardens. In Hong Kong, Victoria Park is a popular venue for Tai chi workouts.

Martial arts unveiled

The Oriental way of life revolves around balance and harmony. There are more than a 100 styles in martial arts. Traditional Chinese theories of natural science and religion along with symbols have been incorporated into Chinese martial arts, extending its scope beyond military and self-defence purposes.

• Self-defence/professional: This category is limited in focus. There is a use of force to resolve a violent situation and this includes styles like Krav-Maga. The training may range from a weekend combat course for the general public to a close quarter combat.

• Tournament/sports: Martial art styles like taekwondo are demanding and challenging and require great dedication and intensive practice.

Kick boxing on the other hand, combines elements of boxing, martial arts and aerobics which help in physical conditioning and toning. It is a safe and injury free workout and comes in very handy during emergencies.

• Spiritual/health: These are gentler forms of martial art forms that focus on developing inner peace and harmony. Tai chi, Ba-qua and Hsing-i are some of the more popular ones. Perfection is of utmost importance here. At times, it may take years to perfect this art form.

Tai chi is an ancient form of exercise in slow motion. Twenty minutes of Tai chi every morning will leave your refreshed. It helps balance the yin and the yang.

—Reported by Aparna Ramalingam

Source: Financial Express