Every decision we make daily is related to our ultimate goal of achieving a safer and more secure future for ourselves. Whether it is choosing a healthier lifestyle, planning our finances and savings, learning new things, sharpening our skills, or building a supportive social circle -- technically, these are all investments in our future selves. In that sense, learning self-defence can also be seen as an investment.
It is a combination of awareness, assertiveness, verbal confrontational skills, safety strategies, and physical techniques that enable someone to escape, resist, and survive violent attacks successfully. Situational awareness, the ability to identify, process, and act in real-time, gives a person the ability to make life-saving decisions.
For instance, martial arts provide practical techniques and strategies for self-defence. It prepares one for any potentially dangerous situations. It improves strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and overall physical fitness. Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, Taekwondo and Krav Maga are a few popular forms of martial arts in our country.
Self-defence training at a young age can develop genuine confidence backed by mental and physical capability. It creates mental resilience in young minds, which remarkably affects their lives later on. It empowers people to protect themselves when faced with threats or dangerous situations. It creates confidence and self-assurance; knowing they can protect themselves if necessary can make individuals feel safer and less worried in any situation.
Self-defence does not promote violence. Conflict de-escalation is a non-violent communication technique. It shows how to handle conflicts calmly and assertively, which can prevent potential violence.
About martial arts as a self-defence technique, Shams Tareq, a third-year National University student from Narayanganj, said, "As beneficial for your physical health as it is, personal safety was one of the major reasons for pursuing karate. Streets are not safe these days; hijacking and other crime rates are increasing. Since I learned karate, I feel more confident that I can tackle any unexpected situation." Not only his own protection but learning self-defence can also ensure others' protection, as he said, "We frequently see reports about girls being teased and the girl's father, brother, or guardian being harassed for protesting it. This is one of the reasons I chose to build my physical strength. I want to be able to protect any woman in such situations."
We are all well aware of women's safety issues in public places. It is hard to find a single woman who, while travelling alone for a while, hasn't had an unpleasant experience.
According to an Action Aid study, approximately 90 per cent of women and girls aged 10 to 18 have experienced sexual harassment or violence, including unwanted physical contact, in public places such as streets, markets, public transportation, and other public places. Verbal abuse, staring, deliberate touching, groping sexual comments, bad touching, or stalking are a few commonly faced challenges.
Proma Mondol, a second-year student at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) shared her experience: "As my hometown is Bogura, I have to frequently travel from Bogura to Rajshahi on the bus. Once it was rush hour and the bus was packed with people, and a guy stood right beside my seat, and he was intentionally rubbing his feet against mine. When I was sure that it wasn't an accidental touch, I spoke up and told him to stop and stand somewhere else. Other passengers were considerate about it, and they made him go away."
Verbal protest is also a form of self-defence that does not require physical skills. Effective communication and standing up for one's rights are essential tools for personal safety. Youths can easily remove potential threats by speaking assertively, voicing objections, and setting boundaries. Non-lethal self-defence tools like stun guns and pepper spray can enhance personal safety and help people protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
A whistle is a simple and effective self-defence tool. Carrying a bright flashlight can temporarily blind an attacker, and it gives you a chance to escape or defend yourself. A self-defence keychain that turns into a spike can also be useful. Many of these items are available for purchase in Bangladesh now. Smartphone applications specifically designed for personal safety that allows users to alert emergency contacts or authorities in case of danger quickly are another useful tool everyone should have.
One cannot avoid encountering unexpected situations that may result in physical or mental harm. One can, however, prepare for such conditions. Self-defence education can provide youths with skills that can help them deal with unpleasant moments.
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Why learning self-defence should be encouraged
ASMA-UL-HUSNA | Published: August 02, 2023 21:25:15
Why learning self-defence should be encouraged
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