Strength in Motion, One Step at a Time!!
Today marked an exciting beginning — the first Dfend session for the students of Class 9 and 10 at Shree Bal Vinay Mandir School. The energy on the ground was palpable. Unlike older students who might approach with hesitation, these young learners welcomed the session with a mix of curiosity, eagerness, and a hint of nervous excitement.
As I observed, their eyes reflected questions unspoken — What is self-defence really about? Can I do it? Will it be difficult? There was a spark in them that went beyond curiosity — a readiness to learn, to grow, and to face challenges with awareness.
We began with warm-ups and basic stretches, slowly moving towards foundational self-defence drills. At first, laughter and playful chatter floated through the air, but gradually, a sense of focus and determination settled in. Each stance, each movement, was practiced with increasing seriousness and intent. Within moments, hesitant students transformed into participants taking ownership of their own safety.
Midway through the session, I asked, “Why do you think we are doing this?”
One student answered quietly but firmly, “So that we can protect ourselves and feel confident.” That line captured the spirit of the day — awareness, courage, and responsibility.
We ended with a reflection on everyday safety habits: being mindful of surroundings, staying prepared, speaking up when something feels wrong, and nurturing confidence alongside physical techniques. By the end, students made a simple promise to practice at least one technique daily — a small yet meaningful step toward empowerment.
“A Spark That Will Grow”
As I walked away, the image of determined faces stayed with me. This session was more than a lesson; it was the planting of seeds — seeds of self-belief, awareness, and courage. For Class 9 and 10, this journey has begun, and I am excited to see these young students grow stronger, bolder, and unafraid in the days ahead.