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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.

The Power of Replication

Sunday lunch – after a long time we went for lunch together to our favorite South Indian place – Banana Leaf. It’s placed in a mall – primarily to serve the malls footfalls. We’re probably one of the rare visitors who go through all the trouble of parking and walking up two flights of stairs, only for the 45-min of tasteful bliss.

I have been asking my father for more than 10 years – this place is always full, and has such a great fan-following, why do they not start a few more locations. And my father would always give the same reply: perhaps because the owners are not confident of being able to replicate the success. We’ll discuss a bit about what replication of success means – is it the infrastructure ? or the food preparation process ? the chef or his team ? the ingradients ? the servers ? quality control ?

Last week’s successful program at Bal Vinay Mandir popped up into my mind – will Dfend be limited only to Indore? Or only to my interest / passion? What would happen when I leave for pursuing my under-grad next year ? If the Program starts working out in Indore, then can we not ‘replicate’ this in other parts of India?

Lots of questions, very few answers today. But, as of today, I’m adding another ‘aspirational’ section on the website – to seek other like-minded people like me (regardless of age, gender, stage, location) – who would like to partner with us to ‘replicate’ Dfend and multiply the impact in the society.

19 Sep 2024. This was the day when I appeared for my Black Belt exam.
I was a bit nervous, because for some reason I felt less prepared than I like to be.
The last 2 years have had too many changes, too many ups-and-downs, and I barely got a chance to learn and practice my katas in the last few months.
My last Karate exam was just after covid, in 2022. 2023 went by quickly with didi preparing to move to the US for her under-grad, and I entered my 10th – when the real pressure for Board exams start. The first few months of 2024 went in preparing for my life’s biggest national level exams till date. And the day after the exams – I had to move to a new school – and new curriculum, from CBSE to IGCSE.
But that’s when I decided to rejoin my Karate classes and complete the dream I had been carrying for 7 years – to complete my Black Belt.
It was not easy – and managing time was the biggest challenge. My new school was so much further away, and the subjects I chose at school were not easy. The study pattern was completely new to me – but I was determined to keep practising Karate every single day – relentlessly, till I cleared my test.

And so the big day was here – 19th Sep, just a day before my grand-pa’s birthday.

Exams are always held at Nehru Stadium…
First the green belt…
Finally I delivered on my kata flawlessly.

Independence Day, and what it means for Dfend

(“Insert the image of Tagore and the poem”
Where the mind is without fear, and the head is held high.
“But girls have a constant fear, whether they say it aloud or not. They are always fearful about what may happen to them. True independence means true freedom from this fear”

Where knowledge is free. Can we make this core skill/knowledge freely available to everyone in the country.

Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way in the dreary desert sand of dead habits. Giving girls the tools to be independent, confident and self-reliant – isn’t it so logical ? Why has our education system stuck in its old habits, and not made this a core part of its delivery to the society?

From Hesitation to Fearless Action 🌟

The final session with the girls of Classes 11 and 12 was alive with energy and determination. Unlike previous days, we practiced on the ground, giving everyone space to move freely, experiment with techniques, and truly build confidence. The wide open space allowed each girl to test her skills without hesitation, and the transformation was visible in every step.

We revisited all the moves — palm strikes, punches, kicks, wrist escapes, back holds, and quick defensive maneuvers — reinforcing alertness, quick thinking, and self-belief. I also emphasized how ordinary objects around them can be tools for safety:

• A notebook or textbook can act as a shield.
• Earphones or cords can help create distance by swinging or tying.
• A pair of sunglasses can be thrown or used to block an attacker’s vision.
• Pebbles or small sticks from the ground can distract someone threatening.
• Scarves or dupattas can create space, distract, or help in escape.

A special highlight of the session was a student who demonstrated her Sastra Kala with precision and grace. Her confidence and skill captivated everyone, inspiring the other girls to push themselves further, believe in their own strength, and embrace their potential. It was a vivid reminder of how courage can spark confidence in others.

As the girls practiced, hesitation melted away. Each movement, each strike, each quick escape reflected the growth they had achieved over the sessions. Confidence replaced fear, and determination shone in their eyes.

At the end of the session, I reminded them:
“Today may be our last day of training together, but it’s only the beginning of your journey. Carry these skills, awareness, and courage wherever you go. Remember — you are stronger than you think, and you have the power to act when it matters most.”

Walking away, I noticed faces glowing with confidence. The timid steps from the first day had transformed into bold, fearless strides. The journey from doubt to decisive action was complete — the girls were ready to face the world with strength, awareness, and courage.

Protect Yourself 💪

As the session began, I asked the girls a simple yet important question:
“If someone suddenly tries to grab you from behind, do you know how to respond?”

Some answers came quickly —
“I will scream,” said one.
“I will push and run,” added another.
A few stayed silent, unsure of what to do. That silence spoke volumes.

Today’s focus was clear — not just awareness, but how to act when someone grabs you from behind. I guided them on practical ways to protect themselves and escape safely:

• Heel Stomp & Elbow Push: If grabbed from behind, stamp your heel firmly and use your elbow to create space.
• Palm Strike & Knee Lift: Quick, strong strikes to break a hold.
• Target Sensitive Points: Press into weaker areas like underarms, stomach, or thighs to weaken the attacker’s grip and free yourself immediately.
• Thumb-to-Thumb Wrist Release: If someone grabs your hand, align your thumb with theirs and release your hand smoothly.

We practised each step carefully — not to attack, but to escape with presence of mind. Slowly, hesitation turned into confidence, and every move became sharper and stronger.

During our interaction, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that some girls from Class 11 and 12 had already trained in “Shastra Kala“ — the traditional art of self-protection. They shared how they could handle a stick (lathi), swing it with balance, and use different techniques passed down through generations. Listening to this gave me immense joy, because it showed how knowledge from our culture can empower today’s young girls. I humbly requested them to share these skills with their classmates, and with great enthusiasm, they agreed. The sparkle in their eyes made it clear — they were eager not just to learn, but also to teach.

By the end of the day, the promise these girls carried was bigger than just self-defence moves. It was about unity, about lifting each other up, and about transforming fear into a strength that spreads. Day 5 will be remembered not only for the techniques learned, but also for the spirit of sisterhood and the courage to pass on knowledge — a strength that can inspire many more tomorrow.

Embrace Your Strength: A Journey of Courage 🔥

The fourth day at Shree Bal Vinay Mandir began with excitement and readiness. The girls of Grades 11 and 12 arrived with determined eyes, ready to put their learning into action. Curiosity had now transformed into confidence and purpose.

We started with movement and stretching exercises to prepare both body and mind, emphasizing alertness and quick thinking. Today’s focus was on practical self-defense — knowing how to respond calmly and effectively in unexpected situations.

I shared simple ways to use everyday items as tools of safety:

• Scarf/Dupatta: Can create space, distract, or help them escape quickly.
• Hairpin/Safety Pin: Small objects that can be used to press or push, giving precious moments to break free.
• Dust/Sand: Throwing it into an attacker’s eyes can create a quick opportunity to run away.
• Voice: A loud, confident shout is their most powerful tool — it startles attackers and calls for help.
• Pen/Pencil: Can be used to jab or press sensitive points in emergencies.
• Notebook/Book: Can be swung or thrown to distract and create an opportunity to escape.

We also focused on mental preparedness — staying calm, trusting instincts, and making quick decisions. With every drill, hesitation turned into confident actions, and their faces reflected courage and determination.

I concluded with a simple reminder:
“This is the beginning of your journey. Carry your courage, trust your instincts, and remember — your mind, body, and voice are your strongest allies.”

The session ended with smiles, empowered spirits, and a newfound confidence that would stay with them long after the day. ✨

Empowerment Through Action, Confidence Through Awareness!!

Day 3 began with a palpable energy on the ground, where students gathered with a mix of curiosity and determination. Some faces reflected the confidence gained from previous sessions, while others carried a quiet eagerness to challenge themselves. Today, they were introduced to the Palm Strike, a simple yet effective self-defence technique designed to create space and ensure safety.

We began with dynamic warm-ups, letting their bodies stretch and focus, preparing for the practical drills ahead. The discussion on “Vulnerable vs. Strong Parts of the Body” brought moments of realization — students understood that even small, precise actions could make a significant impact in protecting themselves.

As we moved to practice, initial hesitations gradually gave way to determination. Step by step, students learned the technique: a firm stance, a sharp strike with the heel of the palm, and a safe step back to create distance. Laughter, encouragement, and quiet corrections filled the air, making the learning process engaging and supportive.

Scenario-based exercises added realism. Students took turns simulating potential encounters while applying the techniques with control and awareness. Each successful attempt built confidence, and the group’s collective energy amplified motivation and courage.

Before concluding, we discussed the :legal framework of self-defence under IPC,” emphasizing that these skills are meant solely for protection. Students nodded thoughtfully, understanding that true strength combines skill, awareness, and responsibility.

By the end of the session, transformation was visible. Postures were stronger, movements more deliberate, and a quiet confidence radiated from each student. Day 3 was more than mastering a technique — it was about discovering courage, control, and the mindful use of self-defence in real life.

Confidence in Every Step, Power in Every Move

The second session with the girls of Class 11 and 12 at Shree Bal Vinay Mandir was filled with energy and determination. The nervousness from Day 1 had vanished, replaced by curiosity and eagerness to learn. From the moment we gathered on the ground, their excitement was contagious.

We began with a quick check-in — “Did everyone hydrate well? Ready to try new moves?” Their cheerful responses set a lively tone and reminded everyone that small habits matter as much as training.

The session focused on stretching exercises to improve flexibility, defensive punches, and hand escape techniques. Each girl practiced with focus, repeating movements until they felt confident. The rhythm of coordinated practice built both strength and teamwork.

Mental readiness was also a key focus — staying alert, reading situations quickly, and thinking calmly under pressure. I reminded them that self-defence combines both strategy and physical skill.

By the end, even the quiet girls of yesterday stepped forward confidently, asking questions and demonstrating new techniques. Seeing their progress was truly inspiring.

Building Fearless Futures

Day 2 proved that consistent practice strengthens not just the body, but the mind and spirit. With courage and persistence, these girls are moving closer to confidence and empowerment, one step at a time.

“A New Chapter of Courage Begins “

The atmosphere at Shree Bal Vinay Mandir School carried a special kind of energy today. It was the very first step of our self-defence journey with the spirited girls of Class 11 and Class 12. Some faces glowed with eagerness, while others carried traces of doubt — yet all of them stood together, ready to discover what this new experience might bring.

As they assembled, there was a ripple of quiet conversation, but also an undercurrent of anticipation. No one knew exactly how the day would unfold. That very curiosity became our starting point.

I welcomed them warmly and shared why Dfend had come here. Self-defence, I explained, is not just about learning techniques to fight back — it is about being alert, making quick decisions, and building the confidence to protect oneself when it matters most. More than a practice of the body, it is also a practice of the mind.

We began with simple stretches and breathing exercises. Slowly, hesitation gave way to focus. With each movement, the group grew more synchronized, their laughter blending with determination. For some, even the warm-up felt intense — muscles unused to stretching began to complain — but I reminded them that strength always begins with small, steady steps.

After the physical practice, we shifted to an equally important conversation: taking care of one’s body through proper nutrition and hydration. Many admitted that they sometimes arrived at school without water bottles, or skipped their morning meal. Together, we talked about how these habits affect energy, focus, and strength. By the end, the girls pledged to carry their bottles daily and to start their mornings with a nourishing breakfast.

It may have seemed like a small change, but to me, it was a powerful sign. They were not only learning moves — they were beginning to take ownership of their own well-being.

Walking away from this first session, I felt a deep sense of hope. Day 1 had sown seeds of awareness, discipline, and confidence. Ahead lies a journey where every step, every practice, and every promise will shape these young girls into stronger, braver versions of themselves.

“This is just the beginning — the journey of courage, strength, and self-belief has officially begun.“