FIT TO FIGHT
Three self-defence techniques that double up as a complete workout regimen for you
Capoeira
not only an art form but also an intense full body workout, Capoeira combines fighting techniques, dance, rhythm and movement to add to your physical and emotional wellbeing. The workout reduces stress and increases your strength and flexibility by working on your cardio and stamina levels. It includes body movements and strategic use of the mind to make use of these movements in the form of dance. “As a capoeirista, unlike other martial arts, we don’t train to fight. We have an arsenal of moves that are dance-like, playful escapes, but when needed can be doubleedged swords and lethal too,” says Reza Baba Massah, certified Capoeira instructor and Founder, Centre for Capoeira India. You can perform Capoeira solo or with a partner, with or without equipment. Being a non-combat, non-violent sport, it lets you express your feelings through movement without using words or aggression.
Krav maga
It teaches you how to prevent, deal with and overcome all kinds of violence and attacks, and consists of a combination of techniques sourced from aikido, judo, boxing and wrestling along with realistic fight training. Easy to learn, Krav Maga prepares trainees in self-defence, self-protection, fighting and combat skills. Practitioners get to learn protection methods against chokes, hold and locks, hair grab from back and knife attack, besides knee kick regular front, and release from bear hug from the rear, side, and front high. “It trains you to survive on the street in any situation, and makes use of common sense and tactics,” says Vikram Kapoor, Founder, Inter-national Ultimate Krav Maga Federation. The equipment used ranges from the groin guard to shin guard, head gear to grappling gloves and elbow guards.
Jiu Jitsu
although Jiu Jitsu focuses primarily on grappling and more specifically on ground fighting applying joint locks and chokeholds, it is a system that includes striking techniques, throws and stand-up strategies against surprising attacks. Also known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), you don’t need any equipment to do the technique. All you need is a couple of mats, an instructor and a drilling partner. In BJJ, there are countless ways that focus on developing different physical and mental attributes of the player like body mechanics, reflex, muscle memory, survival instinct and body conditioning. “It’s not like your typical exercise routine as it requires extreme effort to improve endurance while utilising all muscle groups to fight an opponent. It’s a sport that necessitates the challenge to simultaneously push those muscles while enhancing cardiovascular strength,” says Lakshya Aggarwal, certified instructor and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner.