Articles

An Experience Teaches Me the Art of Self Defence

 by  S. Chandra Shekar

Every city in the world is crime-prone. There are great disparities among the residents. On one side we have rich palatial properties housing the rich and wealthy people of the city. On the other side, we have slums and shanty houses where the migrants and poor people live. Life goes on. People eat, sleep and go to work from their homes. But deep down in the minds of the people, there is discontent and enmity. The rich are becoming richer and the poor are becoming poorer. This obviously leads to tensions, jealousy, and class hatred. City crime evolves.

As people become older and age catches up the average citizen becomes vulnerable and an easy target for muggers, thieves, and burglars. Young adults and women also become easy targets. Young children, by and large, are safe because of adult supervision and the protective environment of family life and school.

Young men and women have to run around in the city in buses, scooters, and by walk to do their job. Late evening and late-night working has become common in cities because of work deadlines and late office closing times.

I have seen many times young men and women working in retail showrooms, jewellery shops, hotels, and city offices walking to bus stops and homes as late as 10 pm. Depending on the place of residence sometimes it is around 11 pm by the time they reach home. I have sometimes observed men standing in corners, smoking, and watching the passersby. I wonder what they are thinking and planning to do. maybe they are waiting for an opportunity to strike. Their behaviour clearly depicts their motive. I have so far not seen an attack take place.

There is one experience that I had many years ago in my own garden in Bangalore which taught me the importance of Self Defence. This experience helped me evolve a method of self defence which I have been practicing and propagating wherever I can. I have found this knowledge and skill very useful and lifesaving for men, women, and children. In these days of street crime and bullying, this self defence skill gives us self-confidence and self-reliance. We become empowered with the courage to walk alone and survive successfully. It’s a Lifegiving and Life-changing tonic.

Here is the story about my experience. How a dog taught me self defence.

It was a beautiful day in Jayanagar, Bangalore on November 23rd, 2004. The time was around 11.30 am.

I went out to my garden, which is large and flush with plants and trees. As usual, I went over to see the open well and check the water level and the pump room. As I rounded the corner of the pump room, I saw a large dog standing in my way and staring at me. His body was fierce and his eyes blazing. I could sense that something was wrong with him and that he was not normal. Could he be mad or having rabies? Bangalore is notorious for stray dogs and there are many cases of dog attacks on people and children in particular. By the time I wondered and thought, I noticed that the dog was tightening its muscles. I sensed that he may attack anytime now.

As I anticipated, he attacked. He rushed on me and with his front legs pushed me down hard on the ground. I was lying flat on the ground on my back.  He jumped on my chest and started to snap at my face. I tried to save my face with my hands and covered myself. But the dog kept pushing hard and snapping.

I quickly told myself that somehow I must avoid being bitten or scratched by the dog anywhere on my body. What if it was infected? I groped with my hands to feel if I can get hold of a stick. I normally keep a few short sticks and some staff near the pump room. I use them for clearing the drains and for mixing the compost in the pits nearby. Luckily I touched a stick with my right hand and I quickly took hold of it and keeping it crosswise and horizontal, I pushed hard with it on the dog’s throat.

I had learned Self defence in my Boy Scout days in Kolar Gold Fields – KGF and the training came in handy now. We were taught that when attacked by a man or an animal, go for the throat first. I did just that and controlled the dog coming near my face. I pushed hard and pushed the dog’s mouth as far away as possible. By this time, I felt the dog becoming weak and loose. The muscles were losing the tightness. I must be reducing its Oxygen intake by throttling the throat. Soon the dog dropped down and lay on the ground.

I recovered now and got up dusting my clothes and wiping my sweat. I thought,  “Have I killed the poor fellow? Cannot be. I must have stunned and disarmed him”. I sprinkled water on him and on his face. He stirred and slowly rose up to sit and then stand. He had become docile and looked dazed. I shooed him away and drove him outside the garden gate onto the road. He slowly disappeared into the traffic and went away. All this time when the battle with the dog was going on, my tenants and other people nearby were standing and watching. Nobody came forward to assist me although I was yelling and shouting. People are scared and become numb at the time of a crisis. That is bad. One should respond and act to assist anyone. This is when you realise that in a crisis you are on your own. No help will come. That is why we should all learn Self Defence and train our minds to react quickly and independently to any emergency.

I was 61 years old in 2004. I learned a lot of lessons in this episode and it reinforced the advice I give children and women.

Learn Self Defence. It pays and it is a Lifesaver.

When attacked, the following are the vulnerable and weak areas of your attacker:

  1. The Eyes
  2. The Throat
  3. The crotch or pelvis
  4. The feet below the ankles

Go for them and you will weaken and disarm the attacker.

Women and girls, besides children, are vulnerable and at-risk on the streets of  India or anywhere in the world. Defend yourself from attackers. Be alert and agile. Be fit and muscular.

Children at school are being attacked by predators. Women traveling alone in taxis and office vans are at risk. Bangalore has recorded many crimes in these categories.

Teach children and teach yourself the simple art of Self Defence.

The Dog attack episode reminded me of my school and Boy Scout days. I am 79 years old now in 2022 and still have the attitude and grit to defend myself. Age is no barrier to learn and practice Self Defence. It is the attitude and the willpower to survive a crisis. This Self Defence training will come in handy in any situation, even helping others.

 Be observant, be trained in Self Defence, and be a winner and survivor.

Let the fuel of interest and training in Self defence fire your attitude and your safety in society

About the Author:

Chandrashekar Sundara Rajan is a retired engineer with nearly 50+ years of experience in engineering projects all over India. He is well-traveled and has worked in various countries around the world. He is an avid Writer of both Short Stories and Articles of public interest.

 

 

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