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What a knockout!

Photo: R.V. Moorthy

Power Punch Shihan Nawal Datta reveals the nuances of self defence to a student

I don’t like feeling diminished. But at a recent Goshindo class I felt like I was facing Goliath. And what’s worse I wasn’t even David. Four students dressed in their white robes and white pants perform a series of elegant front kic ks and elbow jabs. They rip through the air. They demolish their opponents. They succeed in being elegant yet they prove they can be brutal. Think “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” and you’ll know what I mean.

Their master Shihan Nawal Datta, a martial arts and fitness expert, keeps a watchful eye on them. I want to clap and cheer their moves. I want to jump around in awe. Datta silently nods approval. To all his instructions, they reply in a monosyllabic “Os”. While I go “Os, Os, Os!”

Aged between 16 and 20, his four students are black belts in karate and goshindo, which is basically a Japanese close combat martial art. I don’t dare pitch my strength against their black belts. Instead, I am gently taught a few of the moves!

Datta has recently launched a DVD “Knockout Secrets”. And I’ve come to learn a few lessons. Released by sibling-designer duo Gauri and Nainika Karan, the DVD contains tips from Karate and Goshindo systems of self-defence. A step-by-step demonstration tells you how to fight off the enemy through both wit and power. Datta says that since most working people cannot smuggle out time for workouts, this DVD will prove to be a boon for them.

Datta makes the impossible look easy. He calls a student of his to grab his arm. Datta then explains, “His grip feels impossible to break. But what you need to do is move your arm like a chicken is eating food. You now twist his arm. You have no idea how much damage you can cause by moving against the direction of his arm.” My favourite bit was when he taught us how to break someone’s finger if they point it at you! Now that’s a good tool.

For Datta — goshindo is about discipline and sustenance. Having learnt marital arts for 25 years, he is now teaching his students not only self protection, but most importantly, strength.

(“Knockout Secrets” by Shihan Nawal Dutta is now available in stores, for Rs.550/. Also see www.goforkarate.com)

( nandini@thehindu.co.in)

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