Patna: The students of Antarjyoti Netraheen Balika Vidyalaya, a residential school in Kumhrar for visually impaired girls, are ready to punch sense into anyone who dares take liberties with them. They are learning karate since February 1 this year.

The Kilkari Bihar Bal Bhavan has provided a karate trainer to the school, which the non-government organisation Bihar Netraheen Parishad runs.

"There are 90 students in this school and all of them are learning karate. The trainer is supposed to train the girls for one month and in case any girl wants, this training can be further extended for another month," said Nawal Kishore Thakur, an official of the school.

Class X student Shanti Kumari said she is very excited to learn self-defence tricks.

"Initially we had apprehensions that how we would follow the instructions of the karate trainer as we cannot see, but he made us learn the steps by simplifying his instructions and assisting us in our moves," Shanti said. "We fully concentrate on what he says so that we can follow his instructions. For example, if he is explaining what to do when someone is trying to attack us from behind, he tells us which hand to lift and also in which direction. If we are not able to follow what he says, our karate trainer assists us to move our hands and legs. We are slowly picking up the moves. I feel more confident now than earlier."

She said that in the initial classes she learnt how to kick, punch and a few other tricks.

"These children are different so we have to treat them differently, but it is really very inspiring for me to teach them karate. I too am in a way learning from them," said Atul Kumar, the girls' trainer,

Class IX student Varsha Kumari said that she was ready to take on the bullies with the help of the karate training.

"No one should dare misbehave with me. I am capable to give the person a perfect reply," she said. "For girls, and especially for us who cannot see, this type of training is a must. I must appreciate the organisation which has come forward to help us."

Shanti said the school organises training in vocational skills. "We learn computer here, apart from song and dance. I am happy that I have learnt one new skill now - karate," she added.