Young students participate in a karate camp in Ranchi on Friday. Picture by Manik Bose

Ranchi, May 23: Self-defence is an important skill to learn. And kids seem to be having fun learning it.

Sakshi, a Class II student of Delhi Public School, looked excited with a pair of karate sticks in her hand. Though she is not old enough to handle nunchuks, she seemed comfortable with her own weapon.

As many as 243 kids enrolled for karate camps organised at the Social Development Centre by the Ranchi chapter of the Indian School of Martial Arts (ISMA).

Sunil Kispotta, a black belt, who is leading the Ranchi chapter of ISMA, said the training camp is merely an exposure to the real thing. Students are exposed to the martial art form to develop an interest.

Once they feel karate is good for their body and mind, they will opt for it voluntarily, Kispotta said. He explained that new entrants are being trained to use sticks, both long and short, and also the tomfa (wooden baton) for self-defence. Besides this, students will also learn to kick, punch and block strikes, which forms the basics of martial art, he added.

During the two-hour session students are also being trained in yoga. “Yogic postures are a special feature of the camp. These are not the complicated back breaking exercises, but simple asanas that can be performed with ease. The exercises will also help an individual stay fit and maintain oneself,” Kispotta quipped.

While speaking for herself, Sakshi said, she enjoyed the camp and liked the training procedure. The young learner is fond of martial art and wants to excel in it.

“I enjoy karate and have decided to join it full-time after the camp. This is a good exercise and is like a game to me,” Sakshi said.