Geri (kicks)…. Kumite (fighting)…. Girls kicked and fought their way to glory with Kiai (the shout that accompanies attacking movements) being the buzzword and she power the theme at the Spring Club on Sunday for the 2nd National Open Women’s Karate Do Championship 2014. Around 220 super girls, from belts white to black, sent out a clear ‘don’t-mess-with-us’ signal to men in an increasingly unsafe city for women. The championship was organised by the All India Budo Shotokan Karate Do Association (AIBSKA) and partnered by The Telegraph to commemorate International Women’s Day and highlight the cause of women’s empowerment. “This year we are promoting women’s empowerment, specially because of what’s been happening all around us,” said Tirthankar Nandy, founder secretary and technical director, AIBSKA. Set up in 2007, the association works with several schools across the country to teach students karate.

Text: Deborima Ganguly. Pictures: Anindya Shankar Ray

Svadhaa Agarwal, Class VI, Modern High School. She has been learning karate since she was three years old and at 11 she already has a black belt (1st Dan)

WHY KARATE?

Karate is a great way to keep fit and helps you keep calm during tense situations. I also love that I meet new people when I take part in various competitions

WHY KARATE FOR GIRLS?

Everybody should know how to protect themselves. But these days it has become a necessity for women to know some form of self-defence

Paromita Ray, Class XII, Dolna Day School. She has been learning karate for the past eight years

WHY KARATE?

Karate has helped me become more confident. Apart from that, karate also teaches one discipline and control

WHY KARATE FOR GIRLS?

Self-defence is an obvious reason. I know I can take care of myself if I’m ever in such a situation