Self-defence classes in the city

In a city bustling with a million lives, personal safety takes a back seat as you strive to make it through every day. But with news of hijackings, abductions and muggings making the headlines everyday self-defence has become an issue of utmost importance.
Learn to throw a few punches, master the martial arts and next time the lanky guy on the street makes a grab for your bag; you will know not to hold back.
Today's woman is independent and goes out to work and many times it may not be in desirable places and being trained in self-defence will not only broaden their horizons, but this is also an all encompassing skill that you can use in your daily life. Given that self-defence is important regardless of your geographical location it is more so in the urban metropolis of Dhaka where going through most days unscathed is a challenge.
To get your kicks and tackles right Star Lifestyle has put together some places in the city you could go to and learn the self-defence skills you always wanted to master.
Judo
Which essentially means "Gentle Way" is a modern martial art, combat created in Japan that operates on the competitive nature of vying between two participants where either one takes down or throws the opponent. Master this aggressive sport and you will find yourself toning down and gaining intense stamina. Learn Judo at Women's Complex located in Dhanmondi 11/A for approximately Tk.500 admission fee and Tk.200 monthly fee.
Karate
One of the most popular forms of self-defence in the world, learning Karate will not only improve your self-defence skills but will also Improve reflexes and coordination, increase strength and stamina so you feel great all day, increase flexibility and weight control for better overall fitness, cardiovascular workouts (heart and lungs) to keep you in top shape, and greatly improved balancing ability to defend yourself.
Women's Complex provides a good option where you can learn Karate with admission and monthly fees of Tk.500. Karate is also taught at Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Dhanmondi and Black Belt Academy at 'Nargis' -- House # 6 (1st Floor), Road # 113/A, Gulshan - 2.
Complete self-defence class
This course involves an all-inclusive package where important skills such as first-aid, anti-hijacking, anti-rape, fear management, conflict resolution and personal safety techniques are taught. You can sign up for the course at Garuda Hall, Legendary Black Belt Schools, DOHS Mohakhali, Dhaka. Starting at around Tk. 4000, it is ideal for us city dwellers as the course is a short yet conclusive one packing all important skills in one package.
There are many options to learn self-defence in Dhaka and you can customise it according to your work schedule. So this summer break into a sweat as you master these moves that may turn out to be life-saving some day.
By Abida Rahman Chowdhury