CHENNAI: Miss India finalist Sahithya Jagannathan vouches for Brazilian style jiu-jitsu for self defence. “As models, we encounter random men and often find ourselves in a vulnerable position,” she says.
What if the person attacks? And what if the attacker is stronger? Jiu-jitsu can help deal with such cases in a smart way, says Sahithya. It doesn’t matter if one is skinny as it offers enough techniques even for the weakest to defend himself or herself in the time of need. “Just the other day when I was hanging out with a couple of friends at a club, some guy randomly hugged me from behind and didn’t let go. I simply handed my drink to my friend and seconds later the man was on the ground, too shocked to realise what hit him. It definitely makes you feel good about yourself,” she says.
The self-defence technique also helps one deal with situations calmly. “When you are attacked out of the blue, panic strikes and you forget all what you have learnt. In our classes, we do not simply discuss situations but actually put ourselves in them. With practice, self defence becomes a natural reaction,” says Sahithya, who is one of the trainers for women at the First Contact MMA on Lloyd’s road, Gopalapuram.
Former VJ and stand up comedian Cary Edwards says the technique, unlike others, requires little strength, uses natural body movement and is designed to be easy. “It is ideally suited for women because build and strength are not prerequisites,” he says. Cary holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is the chief instructor at First Contact MMA.
The technique is based on the mindset of the attacker and the victim and is designed to work for anybody. “My mother is 52 and even she can throw a grown man to the floor,” says Sahithya.
For Aparna Nagesh, choreographer of High Kicks, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is not just self defence but a martial art form that has given movements a whole new perspective.
“Before learning jiu-jitsu, I had to work on a ‘don’t mess with me’ attitude every time,” she says. “Now I am calmer. I can be myself and stay confident. It has given me total empowerment,” she adds.