By Dr. Aditi Agrawal
On the auspicious Day of Guru Purnima, I offer this Guru Bheti in a form of an article to my honourable Aikido Guru Arjun Shrestha, the 5th Dan, for transforming me from a shy and meek female to a bold and 
Dr Agrawal in Aikido Class
lady but filled with kindness, peace and harmony towards a blissful way of life.
My boldness and confidence are the blessings from my Sensei Arjun that directing my life leading to entertain my individual freedom. Though I am a medical doctor, I felt it is important to learn some self-defence techniques since the predator will not ask who I am before an attack. Therefore, I decided to be equipped with a few Aikido techniques from this brilliant Guru at New Baneshwor Dojo, Kathmandu and gathered confidence that I have ability to protect myself from the attacker. In most of the martial arts, each technique needs physical power and seem to be violent, but Aikido is the only art that uses nonviolent techniques even in defence. The main Mantra of this Japanese martial art is applying the opponents’ power back to the opponent themselves. All the defence techniques in this martial art revolve around the principles of universal peace and harmony, which is the beauty of the Aikido.
One may question why is it important to learn self-defence techniques? Because we are not safe – either at home, or at our schools or workplace or street, whether we are from any profession, any age and any gender. Each day we hear number of bad NEWS of assault. The figures of the World Bank – 2017 shows that 149 people were killed in Gender Based Violence (GBV). Among 680 cases, the main perpetrator was a family member or a relative in 163 of them. Similarly, the GBV released by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 2016 states that 48% of women reported that they have experienced violence at some time in their lives. It means individuals of any age or gender are possible victims at any place therefore, it is essential to be armed with self—defence techniques in case of such incidents.
Why Aikido particularly rather than other forms of martial arts? Answer is simple. Aikido is the only art which enables to defence the attacker, no matter of size or number, with or without weapons. The specialities of Aikido are the techniques of redirecting the force of the attacker to the attacker himself, which is marvellous indeed. No matter, you are a person of a small build or without a weapon, Aikido techniques support you to redirect the force of the predator towards himself and you stay safe. Once I learned a few of these techniques I found myself more confident to tackle, in case of an act of violence. Now, I am not afraid of any situation that might occur though I am a lady and the attacker be physically stronger than me. I am sure that I can bring any attacker under my control easily and keep myself safe. So, why should I worry?
We all live a hectic life and we think it’s not possible to manage time even for such life-saving tools. Who knows what is going to happen around the corner? Therefore, it is better to be prepared to tackle any situation by being equipped with such a few of life-saving techniques for yourselves rather than sink in a remorseful life after the incident. Hence, I would recommend everyone to take some time out to learn ways to protect yourself and live your life in confidence. When is a good time to begin? Today. On a more practical note, the earlier the better. Dial 9818438713 and speak to Sensei Arjun Shrestha or email at aikidoaikikainpl@gmail.com.
We are our most valuable assets. Let’s be prepared to protect ourselves.
(Dr Agrawal is a medical practitioner)
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