The Art Of Self-Defence

Most of them are too young to have heard of Bruce Lee, but what each youngster at the Dubai Karate Centre has in common with the legendary martial artist is, passion.

From the age of five, children of many nationalities take to the mat each day in the dojo (training hall) on Al Wasl Road looking strapping in their white robes fastened by belts of different colours depending on their rank.

They may look innocent, but don't let that deceive you. As soon as their drills are under way they are totally fired up.

For an hour even the parents waiting by the benches just a step away from the mat are ignored by their little ones.

From the popular karate to the lesser known kudo, the Dubai Karate Centre caters to all tastes and it is no surprise that their sessions are packed with children.

So why be cooped up in an indoor hall, heeding instructions from a disciplinarian who won't let you flinch for a second? The aspiring heirs to Lee's throne are unanimous – martial arts gives them a real kick.

“Martial arts can be practical in life for self-defence,'' said 10-year-old French-American Jeffrey Dietz, who attends aikido classes at the centre. “It helps you a lot as it relaxes you, so you don't get angry,'' he added.

Jeffrey's elder brother Jason echoed the sentiments. “Like [Jeffrey] said, it helps you keep your cool,'' said Jason.

When asked why he chose aikido, Jason said: “In aikido, you learn how to finish the fight, not continue it, that's what the sensei [teacher] taught us.''

The boys' mother, Gwen, revealed that her sons have been attending the course for a while now and she too has now become an avid fan. “I also attend the classes and I've never seen a child miss a class,'' said Gwen. “In fact, my boys get here half an hour early and practise the moves,'' she added. And the girls are equally determined to show they are as feisty as the boys when it comes to throwing punches.

Four-year-old Miriam Basta who attends taekwondo classes is just one example. “She is full of energy and wants to be like the boys,'' said her mother Dina adding: “She even beats her younger brother at home.

“I tried putting her for ballet classes and she didn't like it, but when we put her here she really liked it after just one or two sessions. Now she looks forward to coming here as soon as she is done with school.''

Abdul Jaleel Abdul Razak, a 5th Dan taekwondo instructor, said: “Any martial art is good, as it gives trust and confidence to the children. They have a lot of energy and at home this is released in wrong ways at times, but over here, they can use it in a positive way.''

However, in a sport where concentration is the key, it cannot be an easy task for the taskmasters to keep their young wards focused.

“I show them skills and we have a lot of games during the session so that they can stay interested.

“But it is a big ask to keep them focused for an hour,'' admitted sensei John Ratnam, a 3rd Dan aikido instructor.

Even though the children get the occasional telling off from Ratnam, the session ends on a happy note with every boy and girl in sight running to embrace him.

“At the end it's who's first to hug me,'' smiled Ratnam.

Modern Style

Taekwondo is a modern martial art from Korea that is characterised by its fast, high and spinning kicks. It involves 70 per cent kicks and 30 per cent hand movements and increases self-defence, power and flexibility. It is a free form of martial arts.

What else does the Dubai Karate Centre offer?
Other than aikido and taekwondo, the centre offers courses in karate, judo, tai chi chuan, muay thai, iaido, kung fu, yoga and the recently started kudo.

Peace And Harmony

Aikido is a Japanese martial art. It was created by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 1900s. It is a peaceful art which teaches one to deal with situations calmly. Students don't learn how to kick or punch in aikido but how to defend themselves using their energy or ki. It is also about friendship. Ai means harmony. Ki means spirit. Do means the way. So aikido means bringing your spirit into harmony with the world around you.

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