Nun-chucks: Kung fu sisters battle stereotypes

The nuns are from the 800-strong Druk Amitabha Mountain Nunnery in Nepal

Last updated: November 28, 2019 | 17:06

2 MIN READ

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Meet the Himalayan kung fu nuns using their martial arts skills to challenge stereotypes about women's roles in the region's patriarchal societies.

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Members of the Kung Fu Nuns group stand next to swords lying on the ground before demonstrating their skills in New Delhi.

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A member of the Kung Fu Nuns group demonstrates her skills in New Delhi.

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They train with swords and fighting fans after their prayers and morning chants.

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"Kung fu has helped us in taking a stand on gender equality as we feel more confident, we feel strong physically and mentally.

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Emboldened by their fighting prowess, the nuns travel across South Asia to teach self-defence classes and promote awareness about human trafficking in a region where violence against women is rarely reported.

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The nuns are from the 800-strong Druk Amitabha Mountain Nunnery in Nepal and belong to the centuries-old Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism.

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They weilded tasselled swords and open, Chinese-style fighting fans - which are used for signalling commands during combat - emblazoned with dragons and phoenixes.

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A member of the Kung Fu Nuns group demonstrates her skills with a sword in New Delhi

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A member of the Kung Fu Nuns group demonstrates her skills in New Delhi.

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They train with swords and machetes after their prayers and morning chants.

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They train with swords and fighting fans after their prayers and morning chants

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