EMPOWERING GIRLS THROUGH SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING

“Self-defense is not just about fighting back, it’s about refusing to be a victim.”

St. John’s, a school dedicated to the multidimensional development of students, nurtures minds, shapes character, fosters creativity, and empowers learners to excel in every aspect of life. Recognizing the importance of equipping girls with essential self-defense skills, St. John’s organized a 12-day self-defense training program in collaboration with KAVACH Self-Defense System for female students from Grades V to XII. This intensive program ran from January 21 to February 5, 2025, spanning 12 working days. Ms. Saba Zaidi, the workshop coordinator, provided continuous support on behalf of the school.

The KAVACH self-defense training focused on practical defense techniques, physical fitness, and situational awareness. Each session began with a warm greeting, followed by a well-being check and physical assessment to ensure all participants were fit for training. Before each session, the training area was inspected for safety.

To enhance agility, strength, and coordination, daily warm-ups included jogging, stretching, push-ups, squats, and reaction-based games. Participants systematically learned and practiced self-defense techniques, including hammer punches, knee strikes, push kicks, elbow strikes, and footwork drills, focusing on precision, power, and proper execution.

To bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, real-life scenarios were integrated into training sessions, helping students understand the practical use of each technique. Demonstrations at varying speeds and angles ensured clarity, while key checkpoints reinforced correct posture, hand positioning, and force application.
The training followed a progressive learning approach, including:
 Dry Drills: Breaking down techniques into smaller, manageable steps.
 Partner Drills: Practicing with a buddy to develop real-time application skills.
 Instructor-Led Drills: Responding to commands for accuracy and efficiency.
 Stress Drills: Simulating real-life scenarios to enhance quick decision-making.

Hydration breaks were provided after intense drills, ensuring participants stayed energized. Interactive Q&A sessions helped reinforce concepts and clarify doubts. Each session concluded with a sneak peek into the next day's techniques, fostering curiosity and motivation.

As the program neared completion, sessions focused on revising, refining, and integrating multiple defense techniques. The final days emphasized tactical retreat strategies and safety measures, instilling confidence and the ability to respond effectively to threats. The training concluded with a grand demonstration, reinforcing the importance of continuous practice, awareness, and vigilance in personal safety.

By the end of the program, participants left with enhanced confidence, sharpened instincts, and the skills to defend themselves in challenging situations—empowered to walk the world with strength and self-assurance.