In a world where violence against women remains a persistent issue, learning self-defence or martial arts is no longer just an option—it is a necessity
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Self-defense has become such a profound syllable in today’s world, especially for women. And this has evidently become more significant, with the recent rise in crimes against women in the country.
Be it the RG Kar College and Hospital rape-murder case in Kolkata, the Dhing rape case in Assam, or any of the recent such gruesome incidents, it has brought us to wonder if controlled violence is the answer against uncontrolled violence? Or in other words, self-defence.
At a time when violence and crimes against women are rising at an alarming rate, self-defence and martial arts are no longer merely recreational activities—they have become essential skills for women. In India, particularly, the increasing incidences of sexual assault, rape, harassment, and domestic violence have created an urgent need for women to equip themselves with the knowledge and confidence to protect their own safety. Learning martial arts can empower women, provide them with the tools to defend themselves, and contribute to creating a safer and more equal society.
India has witnessed a troubling rise in crimes against women in recent years. Public spaces such as streets, public transport, and even workplaces have become potential sites of danger for women, focusing on the need for urgent interventions to improve safety.
Lagging law enforcement and judicial system have coerced women to be equipped to protect themselves in situations of immediate danger. Learning self-defence in form of any martial art has become mandatory given the situation. It can be MMA (mixed martial arts), wrestling, boxing, Judo or Brazillian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ), these popular forms of martial arts are the most practical answer.
Learning self-defence is not just about acquiring physical techniques to fend off attackers; it is also about mental preparedness and building the confidence to react effectively in dangerous situations. One of the most significant benefits of learning self-defence is the psychological empowerment it offers. Women who are combat-trained feel more confident about navigating public spaces and managing potential threats. This self-assurance is critical in a world where women are often made to feel vulnerable or powerless.
Self-defence techniques, especially derived from various martial arts such as blocking, striking, and escaping, throws, choking, and ground and pound, are designed to help women use their strength strategically, even when physically overpowered by an assailant. Learning these techniques enables women to take control of a situation, rather than succumbing to fear or helplessness.
It also offers a more comprehensive approach, combining physical skill-building with mental discipline and awareness. These disciplines teach women how to remain calm under pressure, assess their surroundings, and anticipate potential dangers before they escalate. The physical conditioning also improves while learning combat sports such as MMA or boxing, as the body is put through rigorous exercises to make it tougher and stronger.
Also in this context, the pervasive culture of fear that surrounds women’s safety can be debilitating. Many women restrict their movements, avoid certain places, or limit their activities to minimise the risk of violence. This fear often becomes a barrier to personal freedom, autonomy, and opportunities. Learning self-defence can help reduce this sense of vulnerability and restore a sense of control over one's own safety.
In this context, talking to GPlus, a local journalist, Tinamuni Ahmed, said, “I know many of my friends who have faced such perilous situations at times, and later learning a form of martial art has made them stronger and a much more capable person. If given the opportunity, I would definitely learn or enroll myself too!”
Knowing how to defend oneself can also challenge the societal norms that often place the onus of safety entirely on women, such as telling them to dress modestly, avoid certain places, or behave in specific ways. Instead of internalising these limiting expectations, women trained in self-defence can assert their right to safety and challenge the notion that they must adjust their lives to avoid being victimised. This shift in mindset is critical to fostering gender equality and reducing the culture of victim-blaming.
Leaning any form of practical martial arts for girls in schools and colleges, or even in general can be a proactive step toward addressing the violence they face. Teaching girls self-defence from a young age will help build a generation of women who are confident, empowered, and prepared to protect themselves.
Speaking to GPlus, Sonam Zomba, a professional female MMA fighter from Arunachal Pradesh said, “Learning to fight in form of MMA has been one of the best decisions in my life. I joined initially as an enthusiast, but over time I transitioned into being a professional fighter. Seeing the violence against women in today’s world, I would wholeheartedly suggest women to take up MMA or any form of combat sports for self-defence. This will boost their confidence and physical strength to take on challenges, if push comes to shove.”
Additionally, combat training in schools can have a ripple effect, fostering a culture of respect and awareness among boys and promoting a broader understanding of consent and personal boundaries.
But, this also raises another question. Are many such people and organisations turning this current situation into a cash cow and spreading misinformation? This current situation of increasing violence against women has led to many ‘fake’ specialists and coaches run classes in the name of self-defence which may be termed as absolute farce. Many have also used this to amplify their businesses by particularly targeting women clientele.
The owner of a popular MMA gym in Guwahati said, “Definitely many people may use this opportunity to earn while teaching non-practical techniques to their clientele, which at times may end up to be life-threatening. But, the people have to understand what and where to invest their time and money in. That is why we always recommend them to join or take up classes in a genuine combat or MMA gym from a reputed trainer.”
In a world where violence against women remains a persistent issue, learning self-defence or martial arts is no longer just an option—it is a necessity. The skills and confidence gained through combat training empower women to protect themselves, reduce fear, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate violence.
Henceforth, in many instances controlled violence is actually important and may be life-saving.