The focus may have been on women's safety – outside MCC's Organic Shop a group was painting and collecting signatures against sexual harassment of women - but boys too were part of the 100-odd gathering for Krav Maga expert Sreeram's workshop at the spacious hall on the Madras Christian College campus, where Dhaktsyal, a self-defence campaign is being conducted.
“Both boys and girls find themselves in intimidating situations,” said Sreeram, taking a breather after a demo of the stylised manoeuvres of unarmed combat. “For women, it is molestation. For her, every man is a potential threat to her survival. For men, it is mostly based on road-rage and anger. A boy who is 5'6” could be threatened by one who is taller, heftier.” His lessons were about “options” to get out of tight corners – be it a hand-hold, hair-hold or shirt-hold. About shaking them off and fleeing.
Look for the weak spots in the enemy, was Sreeram's mantra, as he worked out the moves with volunteers. You can't fight the biceps and muscles of the perpetrator when he is holding your hand; so attack his wrist, the weakest link.
The wrist has “only” eight bones. It has the same strength in men and women; so that 's the spot you should go for. Catch it, manipulate it. Or attack his eyes, nose, groin, kneecap, leg, toes – whichever is nearest. These are vulnerable points; claw at them to lessen engagement. Through all this, remember you don't want to dominate the person; hey, this is no tournament for a win. You are a “civilian” in a situation and trying to get out of trouble! Managed to get off? Right, make a call!
More tips came from Instructor Uday Dhanda. Avoid conflict, he said firmly. If you have to fight, well, don't be a soft target. Look confident, and don't take harassment in silence. SCREAM! If you have to choose between fight and flight, consider walking away. To begin with, be aware of what's going on around. Anticipate problems, not just calls on the mobile.
If you've noted your surroundings, you'd know where to get a stone, or any throw-able object – a chair is a good shield, a helmet can be handy, a book has a sharp edge. Can't find any? Chuck your cellphone at the pest – anything to distract! Always, always leave once you have dealt with the situation.
To start with, see if you can create a physical space (4 feet between you and the person next). “I know it is a western concept, four-feet-space is an unreasonable demand in our Ranganathan-street-like milieu, but “keeping your distance” is possible in open spaces, on roads. Be alert while crossing roads in a group.” The students nodded, the message was “very well taken.”
I came out chanting: Catch hold of wrist, punch nose, kick shin, stamp toes, boot the you-know-what. Don't linger to see your handiwork. Scram, speed-dial for help. Once out, share triumph with buddies.
