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On 20th May, 2018, the #I’mPowerMovement, a social initiative that aims to train and strengthen women and children to be able to defend themselves and be mentally and physically prepared for any unwarranted physical attacks, held its first open event in Mumbai at Studio Plus, Seva Sadan Society, Grant Road.

This programme comprises two well-crafted modules compiled by experts in the field of physical and mental empowerment. The highlight of the programme was the ‘Self-Defence and Street Survival’ module exclusively curated by the Technical Director of the Karate-Do Gojukai India, Sensei Kaivan Fatakia.

The mental aspect is a counselling session created and delivered by a panel of specialists under the guidance of Dr. Y Matcheswalla, a senior psychiatrist.

The #I’mPowerMovement is an initiative put together by Freyan Bhathena for women to understand the need and right to defend themselves in unforeseen circumstances.

The workshop began with movement promoter Freyan introducing the subject to all participants, who ranged from ages fourteen to above fifty. This was followed by a session with Kiran Makhijani from Dr. Matcheswalla’s Happy Minds Clinic. Next, Sensei Kaivan taught the participants multiple techniques, weak pressure points which help to defend oneself and escape an attack. He explained, that the idea was not to use force and risk injury, but to stun the attacker and get a few moments to call for help. The smart techniques involved include:

1. A poke in the eye: A simple strike with the tips of your fingers into the attacker’s eye will catch him off guard.
2. A strike under the nose: One of the weak points in a human being is the tip where your nose meets your upper lip. A strike with the outer edge of your hand on this point hurts the strongest of individuals.
3. Clanging the ears: Use both palms to clap hard on your attackers ears as this will leave them ringing while you get away.
4. Between the collar bones: Jab your fingers hard into the depression at the base of the throat just where the collar bone meets. Your attacker will choke in pain and that will help release you.
5. A kick in the groin: Will leave the attacker doubling in pain and you can run to safety.

 Dr. Matcheswalla stated, “There seems to be an increase in the number of incidents where children, girls, women and senior citizens are attacked. I’m glad that Freyan and Sensei Kaivan are working for women’s safety. We can prepare people to make them mentally strong to defend themselves.”  Freyan concluded by saying, “It’s not individuals, but decision makers like organizations that they represent or work in, that must take the first step to keep them protected.”

 This session had an over-all positive and confident impact on all who attended. At the end, participants were given certificates and goody bags sponsored by Raw Pressery, Jinaz’s Masala Spice and Madhu Enterprises.