‘Every girl must learn self-defence’

Apeejay School, Model Town student Charvee Jain is a fearsome warrior, a strong, independent modern girl. Recently, she has achieved the third position in Taekwondo Championship 2022 Board-breaking competition. In a brief interview, the taekwondo champ says martial arts began as a means to learn self-defence. Read edited excerpts:

Let’s begin by asking what is board breaking in Taekwondo?

It’s simple. There is a wooden board. We have to break it using any taekwondo kick. There are lots of kicks, like dolio kick, front dolio, cross dolio kick. I broke the board with a jumping dolio kick. In this, one jumps from one leg and from the other leg, one hits the board with the shin bone and breaks it.

Tell us about the tournament? It must have been difficult?

There were 500 plus participants from all across India. I was in the 10-15 age group. It had 15 participants. We had 3 rounds in this. After every round, the thickness of the board is increased, with a new board being added. So, I broke 3 boards in the final round.

How did your school support you?

My friends and teachers were very happy. It felt very reassuring.

 What’s the inspiration behind this journey?

I started training in December of 2020. Everyone knows the world is not safe for girls at this point in time, for this generation. Everyone needs to know how to protect themselves, basic self defense, at least. It was mainly my dad, Mr. Nritshin Jain, who supported me. I train at the Bodhi Dharman Martial Arts academy in Jalandhar.

How many hours do you practice in a day?

I have my classes only on the weekends now because my school has reopened for physical classes. But before that, I have an hour long class daily.

Self-defence tricks every girl should know?

Carry a pen or a sharp object , so when someone grabs you inappropriately, you can use it to protect yourself. Everybody knows how to jump or duck down. Whenever someone holds your neck, you can duck down immediately with all your power. It will release you immediately. 

Any special diet?

I don’t eat many sweets. I eat lots of green vegetables to strengthen my immunity. That’s essential.

Next targets in martial arts?

In December, we will have the district competition. I am training for that.