Mumbai: When Versova beach turns into free kung fu class for underprivileged girls

If an opponent tries to punch you block it Itrsquos easy to attack defending is difficultrdquo Shifu Alexander Fernandes instructs his class of 50 girls aged 6 to 14 years You will come across this kung fu class if you happen to take an evening stroll or run on Versova beach over the weekendsShifu Alexander Fernandes teaches Kung Fu to the girls on a weekend at Versova beach at 530 pm PICNIMESH DAVEItrsquos hard to miss the kids lined in five rows The sound of their collective breath manages to rise above the din of revellers They have been taking the selfdefence classes organised by Fernandes who owns the Life Institute of Tai Chi Martial Arts and Healing Research Centre and entrepreneur and actor Ishita Sharma The classes impart free martial arts training to less privileged girls Sharma launched the class after an incident that left her thinking if women need to be equipped in selfdefence techniquesldquoI was driving in Shastri Nagar Andheri at 1030 pm one night when I spotted a bunch of boys following me on bikes Slowing down and speeding up and staring didnrsquot help It was finally when I rolled down the window and shouted that they scooted I learnt that we need courage to stand up and make some noiserdquo says Sharma an Andheri resident who owns a yoga and martial arts studio in VersovaHaving decided to start the class Fernandes and Sharma canvassed at the local municipal schools and slums along the beach to speak to the parents They say it was difficult convincing them ldquoThe classes were to start on January 16 but no one turned up We then returned to the schools and had the teachers speak to the kids asking them to try a classrdquo he says Even then the going hasnrsquot been easy A student Fernandes says gifted with gymnastic skills was pulled out after three daysAdditionally the students themselves are a suspicious lot says Fernandes who has trained in Beijing in simplified TaiChi chuan and traditional martial arts ldquoThe first level is always counselling and connecting with themrdquo says Fernandes who broke the ice by speaking to the girls about their lives interests and ambitions ldquoWe realised that many have faced some sort of physical abuse So now I have started training them in good touch and bad touch toordquo says the 48yearoldVaishali Naikre who works as a domestic help and lives in a slum settlement along the beach is grateful for these The single mother of two says her children Isha 12 and Ritesh 9 are by themselves most of the day ldquoAnd the area we live in canrsquot be called safe There are drug addicts and antisocial elements Itrsquos difficult to trust peoplerdquo Both kids she believes were low on selfesteem ldquoThey were painfully shy and could be easily bulliedrdquoHowever in the past couple of weeks Vaishali says the two look into your eyes when they speak have grown bold and know how to keep strangers at bay ldquoMy daughter is very protective about her brother I can see she has grown stronger and more confidentrdquo While Ritesh is not lsquoofficiallyrsquo a part of the girlsonly class he makes it a point to stand at the rear and pick up a lesson or two ldquoIf somebody comes home he attends to them confidently Itrsquos a big change for merdquo Naikre smiles