Self-Defense : psychological changes to human behaviour

In simple terms, defense is a countermeasure. If some damage or threat is perceived, natural response to protect oneself is triggered. The keyword here is ‘natural’. It implies everyone is born with the natural instinct to protect oneself from harm. Even harmless looking plants have self defense mechanisms, which range from visible defenses like thorns to invisible ones like release of chemical compounds.

Photo Credits

So, when faced with threat, natural response to protect oneself automatically takes precedence. But, is the involuntary engagement triggered by instinctive reaction enough to save us? The outcome does depend on one thing – practicing Self-Defense. Generally speaking, Self-Defense is thought of as a skill to enable oneself to stand against any harm to oneself. This is because of the benefits it has in terms of increasing physical strength. But, Self-Defense is not only about being able to protect oneself; it is also about being capable to protect oneself. This is especially true in case of women or children, who might be considered as being less able to protect themselves, based on comparative measures of physical strength. Self-Defense deserves due attention as it has the power to improve capabilities and compensate for any lack in abilities, hence changing lives forever. 

Just like reading a book on cars cannot make one a car driver, it requires practice, similarly Self-Defense needs to be practiced. Again, driving on an empty road might be impressive but it is not as challenging as driving in real traffic. Self-Defense, just like any other learning activity has its phases, too. As one goes deeper into the phases, it is easy to understand and feel the invisible benefits of Self-Defense. The observable visible benefits include increase in physical strength just like the visible plant defense mechanism, thorns. In addition, Self-Defense makes psychological changes to human behaviour too, which transcend the benefits to the internal mechanisms like release of chemical compounds on facing a threat situation. It helps to co-ordinate mind and body. ‘Battles have to be won in the mind first, and then with the body’, and Self-Defense helps to train both the mind and the body.

Colorss Foundation: Quick-Self Defense application for Android Phone

Practising Self-Defense broadens self-perception on one’s own physical capabilities, it increases confidence and self-esteem. These benefits are visible in the body posture and response reactions. It also has positive effects on the behaviour. It narrows the mental confusion and fear driven responses, helps to make quick judgements in threat situations and hence transforms a natural instinct into a more responsible means of protection for self and others.

~ Ashpreet Dhillon

'Do Good, Feel Good' initiative

Anand Koti runs a "Do Good, Feel Good" initiative, where 40% of the proceeds from the self-defense workshops are directed to help the efforts of the Colorss Foundation where the under-priveliged females, both young and old, are trained for Free in self-defense. If you wish to see Koti's LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anandkoti

Eve-teasing, undesired stares, men lurking in dark allies..these are some of the everyday fears that women in India have to live with. With 19 years of martial arts practice and another nine years of experience in training others, Koti has made it his mission to protect women by teaching them self-defense. We are happy to get the support from Koti. You can have a look at their website www.anandkoti.com and their social media accounts: - www.facebook.com/anandkotidotcom | www.twitter.com/anandkoti | www.instagram.com/anandkoti for more information. 

To keep yourself updated with latest Health and Fitness related topics and to learn more about Ergonomics read their blog as and when you get time. https://anandkotiblog.wordpress.com

Koti, is leading Mission 1000 project which is one of the promising projects at Colorss Foundation, Mission 1000 is focused on training young girls and women in self-defense techniques. Mission 1000 aims to reach out to at least 1000 underprivileged women and girls every year. By equipping each child with self-defense skills, Mission 1000 hopes to tackle the sexual abuse, which include harassment, assault and rape, against women in India. As Mission 1000 believes in providing free-of-charge self-defense workshops, this programme largely relies on donated funds.

Taught by the founder of Colorss himself, Anand Koti, the students have been learning several skills on how to punch, kick and block assaults. Each child has also left each session with a boost in her stamina, self-esteem and confidence.

Mission 1000 makes a difference to the lives of these young women. Those who have completed the Mission 1000 workshops express gratitude in learning self-defense. Some have even taught these skills to their own family members. The daily fear of being harassed is now a thing of the past for many of these young women, who are now more confident in interacting with society. Students undergoing Mission 1000 workshops will leave with a certificate and a new set of skills that they can use to protect themselves and their future. Along with learning kicks, punches, blocks and self-defense techniques the girls also enjoy meditation, which is also the part of the workshop. Meditation has helped the girls release stress.

For Love,

Jimsy from Nielsen Baroda sharing her experience on Self-defense workshop

This is an extension to our Project Enhance! While the most obvious benefit of these self-defense workshop is the ability to defend yourself against an attacker..

For Love,
Anand

Colorss in partnership with Nielsen, Baroda | Colorss Foundation

Colorss has always been focused and has constantly been utilizing the opportunities that have come its way, to stand by its vision of empowering and developing the under-privileged children of the society. This time it was collaboration with Nielsen, the global leader in measurement and information that took the attempts of turning its vision to reality, to the next level altogether. In what was termed as a mega event by its founder, the partnership with Nielsen Office at Baroda helped Colorss truly realize key objectives of its project – Colors of Life.

          The association with Nielsen, Vadodara happened when Colorss proposed and organized a Self-Defense workshop for the former’s female employees on the 26^th of April 2013. Anand, the founding director of Colorss, took keen interest in putting across several powerful and useful techniques of self-defense to the women employees. Some pictures from the events can be seen here. The employees were more than excited and appreciative of the session. They also went on to quote this experience as being wonderful and helpful in making them more confident at times of need. See what Jimsy Kuriakose from Nielsen had to say about the workshop.

Founder Chairman Mr. Koti teaching self-defense technique at Nielsen Baroda

           In the second half of the day, the Nielsen’s turned hosts to little guests from slums in Sanjay Nagar, Vadodara. These 30-35 children aged between 5 and 15 years are part of the educational program of Colorss. Thanks to the Nielsen employees who took great interest in giving a unique and memorable experience to the kids. From giving them a guest pass, walking them through the security and the buildings to making them feel at home and building rapport with the children, the enthusiasm and concern shown by the employees were definite indicators of how socially responsible corporates are. This first of its kind interaction created a sort of vision; an illustration of a big picture, in the kids, something they will always remember.

          As an extension to the event conducted on the 26^th April, the 10^th of May yet again turned out to be a great opportunity for these kids to showcase their talent and skills. The employees of Nielsen once again invited the kids to their premises and this time to add to the excitement the parents had to accompany their children. While the hosts left no stone unturned to keep the spirits high and boost the momentum, the kids too didn’t miss the chance to come up with dance performances, mime shows and small acts that showed their sheer ability and interest to learn new things and develop themselves on par with anyone else. This fun filled event was definitely a mega-event in all aspects and did everything to prop-up the benefits stated by the educational program in its true sense.

Children performing Mime act at Nielsen Baroda

          Colorss whole heartedly thanks Nielsen, Vadodara and its employees for lending great support and for contributing towards its mission. Colorss appeals to all other corporates and private bodies to join hands with it to work towards the betterment and upliftment of the society.

If you would like to benefit from our Self-Defense Workshop, please send an email to contact@colorss.org

If you would like to support Colorss in some manner, then please do register as a volunteer with us. You can also contribute to Colorss by making a donation here.

For Love,

Anand

[Thanks Raghu for the write-up]

Self - Defense workshops for Women | Colorss Foundation

The brutal gang rape and murder of a young girl in Delhi has brought worldwide attention to an issue that has plagued India for years - the oppression and gross mistreatment of women in the country.

In India, girls are forced to battle for their fundamental right to live, from the day they are born. Because of social stigma, women in India are often considered inferior and suffer torment and persecution for no reason other than their gender. From a young age, most local women are taught about the dangers they will inevitably face during their lives. Unfortunately, being aware is no longer enough.

While it is by no means an altogether solution for the terrible issue of violence against women, providing Indian women with self-defense training is a great step forward in order to protect their basic freedoms and permit the ability to walk through the streets unaccompanied without fear.

Colorss Foundation, a NGO based in Baroda and Pune, is launching women’s self-defense classes to empower the women of India and provide the skills to remain calm and fight back against attackers, if this is ever required. If there is one thing that the December 16 attack has achieved, it is in spreading the reality that no one is safe from these types of assaults. Every woman in India, through no fault of her own, is a potential victim.

Colorss’ self-defense classes are for working women, university students and children, with no prior experience necessary. The classes are designed to take part 2-3 times a week, with groups of 10-15 participants. The classes may take place at your personal residence with a group of 10-15 participants, for the convenience of participants.

Anand Koti, the foundation’s director, will be conducting the classes. Anand has been practicing martial arts for over 15 years and has a 2^nd degree black belt in Karate, which demonstrates his commitment and discipline. In addition, Anand also possesses an undergraduate degree in Industrial Psychology, Masters degrees in Health Management and Industrial Relations and Personnel Management.

This unique combination of education and passion for martial arts has provided Anand with the perfect blend of skills to successfully pass his knowledge on to students. Under Anand’s supervision, many girl children from the Pune region have already benefited from Project Enhance, another initiative of the Colorss Foundation. Project Enhance involved providing underprivileged girl children of the region with martial arts and creative arts classes. The results of Project Enhance have been overwhelmingly positive. In addition to building the physical strength and stamina of the participants, Project Enhance also boosted their self-esteem and confidence.

While the most obvious benefit of these self-defense classes is the ability to defend yourself against an attacker, there are also numerous peripheral benefits, such as increased confidence and mental development. At Colorss, we strive to give women the physical and mental strength to surpass any challenges.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were 24,206 cases of rape registered in India during 2011, but this is suspected to be a major under-representation of the true figure and of the problem at hand.

The worst reaction from this case would be for women to remain indoors, further restrict their activities and escalate the oppression they already face on a daily basis. This should be used as an opportunity to empower the women of India – for them to stand up and assert themselves.

It is in the hands of the government to make a legitimate stance on the issue of violence towards women and make widespread changes throughout the country; however, basic self-defense is a great step forward for the women on India.

It is our goal to empower the women of India to have the confidence to live completely fulfilling lives.

Contact Colorss for more information on self-defense training. You can email us at: emailcolorss@gmail.com and find us on Facebook.

Paul Whelan