I learnt karate during my college days—three long, intense years. I trained hard, practicing all my katas under the blazing sun on cement concrete. I hardened my knuckles doing push-ups on it. Every day, I strengthened myself with 100 punches and 50 double punches. I could handle the nunchaku and even do a full split. I’ve landed blows and taken brutal ones in combat sessions.
By the end of the third year, I earned my brown belt. That was when my karate master—who was about to relocate to another city—called me aside and shared a few final lessons. I still remember them at 50.
Tip 1
Never be the first to hit anyone. Karate is for self-defence, not for attack.
Tip 2
If the opponent is stronger, use your brain—not your muscles.
Tip 3
As a human, you can’t fight more than two people at once. That only happens in movies.
Tip 4
If there are more than two, you need a weapon. But you can’t carry nunchaku everywhere—it’s illegal.
Tip 5
If you find something you can use as a weapon, use it only to defend yourself. If not—just leave the place.
Tip 6
If you have no weapon and four people come at you—try negotiating. Because logically, you’re not going to win.
Tip 7
There’s no point in getting hospitalised by four goons. In India, the police and the law usually show up only after you’re half-dead.
Tip 8
Never forget the face of the man who hit you first.
These lessons have stayed with me. And in today’s times, I feel quite prepared—especially when a few guys in saffron shawls start approaching.