United News of Bangladesh

With the rising incidents of violence against young girls to aged women, learning self-defense has become essential. Dhaka hosts several martial arts training centers where girls and women can learn practical techniques of judo, karate, kung fu, etc. These disciplines are effectively aligned with real-life self-defense scenarios. Let’s take a closer look at the leading institutes that provide a supportive environment for women to learn essential safety skills. Top 10 Martial Arts Training Centers for Women in Dhaka . KO Fight Studio The Bangladesh branch of the world-renowned Karate Organization, ShinKyokushinKai, operates under the name of this institute. The training center prioritizes mastering the Japanese Kyokushin Karate style. Shihan Abdullah Mohammad Hossain, a 4th Dan black belt (4th degree black belt holder), is the organization’s executive director and head instructor. KO Fight Studio’s curriculum includes master striking, escape techniques, and de-escalation skills, all of which are crucial for real-life situations. The sessions span a minimum of 8 weeks, consisting of 16 classes, each lasting 2 hours. The admission fee is BDT 2,000, with a monthly fee of BDT 4,000. Address: Level-4, Building No. 19-20, Road-113/A, Gulshan (next to Shahabuddin Medical) Contact Link: https://www.facebook.com/KOFSDhaka/ Read more: Martial Arts Belts: Everything You Need to Know About Their Color and Significance Chinese Kung Fu and Wushu School This school focuses on the traditional Chinese martial arts of Wushu and Kung Fu, with an emphasis on modern adaptations such as Sanda, Taolu, and Wing Chun. The school was founded by Master Abdullah Al Monsur, a highly skilled martial artist. Chinese Kung Fu and Wushu School offers training in striking, grappling, weaponry, and hybrid martial arts. Students are taught techniques from boxing, karate, Muay Thai, Kenpo, judo, Aikido, Sumo, and wrestling, alongside weapons training in Kendo, fencing, and Iaido. The courses emphasize physical strength, mental health, focus, and discipline. An online option for Kung Fu classes is also available for students participating from home. Main Branches: Bhaban-58, Road-5, Block-F, Aftabnagar, Badda. Additional branches are located in Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Banani, Bashundhara, and Uttara. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wushubd Sobhan Karate Academy Catering to trainees aged 5 to 65, this academy boasts a membership where over 80% are women. The training features the globally recognized Shotokan Karate style. The admission fee is BDT 5,000 for all, while the monthly fee is BDT 3,000 for students and BDT 4,000 for professionals. Sobhan Karate Academy features a specialized 9-month defensive tactics course, which costs BDT 40,000, including the admission fee. The initial month’s fee is BDT 10,000 for students and BDT 11,000 for professionals. Address: Russian Cultural Center, House No. 510, Road 7, Dhanmondi Website Link: https://www.sobhankarateacademy.com/ Read more: Best Martial Arts for Women: Know the purposes, risks, requirements Martial Art BD This training institute is led by internationally certified experts, including Sensei Nazmun Sahadath. He is a 4th Dan and national karate judge affiliated with the Bangladesh Karate Federation. Martial Art BD offers programs in general karate and bodybuilding, promoting long-term health. Updated details about course schedules and fees are available on its website. Website Link: https://martialartbd.com/ Address: 15/G Jigatola, Dhanmondi, (Sundarban Courier Building). Additional branches are located in Lalmatia and Shonir Akhra. HORDE MMA & Martial Arts Academy Founded by 4th Dan Black Belt holder Sensei Kim Yanez, HORDE MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) & Martial Arts Academy specializes in combining karate with kickboxing. It incorporates the world-famous No-Gi Submission Grappling technique to overcome the opponent. Classes are offered from 9 AM to 8 PM, and course details can be obtained through their Facebook page. Link: https://www.facebook.com/HordeMMA/Main Branch Address: House-34, Sonarganj Janpath, Sector-11, Uttara, (Opposite Zamzam Tower) Read more: Best Martial Arts For Fitness Martial Arts Stars Academy Established in 1992, Martial Arts Stars Academy focuses on Judo, Karate, and Jiu-Jitsu, with defensive weapons training as part of the curriculum. Head coach Shamsher Alam, a national referee, is affiliated with both the Bangladesh Judo and Karate Federations. Trainings are conducted in two batches: one starting at 6 AM and the other at 4:30 PM. Address: Bari-13, Road-14, Block-D, Section-6, Mirpur. Practice Venue: Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium, Mirpur. Visit their Facebook page for further information on course fees. Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/p/Martial-Arts-Stars-Academy-100062993752856/ Jacky Martial Art Academy The institute was initiated in 1990 by Kamal Uddin Jacky. A gold medalist from Korea and extensively trained in Japan, Jacky is now a 7th Dan Black Belt Athlete. Jacky Martial Art Academy is renowned for its black belt course lasting two years. The curriculum includes karate, kung fu, judo, taekwondo, chain stick, and long stick training. The monthly fee for the course is BDT 1,000. Additionally, a separate batch for girls is available on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 Noon. Address: Chandan Kotha Center, Shahid Faruk Road, Nabi Nagar, West Jatrabari, Dhaka Contact Link: https://www.facebook.com/JackyMartialArtAkademy Read more: Best Free Personal Safety Android, iOS Apps for Women Bangladesh Wadokai Karate Do Founded in 1999, Bangladesh Wadokai Karate Do is a prestigious karate school in the country. The head coach is sensei Abdul Shukkur Ali Shikder. The school has a branch in Gulistan and multiple locations across Rampura and Banasree. Training at the National Sports Council Building in Gulistan is held from 7 AM to 9 AM. On the contrary, classes at the Rampura and Banasree branches are typically conducted from afternoon to evening. More details on the curriculum, admission, and course fees are available on their official Facebook page. Link: https://www.facebook.com/bangladeshwadokaikaratedo Contact Address: 377/1, East Rampura, D.I.T Road, Rampura. Royal Taekwondo Dojang Bangladesh The Korean defensive combat style Chang Moo Kwan Taekwondo is widely appreciated all over the world. Royal Taekwondo Dojang Bangladesh serves as the official representative of this discipline in the country. The institute conducts training programs five days a week, from 4 PM to 7 PM (except Friday and Saturday). Comprehensive details on admission and courses are accessible through their official Facebook page. Page link: https://www.facebook.com/royaltkdbangladesh Address: House No. 77/B, 7A Dhanmondi. Read more: 7 Types of Strength Training And Their Benefits Shotokan Karate Bangladesh Originating in Japan, Shotokan is one of the world-famous styles of self-defense. It is also widely practiced in karate clubs in Bangladesh. Approved by the National Karate Federation, Shotokan Karate Bangladesh proudly carries the spirit of Shotokan. The center offers courses on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays. Morning classes are from 8 AM to 9:30 AM, and afternoon classes are held from 4 PM to 5:30 PM. Course fees and other relevant details can be found on their Facebook page. Link: https://www.facebook.com/shotokankaratebangladeshAddress: 8/C, West Chowdhury Para, Dhaka. Summing Up These self-defense training institutes in Dhaka, dedicated to empowering women, present a unique approach tailored to their distinct martial arts styles. KO Fight Studio, Sobhan Karate Academy, Bangladesh Wadokai Karate Do, and Shotokan Karate Bangladesh emphasize traditional karate training. Chinese Kung Fu & Wushu School preserves the essence of Wushu, while Royal Taekwondo Dojang Bangladesh is dedicated to Taekwondo. Horde MMA & Martial Arts Academy blends karate with kickboxing, whereas Martial Arts Stars Academy integrates judo and karate. Jacky Martial Art Academy provides a well-rounded approach, incorporating multiple disciplines. Martial Art BD combines personal protection techniques with bodybuilding programs. Beyond physical strength, these institutes foster mental resilience, making self-security a holistic practice for women. Read more: Homemade Pepper Spray for Self-Defense: Ingredients, process, efficiency, precautions

Martial arts, a term encompassing various physical disciplines, are not just about physical prowess but also about mental discipline and spiritual growth. Central to many of these arts is the martial arts belt ranking system. These belts are more than colorful accessories; they signify the milestones one has achieved and the challenges that lie ahead. Which Martial Arts Use Belt Ranking System? Karate  This martial art is renowned for its robust strikes and powerful kicks. Karate adopts a structured belt progression system, beginning with the symbolic white belt and culminating in the prestigious black belt. As practitioners advance through various levels, each belt color marks a new stage of expertise and understanding. Taekwondo Characterized by its swift and dynamic kicks, Taekwondo follows a similar belt system to Karate. It encompasses a progression from white to black belts, each representing the stages of skill and personal development within the art. Read more: Best Martial Arts For Fitness Judo A grappling-focused martial art, Judo emphasizes throws and takedowns. It employs a belt system starting from white, advancing through different levels until brown. The highly regarded black belt is awarded at the pinnacle of mastery, symbolizing a deep understanding of Judo's principles and techniques. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Recognized for its emphasis on ground fighting techniques, Jiu-Jitsu features a belt system encompassing white, blue, purple, brown, and black belts. Significantly, within each belt level, practitioners may earn stripes, marking progress and skill refinement. Others Various other martial arts also incorporate belt ranking systems. Aikido, for instance, moves practitioners from white to black belts, symbolizing a journey of growth and learning. Kung Fu, known for its diverse styles, follows varied belt systems, each reflective of its unique philosophy and technique. Read more: Daily Strategies for Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Focus and Alleviating Anxiety

In today's world many females feel insecure in public places, workplaces or even at home. If a woman wants to be healthier, more mobile, and wishes to look better and feel better, she can learn a martial art. Martial art is a great way of self-care and self-defense which is fundamental for every woman. Here come different forms of martial arts compatible for women. Read this article and select the most suitable one for you. Top 10 Forms of Martial Arts for Women Krav Maga  Krav Maga is also known as a military self-defense and fighting system which is developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli security forces.  Origin: Israel   Inventor: Imi Lichtenfeld Specialty: Mainly focus on real-world situations and their extreme efficiency. Purpose: The purpose is to prepare every individual for a violent, life-threatening physical altercation. Requirement: More effective for the real world, especially for women.  Risk: small risk of injury in any physical activity but injuries from training are very rare. Read Best Fruits for Fitness and Bodybuilding Judo Judo is one of the most popular and widely-available martial arts on the planet.  Origin: Japan Inventor: Kanō Jigorō Specialty: Mainly focused on grappling and throws, using momentum to destabilize opponents and damage them by throwing them onto the ground.  Purpose: The objective of competitive judo is to throw an opponent, immobilize them with a pin, or force an opponent to submit with a joint lock or a choke. Requirement: Allows women to defend themselves in a range where striking loses all effectiveness. Risk: Injury-usually of the knee, shoulder, and fingers, and being thrown was the most common injury mechanism. Read Best Martial Arts For Fitness Taekwondo Taekwondo, one of the most recent ones, is a Korean martial arts style. Origin: Korea Inventor: No single creator, initially supervised by Choi Hong Hi Specialty: It is a great option for women’s self-defense as it is something that nobody would expect. Purpose: The aim of creating a martial art that can deliver stronger and faster strikes than the ones available in any other art out there.  Requirement: Its “surprise element”, together with the pure strength makes it an incredible self-defense tool. Risk: Muscle strains or joint strains.  Read Healthy Weight Gain Strategies: Add pounds fast safely, naturally Karate  Karate, the most popular martial art on the planet, is a surprisingly good foundation for self-defense.  Origin: Ryukyu Kingdom (Present day Okinawa prefecture, Japan) Inventor: Indigenous martial arts of Ryukyu Islands, Chinese martial arts Specialty: Although it lacks in many places its use of strong attacks by both the arms and the legs does put it in a higher spot than TKD focusing on one pair of limbs too much.  Purpose: The aim of almost all types of Karate is to prepare you for a variety of self-defense situations. Requirement: Different types of karate provide different street-effectiveness.  But almost all types of Karate will prepare you for a variety of self-defense situations, where a strong, fast strike could save your life.  Risk: Fractures (from falling),  Hyperextension of the joints, Nosebleeds, Sprains. Read Postpartum Weight Loss: How to lose baby weight fast after pregnancy Jiu-Jitsu This martial art helps you to overcome the opponent with technique in a bunch of grappling situations.   Origin: Brazil Inventor: Kanō Jigorō, Tomita Tsunejirō, Mitsuyo Maeda Specialty: Of course, it places higher, but there is a specific issue with the art when it comes to women. Purpose: It provides essential survival skills, and is the first art women should train. Requirement: It teaches incredible skills to handle the fight on your feet or is in a hold. Risk: As it always takes the fight to the ground, it puts women at risk. Read South Asian Karate: Bangladesh finishes 4th securing 7 gold medals

The Tokyo Olympics are introducing four new sports — skateboarding, surfing, karate and sport climbing. Each traveled its own unique path to the Games. Here, at a glance, from Associated Press journalists covering each sport, are the tales of how these sports reached Tokyo and what to watch for in each. THE SPORT: Karate WHEN IT DEBUTS: Aug. 5-7 WHY IT’S IN THE OLYMPICS NOW: Because it’s coming home for its Olympic debut. The martial art that spread across Japan in the early 20th century and soon became ubiquitous worldwide has been a candidate for Olympic inclusion since the 1970s, but organizers never found its case compelling until the Tokyo Games presented an opportunity to showcase its blend of striking combat and rigorous discipline from its homeland. Read: ‘The greatest honor’: Osaka lights Olympic cauldron WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The three days of competition at the famed Nippon Budokan will feature dozens of talented kumite (sparring) competitors in three weight divisions, along with the fascinating precision of kata (forms demonstration, often compared to a floor exercise in gymnastics). With karate currently on another upswing due to its resurgent popularity in movies and television, viewers are hoping to see excitement in a sport that isn’t always as violent as casual sports fans probably believe. Read: Tokyo Olympics begin with muted ceremony and empty stadium STARS TO WATCH: Japan’s greatest fighters will be under pressure to deliver. Naoto Sago’s competition against France’s Steven Da Costa and the best of the 67 kg field could be an opening day highlight. Miho Miyahara could kick off the women’s competition on the same day with another gold for Japan. Ken Nishimura is a favorite at 75 kg. The women’s kata competition is almost certain to be close between Spain’s Sandra Sánchez and Japan’s Kiyou Shimizu.