Master of punches

He is a head constable in the morning and a karate teacher in the evening. LIFFY THOMAS on one man's enthusiasm for teaching the martial art

It is 8 p.m. and three groups practise karate under the arc lights at Rajiv Nagar Corporation Park in Perungudi. Rajan master keenly watches a small group of green and orange belt students getting trained in blocking and attacking techniques.

“You do not hit a person in karate as you do in street fights. It is considered a foul. You only defend yourself,” the master swings his leg to show a technique. Two days a week, the school ground at Sai Nagar, Thoraipakkam and the park in Perungudi become the training ground for these students. In the morning, Rajan is a head constable with the Armed Reserve Department. In the evening, he is a karate teacher. Eleven years ago, Rajan, who holds a Fifth Dan Black Belt, opened the karate school, Young Men Seikokai Shito-RYU, to train youngsters.

“I was inspired by the words of C. Sylendra Babu who motivated us to develop any talent we possess. That’s how I decided to start a karate institute,” says Rajan. The same year — 2004, that is — Rajan ran a summer camp under the aegis of the Police Boys Club, offering free karate coaching to less-privileged children. This was opened by Sylendra Babu, then joint-commissioner of police. The one-month camp has now become a regular feature. The camps are now well-known and senior police officers often grace the valedictory function.

“The camps have helped identify many youngsters from the neighbourhood who have the aptitude for karate but cannot take it up due to financial constraints,” says Rajan, introducing Arun, a class VI student, who is being given free coaching. Rajan says that at least 50 per cent of his students are given free training or he finds them a sponsor. “I have a businessman friend, a lawyer and a few well wishers who sponsor the dress, gloves and the fees,” he says. This time, Rajan got a new assignment from the Department. He is among the teachers who have been asked to conduct a summer camp for the children of the staff. Over 40 students are learning under him. “There might be many in the police department who are trained in karate, but becoming a teacher takes more than just the regular training,” says Rajan, who is a three-time winner in the above-80 kg weight category events organised by the Tamil Nadu Police. On days when Rajan is tied up with work or is on night shift, senior students take over. “Fifty of my students have a black belt and they are capable of training the juniors,” he says, adding, “I want them to participate in more national level tournaments and bring laurels.”

Through the camps, youngsters who have the aptitude for karate but cannot take it up due to financial constraints are identified.  

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