Pakistan Martial Arts Association, LGU hold self-defense workshop to empower female students
PMAA and LGU hold self-defense workshop to empower female students
Pakistan Martial Arts Association, LGU hold self-defense workshop to empower female students
PMAA and LGU hold self-defense workshop to empower female students
LAHORE: Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA), in collaboration with the Lahore Garrison University (LGU), organised an intensive self-defense workshop aimed at equipping female students with practical martial arts techniques, tactical awareness, and personal safety skills.
The event, arranged by LGU’s Women Empowerment Club and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Team, combined theoretical and hands-on training to enhance participants’ confidence and preparedness in challenging situations.
The workshop began with opening remarks by SDG Team members Shanzay and Ghulam Fizza, who highlighted the importance of self-defense training in promoting women’s safety and empowerment while supporting Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality).
Vice Chancellor of LGU, Major General (Retd) Muhammad Khalil Dar, HI(M), highlighted the significance of self-defense education for young women. He expressed hope that LGU and PMAA would establish a long-term partnership to conduct regular martial arts and self-defense training programs across the university.
The training sessions were led by PMAA Chief Sensei Anwar Mohiuddin, assisted by senior instructors Chaudhry Hanzla and Sumaiyya Mohiuddin. The instructors covered essential aspects of self-defense, including situational awareness, threat assessment, defensive tactics, and effective physical response techniques.
Participants received practical instruction in defensive movements, punches, elbow strikes, escape techniques, and methods to counter potential threats. The instructors also stressed that awareness, confidence, and avoidance remain the most effective forms of self-defense, with physical engagement serving only as a last resort.
During his address, Sensei Mohiuddin emphasised the physical mechanics of neutralization: “Power and pain have no gender. A swift, precise punch or targeted elbow strike can instantly disable even a physically overwhelming assailant. Success depends on self-confidence, technique, and decisive execution.”
However, he cautioned that physical combat should always be a last resort. “The most successful self-defense encounter is the one that is avoided altogether,” he stated, encouraging participants to de-escalate conflicts whenever possible.
He further added that the association stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Armed Forces of Pakistan in safeguarding the nation’s ideological boundaries, driven by a dedicated mission to transform the youth particularly young women into a true Sinf-e-Aahan.
A self-defense handbook, compiled by Rameesha Shoaib, President of the Women Empowerment Club and SDG 5 initiative, was distributed among participants. The manual includes guidance on personal safety, legal rights related to self-defense, emergency contacts, and everyday security practices.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from both LGU and PMAA to continue promoting martial arts and self-defense education, empowering women with the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to ensure their personal safety.
