Karate guard

Now,after being shortlisted for the Germany-based Kimura Shukokai International’s World Karate Championship 2010 to be held in Lisbon,Portugal,in May,Jadhav wants to take his passion a notch ahead. “While I will continue to work as a security guard with the BMC,my aim is to master the martial art and take it to the agile levels of my chief master Shihan Fasihal Jalal and master Renshi Mohan Singh,” he says.

So far,Jadhav has reached the rank of Sensai (teacher),but says he has miles to go to attain perfection. “I will practise till my last breath or at least till I’m a Kiyosh. I also want to participate in the South Asian and Asian Games to be held in November 2010.”

Jadhav recollects the origin of his obsession with karate: “I remember watching films of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan,and being awed by their chiseled frames and alert body language. Later when I understood the discipline and concentration needed to pursue it,I became a bigger follower of karate.” To him,the biggest benefit of the art form is not the physical strength but the emotional and psychological strengths it gives.

For the past three years,Jadhav has been working with the BMC for a salary of Rs 12,000 a month. He works in seven-hour shifts,nevertheless,finds time to practise martial arts for at least five hours a day. “So that I don’t get fatigued; I make sure I consume good amount of proteins everyday. My diet includes egg whites,dals and milk.”

Jadhav has participated in several international and national level championships and won as many as 20 medals so far. Hoping to enter the KSI competition in May,he says,“I want to participate in the championship and have appealed to my seniors as well as the Mayor for financial help since it would be difficult for me to bear the travel expenses.” He expects that he will get funds before the due time.

At home,Jadhav’s parents,his little brother and married sister are so excited about his progress in karate. “My father has been encouraging me since the time I started training. He even financially helped me in the beginning. Nowadays I try not to burden him.”

Jadhav believes that karate is a very simple art form. “Karate can be learnt by a six-year-old child as well as a 60-year-old person with equal ease. It has no physical restrictions. With mental strength,a will to learn and a strong belief anyone can learn combative techniques. And,it should only be used for self defence.”