martial arts

Learning a martial art is not only extremely rewarding for your fitness, but can also help you rediscover and reconnect to India's unique martial history. Here's a quick guide to help you figure out which one is right for you.

One of China's most important pilgrimage destinations, the Shaolin Temple was founded in 495 AD by the monk Buddhabhadra, who had traveled from India to China. Centuries later, a few young Indians are keeping the ancient connection of India to Shaolin alive.

In an effort to make young girls feel confident and bold, martial arts instructors Alexander Fernandes and Ishita Sharma are teaching kung fu for free, every weekend at the Versova beach in Mumbai.

A 16-year-old girl walking alone in the evening looked like an easy target to two drunk men. But she taught them a lesson they'll never forget - they were beaten, punched and kicked until they finally fled the site.

Mohammad Iftekhar Khan developed his interest in martial arts when he was just nine. He later became a scrap dealer, but did not let his passion die. He has already won several medals in Kickboxing, and is now all set to represent Maharashtra in the nationals.