Women in Pakistan are gradually moving towards activities which until recently were considered unimaginable for them to step into. After judo karate, women have now started trying kickboxing encouraged by a female trainer – a first in Pakistan.
Meet Rameesha Shahid, who is Pakistan’s first female kick boxing trainer.
According to Rameesha, in the beginning there were no female instructors, which made many women reluctant to learn it from a male instructor. Now, she says, they are turning towards this sport because they feel comfortable in the presence of a female instructor. Not only does this training help in ensuring strength and improving their physical abilities, but she says it can also help in releasing mental stress.
It was one year of tough practice before she graduated as a master. Now since she is there and more and more people are learning about her, there are other girls too coming to the academy to learn and train in kickboxing. “Of course they have their reservations. They ask many questions before joining as do their parents, especially their mothers, about developing muscles like men or gaining weight, breaking bones, getting scars on the face, etc.
“But we don’t throw them into the sparring ring immediately. We work on their fitness first. Sparring comes after building of confidence too. Then it also involves wearing head, chest and shin guards. Besides, only those who I think have the potential are allowed to spar,” she says.
With her abilities and expertise, Rameesha is helping other women interested in the sport to train themselves.
