As Chennai gets increasingly unsafe, knowing the art of self-defence becomes extremely useful. Here are some of Chennai's karate schools.

A holder of nine human endurance world records, Shihan Hussaini runs the Isshinryu Karate School. This school specialises in teaching karate to not only kids and senior citizens, but also to the visually-challenged as well.

"The basic punches and block moves in Isshinryu karate are similar the world over. But, the difference lies in the way it's taught which differs from school to school," says AR Sundar, President, All India Boufuuukai Isshinryu Karate Association.

Renshi JP Sivabaalan, a 5th degree black dan belt (honorary white on red) in Isshinryu and Goju Ryu, has created his own katas, or fighting forms. Having taught for more than two decades and recognised by a local organisation as a karate legend, he does not stick to teaching traditional Isshinryu alone. In fact, at his All India Tatsuokan Isshinryu Karate and Kobudo Association, he incorporates into his teaching various other martial-art forms.

Additionally, the centre has also created its own syllabus which offers a variety of courses for children, adults and the disabled. Besides this, they even conduct belt promotion classes, championships, seminars, referee clinics and instructor courses. Interested in weaponry art? If so, the Okinawan Kobudo an armed self-defence technique is taught here as well.

Tips for selecting karate schools: 

- Check for credentials: Ensure that the school is legally certified; check the instructor's qualifications. 

- Class and age groups: Are classes separated by age or belts? 

- Facilities offered: Do the schools have locker rooms, showers and the like? 

- Proximity: Distance wise is it convenient for you and your child?

So, here's to you learning an art to keep you physically and mentally fit, and only to be used when in danger.

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