Rani Padamsee. the first woman black belt karate expert of Bangladesh. who runs a karate school of her own. when asked as to what attracted her to martial arts; replies, "I had been practicing Indian classic dance since my very early childhood. Arts with perfect coordination always fascinated me. When I turned 16. I went to see a karate demonstration. 1 found the movements there to be swift and dance-like, combined with others that were powerful. I thought this was'a perfect blend of strength and dexterity. It was surely also a wonderful way of self-defence.’

Giving her reasons for opening a school of her own. Rani elaborates. "Although martial arts was introduced to Bangladesh in the 70"s and 80 s there were no exclusive classes for women and children. so I stepped in. and began my school.

"Mine is the only well-equipped school in Bangladesh. with proper rubber floor, air-conditioning, and seven trained teachers including Shihan Mitsuo Yoshida, the only Japanese teacher in our country. Being a woman J can handle women and children better than any man.”

Explaining the meaning of the word "karate." she says," "Kara" means empty, "te" means hands and "do" stands for way. Thus, literally "karate" means

"the way of empty hands." You are taught to use your body as a weapon. Your reflexes become spontaneous and your self-confidence is developed. You are affected both mentally and physically." .

Giving the philosophy behind the martial arts. Rani elaborates "Martial arts developed as a form to maintain good health, vigour and peace of mind. The monk Bhodd-hirama felt that human beings needed to express' their energy, either in anger or brutal confrontation. He felt that if this energy could be rechannelled. human beings could be more at peace by dealing with the animat within themselves."

What is the difference between karate, kung fu and lai chi? To tliis Rani says. "Karate was developed by the Japanese, while kung fu (pronounced gung fu) and tai chi are essentially of Chinese origin. Tai Chi might appear to have a soft style but it is equally if not more powerful than the other methods. All the martial arts have the same philosophy and similar basics.

Explaining the difference between the belts, she says." Usually a grade belt test is given every three to four month. The student begins with oth kyu (white belt) and gradually works himself upto the black belt, having passed

the while, yellow, green, purple and brown bell.

Elaborating on the final degree Rani elaborates. "In Japan the belt tests are given till the fifth dan black belt."

Speaking about the duration of the classes, she explains that the classes are for two hours, three times a week. They do exercise for 45 minutes each time and the rest is karate.

The first woman black belt in Bangladesh. Rani has a son who is a black belt too. She taught him since he was five years old. She was the flrst Bangladeshi to go for the world championship in "91. She Is also the first woman to have won the national championship three times. She hopes to represent her country in the Olympics some day. j

How does she combine her karate teaching with her housework? She obviously does this with no trouble at all. Although she is not yet a financial success, due to the high cost of running the school, she has taught karate to other members of her family Including her two children and her brother In-law. Rani says that her family gives her all the. support in the world. She Is surely the only woman in the world to wear a hyaab and teach karate.

Rani's hobbies are classical Indian dancing and gymnastics.