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Ashwin Mohan, is a role model for Indian youngsters, who drives the violence in every person to a noble cause. A major exponent in martial arts, he has taught many people to develop self defence, fitness and a positive attitude to sort out day to day problems. He also established GIIT, a martial arts institute for younger women to empower women's position in the society. Ashwin Mohan, talks to Oneindia. in in an exclusive interview

	It can be dangerous to the loser in you, that"s all. And everyone has one.

Martial Arts is an ever evolving practice with a long tradition. As a major exponent of this traditional practice, how do you define martial arts?

Major exponent. Thanks! For me the martial arts are precisely that- the art of fighting a war. The spin offs of training yourself for battle are many, and affect so many areas of your life, both visible and invisible, that people get attracted to martial arts.

How was your introduction into martial arts?

I began my journey into martial arts at the age of 13 with a guy called Julke. He was a Nepali Gurkha. I"d wake him up at 5:30 am everyday to train with him. It was tough and painful but all worth it.

Did you face any real hurdles while mastering martial arts?

Yeah! Finding the cash to pay for classes when I was young and finding the right teachers. Good teachers are few and far between. Another major obstacle was injuries. I"ve had every possible injury!!

There is a great diversity and abundance of martial arts. On which area that you are concentrating in?

There"s another way of looking at it. That each of them is training you to become a fighting machine. So there is a common thread in all the martial arts. I see unity rather than diversity at this stage in my martial arts study. So my aim is to pull the commonality together and to merge the diversity to make a rich style of my own.

What is the goal of martial arts?

Self defence, fitness, a positive attitude and being powerful enough to sort out your day to day problems by yourself (self confidence)

Do you think that mastering martial arts becomes a style icon on the present day?

I suppose you want to ask me if practicing martial arts is stylish? You betcha. It"s the style statement of the century. My body moves in ways that other people find quite incredible. So yes, you can be a style icon!!

What is the role of martial arts in society?

To make people physically fit and mentally strong and morally responsible

What is difference in the practice of martial arts in India and abroad?

Judging from the performance of my expatriate friends and other visitors from abroad… not much. They have better equipment and gear though.

Do you find any change in the attitude of society to martial arts from the time you begin and till date?

Well people are more fitness conscious now and they are willing to spend more time in dojos or martial art clubs

Is there any truth in society's belief that mastering of martial arts can be dangerous at times?

I never faced that one. It can be dangerous to the loser in you, that"s all. And everyone has one.

Have you ever faced any dangerous situations while practicing martial arts ?

Every day. Martial arts and danger are inseparable. Even if a new student is punching me it is dangerous because you never know when he might get lucky and land one on your eye!

Who inspired you most in martial arts?

Well initially Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, Later Jackie Chan, Bolo Yeung and Sammo Hung then Ali and Tyson after that the Gracies. Right now it"s the teaching methods of Bas Rutten a Mixed Martial Artist from Holland who by the way has the same birthday as me!! Also many more folks whose names I can"t remember because they are so difficult. Like this Israeli Krav Maga Dude and This French Savate Finalist of the first UFC

Tags: ashwin mohan, martial arts, self defense, positive attitude, fitness, empower women, shoot fighting association, mixed martial arts club, dhanyasree m.