Taekwondo has become a kind of shorthand for all martial arts in the minds of people, and so it is surprising how much we don’t know about it. Well, today we have with us, the founder of Dynamic Warrior Martial Art Academy, Pamir Shah, who has trained more than 30,000 students over the tenure of 10 years. The government of Gujarat has awarded this academy as Center of Excellence and Best Academy of Martial Arts of India in 2018. Pamir Shah spoke to our host Subhi Gupta recently and shared his inspiring thoughts on Taekwondo and Martial Arts.
Please tell us something about Martial Art and Taekwondo.
Martial Art is the development of body, mind and soul. A good martial artist is strongby body, mind and soul.Taekwondo is a type of martial arts. Every country has its indigenous martial arts. India has its own martial art – Kalaripayattu. Infact, Taekwondo is a Korean national game that is popular because it is the only martial arts taken as a sport in the Olympics that includes kicking, punching, blocking and defensive tactics.
What positive utility do martial arts hold in a person’s life? The person can channel the energy in a positive manner. A lot of parents come to me complaining about how their kids are hyperactive or aggressive. So we try to channel their energy in the right direction through martial arts training. Any form of martial arts teaches you discipline. Energy and power with discipline create a strong individual.
How has Taekwondo affected your life?
There has been a huge change in my life after joining Taekwondo. I was a good athlete in school and won a gold medal in 1600 m running in Gandhi Cup. Gandhi Cup used to be a huge deal during that time. Training since then has changed my body completely. From a career point of view, I have 7 academies, a gym and many government projects in hand. I am also working with Surat Police as an official partner for Self Defence programs. So yes, my life has quite changed personally and professionally.
A piece of advice to the parents who are not supportive of children opting for a sports career ? A sport is not just a hobby. Sports teach you some very important qualities like never giving up, working hard, sportsman spirit, mental strength and the like. Encourage your children. I would be more than happy to share around 40 sports-related career options like Sports Nutritionist, Sports Physiotherapist, Sports Injury Specialist, Sports Photographer and more that parents can explore. There are multiple good universities in India and abroad. India is going to host the Olympics soon. Indian Government has also started the ‘Khelo India’ campaign aggressively. So the next 20 years would be a new era of sports in India.
Can Martial Arts be persuaded at any age?
Yes, absolutely. But it is better to start training them from an early age for better motor skills. I have students aged 55-60 as well. So, age is not a barrier really; it is just a number.
A positive piece of advice to the young generation Play any sports whether it’s recreational, professional or amateur. Play it just to socialise, to get fit, to get your frustration out and to be happy. Your life will change for the better.