1. How Does Martial Arts Training Help a Woman in Self-Defence?
Martial arts—particularly Karate—serve as a powerful tool for women’s empowerment, enhancing both physical capability and mental resilience. Mr. Premjit Sen, Chairman of Karate India Organisation, WKF A Grade Referee, and President of the Karate Do Association of Bengal, has been a leading force in promoting Karate as a path to self-reliance, safety, and self-confidence.
He strongly advocates the philosophy of the “Three D’s”—Discipline, Determination, and Devotion—principles deeply embedded in Karate practice. These values not only build strong character and help women make confident decisions under pressure, but also help to ward off the “fourth D”—Depression—by cultivating a focused and balanced mindset.
Rejecting passive societal responses to threats and injustice, Mr. Sen insists that action speaks louder than symbolism. He believes true empowerment comes through training and strength, not candle marches. His practical self-defence workshops, grounded in real-life scenarios, have trained thousands of women across Bengal to respond with assertiveness and speed in times of danger. His motto is simple: teach women to say “No to Eve Teasing” with their kicks and punches—and with confidence.
2. What Is the Current Scenario in India for Women Karate Players?
Thanks to the relentless efforts of visionaries like Mr. Premjit Sen, who also serves as the Chairman of Karate India Organisation, India has seen a remarkable rise in female participation in Karate. Under his leadership, Bengal alone has produced numerous female Karatekas who have excelled at national and international levels.
Mr. Sen has worked to ensure equal training opportunities, recognition, and visibility for women—breaking long-standing gender barriers in the sport. His inclusive approach is now being adopted across several Indian states, leading to the emergence of a more robust and supportive ecosystem for women in martial arts nationwide.
3. How Is Bengal Growing in Karate Sports?
Bengal has emerged as a major hub for Karate in India, thanks in large part to the dynamic leadership of Mr. Premjit Sen, who holds the distinguished position of WKF A Grade Referee in addition to his national and state roles.
As President of the Karate Do Association of Bengal, Mr. Sen has radically transformed the Karate landscape in the state—from organizing international-level tournaments and nurturing grassroots talent to driving inclusivity in every aspect of the sport.
His efforts go beyond competitive achievement. Under his initiatives, many practitioners—especially women—have found career opportunities in police services, education, and coaching. For many, Karate has become a path to financial independence, social respect, and personal growth. Mr. Sen has redefined Karate not just as a sport, but as a vehicle for social and economic empowerment.
4. What Role Do the State and Central Governments Play in Women’s Self-Defence? Are There Any New Projects?
While the State and Central Governments have introduced crucial safety programs such as Mahila Suraksha and the Nirbhaya Fund, it is the on-ground leadership of individuals like Mr. Premjit Sen that ensures these initiatives deliver real impact.
In his role as Chairman of Karate India Organisation, Mr. Sen has facilitated collaboration between his association and multiple government agencies to launch wide-reaching self-defence programs tailored for women and young girls.
Some notable initiatives under his leadership include:
• Tejashwini – A state-supported women’s empowerment project
• Unarmed Combat Training – In collaboration with Kolkata Police
• Self-Defence Programs in Schools & Colleges – In partnership with the police department
• Rani Lakshmi Bai Project – A Central Government initiative promoting self-defence
• Sarva Shiksha Mission – Bringing self-defence training into education institution.
Further strengthening this mission, Mr. Sen launched the ambitious campaign, aimed at training 10,000 girls across Bengal in self-defence within a single year. These sessions—often conducted free of charge—are designed not just to teach fighting techniques, but to cultivate fearlessness, focus, and mental strength.
For Mr. Sen, true self-defence begins not with fists, but with self-belief.
