Empowering Safety and Awareness Through Knowledge
By Prof. M Dato’ Dr. Rishya Manikam
The practice of martial arts is not just about strength, technique, and discipline — it’s also about awareness, protection, and preservation of life. Recognizing the importance of immediate medical response in sports and physical training, Prof. M Dato’ Dr. Rishya Manikam recently led a special event titled “First Aid in Martial Art – MARMA”, focusing on first aid awareness, injury management, and resuscitation techniques tailored for martial artists.
Bridging Medicine and Martial Arts
The MARMA event brought together martial arts practitioners, instructors, and healthcare professionals under one roof with a shared mission: to understand the vital link between martial arts training and emergency preparedness.
Prof. Rishya, a leading expert in emergency medicine and resuscitation, shared practical, evidence-based insights on how quick and correct first aid actions can prevent severe outcomes during sports or combat-related injuries.
The session explored critical areas such as:
- Managing knockouts, fractures, and dislocations
- Recognizing spinal and head injuries
- Controlling bleeding and shock
- Understanding pressure points (Marma) and their physiological impact
- Performing basic life support (BLS) in case of collapse or cardiac arrest
Integrating the Science of Marma with Modern First Aid
Drawing inspiration from traditional Marma science — the ancient Indian understanding of vital energy points — Prof. Rishya emphasized how knowledge of these points can enhance both performance and safety.
By combining this traditional wisdom with modern medical techniques, martial artists can gain a deeper appreciation of how the human body responds to force, trauma, and healing.
“Martial arts teach discipline and control — but they also demand responsibility. Knowing first aid transforms every practitioner into a protector, not just of themselves, but of others too.”
— Prof. M Dato’ Dr. Rishya Manikam
Hands-On Training for Real-World Situations
Participants experienced interactive demonstrations of first aid procedures, CPR techniques, and injury management drills. The event aimed to build confidence and competence among martial artists, ensuring they are ready to respond calmly and effectively in emergencies both inside and outside the dojo.
Through guided simulations and scenario-based practice, attendees learned that first aid isn’t just a skill — it’s a lifesaving art.
A Step Toward Safer Martial Arts Communities
The “First Aid in Martial Art – MARMA” event marks another step in Prof. Rishya’s ongoing mission to promote safety, awareness, and preparedness within all aspects of physical training and sport.
By empowering martial artists with medical knowledge, the program reinforces a powerful message — true mastery in martial arts includes the mastery of care.
Event Highlights
The event concluded with participants receiving certificates of attendance, symbolizing their readiness to uphold safety, discipline, and humanity in their martial arts journey.
👊 Knowledge. Discipline. Compassion.
The MARMA initiative reflects Prof. Rishya’s broader vision — to build a generation of skillful, compassionate, and safety-conscious warriors who value life as deeply as they value technique.
Through continuous education, collaboration, and hands-on training, the bridge between martial arts and medical science continues to grow stronger.
