Meet Avinash Subramanyam, an expert in Chinese martial arts, who is on a mission to promote fitness and wellbeing

Once my friend and I were wrestling for fun. He knew judo and heu00a0 pushed me lightly. I fell down with a thud. I was stunned and wanted to learn more about judo. I went to Japan to look for a teacher," says Avinash Subramanyam, who is currently training young sportspersons and corporate honchos in martial arts.

"I have earned 14 black belts from all over the world. It's been 35 years since I first started learning and I still feel I have a long way to go," he adds.

Mentor's role

"The best way to learn something new is from a teacher and not through Do-It-Yourself books or DVDs. My teacher Zhang Guangde is 90 years old. He cycles around every day. He has successfully battled lung cancer and he continues to teach and inspire youngsters," explains Avinash, the hero-worshipping student.

Pain and gain

He confesses that he went through a great deal of physical pain during his training years. Broken bones, torn tissues and aching joints were part of the deal. "I wanted to fight the pain and that's when martial arts like Lian Gong Shi Fa, Dao Yin Sheng Gong, Qi Gong and Taiji Chuan came into the picture. I realised there is a synergy in this art that connects the mind and body," he adds.u00a0

Swift and precise: Avinash executes the side flying kick during a demo session; students practise Chen style TaiChi Quann Read Next Story Your guide to a Pink Panther home› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT