Wielding Nunchaku to drive away bad habits!

TRIPUNITHURA: K V Babu is on a dual mission! A karate master from Tripunithura, Babu has set his sights on featuring in the Limca Book of Records by wielding a Nunchaku, and in turn, he is looking to help youngsters tackle the ‘kicks’ of life as well!The 48-year-old will launch a 28-hour marathon karate performance today using a Nunchaku or nun chucks, one of the most common martial arts weapons with two sticks connected together by a cord or chain.The two-day attempt will begin at the Changampuzha Park in Edappally from 10 pm and is expected to continue till Sunday evening.The first day of the marathon will be inaugurated by K Babu, Excise Minister, and the second day’s proceedings will be declared open by Kamal Pasha, the Principal District Sessions Judge. According to Babu, his effort is not only for garnering personal fame, but also to spread the importance of leading a healthy life.“The number of youngsters who are attracted to deadly habits such as drinking, smoking and chewing tobacco products are on the rise. By the excessive use of such products they are risking their health in a big way. So, I’m very keen to lure more youngsters into martial arts so that they learn the importance of staying healthy, and thus encouraging them to abstain from these unhealthy habits,” said Babu.Babu, who started to learn kalaripayattu at a very young age, had his first master in his father K P Ramachandran Gurukal.Thereafter, he learned several other forms of martial arts including various styles of karate, gatta gusthi, judo, hada yoga, besides  trying his hand at boxing as well. Now, he is a Shihan, a title for ‘master-level instructors’ in Karate. He has conducted more than 700 shows and is still crazy about clinching more records. However, martial art is not the only passion of Babu. The Karateka has also a deep interest in Kathakali. He imbibed the basic lessons of the art form from RLV Radhakrishanan Master. Babu is also learned the nuances of playing the Mridangam from Irijalakuda Subramanya Thirumeni.“I’m prepared both physically and mentally to achieve the feat. Apart from practising martial arts, I’m also focusing on meditation to enhance my concentration levels. I’m confident that I’ll be able to make it,” added Babu.