In the mornings, a young girl in Karate uniform is seen practicing in one corner of Meghdutam Park. Her dedication and focus drew me to know about her. She is Dr Ruchika Butola residing
in Stellar Kings Court. A regular medical practitioner, my conversation with her touched many aspects of fitness and good health.
Ruchika had fascination and inclination towards Karate since childhood – the kicks and the moves; had not imagined then that she would master them now. Studies were her main focus in school and then a long medical course. She could not indulge in the martial art. It was after her studies got over and she took up job in a hospital that she got time to attentively watch children doing Karate in Meghdutam Park. She approached Vishwajeet sir and expressed her desire to learn. That was her beginning…. She took classes with the kids, who motivated her. Stellar children were a great support. “Vishwajeet sir never showed any mercury,” she recounts with a smile. A dedicated learner, she started in 2017 and became a Black Belt holder by 2021.
“Age should not be a barrier to do what one desires; it’s all in the head,” she shares. “The joy of receiving the Black Belt had tears in my eyes… similar to when I received my medical degree,” indicates her commitment. She says, “I find peace doing Karate. It’s an ancient art form, similar to any classical performing art in its movements. It involves movement of all joints.”
Ruchika learnt Yoga, when in class 12th motivated by her mother, Kavita Butola, and makes it a point to do aasans and pranayam few days in a week. “Some exercise is a must for all, for a healthy life.”
Her advice for the readers is to have regular exercise routine – As we grow old, we have fear of falling and often lose bladder control. Both restrict our movement. In Karate we work on our core and perineal muscles; while we are balancing, we always maintain a centre of gravity. This makes the body stable and there is less fear of falling. Even while falling the reflexes work fast to avoid a fall.
Ruchika did her schooling from Somerville School, Noida, and her medical studies from Meerut. Her father, Dr PS Butola, is her inspiration for choosing the medical profession.
