Karthik Naidu is hoping to bring Filipino martial art Eskrima to more Fijians after earning a fourth-degree black belt certificate from Filmocan San Miguel Eskrima International.
Originally from Nadi and raised in Nadawa Suva, Naidu says his journey in the Filipino martial art began in 2022 after he was introduced to Eskrima by his Karate Master Felix Fremlin.
He says Fremlin inspired him to explore the martial art, which led him to connect with Supreme Grandmaster Panto Canete Flores, under whose guidance he continued his training.
Naidu travelled to Cebu City in the Philippines this year to train directly under Flores and undergo grading for his fourth-degree black belt.
Insert: Kartik Naidu on challenges 20th Oct
Despite these challenges, Naidu says the experience was rewarding, and he is proud to have achieved the qualification under Flores' supervision.
He says he is now working to introduce Filmocan San Miguel Eskrima to more Fijians by opening a school, with the aim of helping people learn self-defence and protect themselves and their loved ones.
He shares Eskrima is a Filipino martial art that incorporates weapons such as sticks, knives and swords, alongside techniques using bare hands.
Naidu says the martial art can help people develop the skills to safeguard themselves, provided they use their training within the boundaries of the law.
His message to young people is to stay away from drugs and consider positive activities that can help them develop discipline and new skills.
Hindi Insert:Â Kartik Naidu on family support 20th Oct
Meanwhile, Naidu's proud father George Tavuna says he is extremely proud of his son's achievement and supported him throughout the journey, despite knowing how challenging the training would be.
He says he initially worried that Karthik might feel lonely travelling alone, but was reassured by the support and guidance he received from his trainers in the Philippines.
He says the trainers treated Karthik like family, making the experience more comfortable despite being far from home.
Karthik's father says he believes the skills his son has acquired will be an important asset for future generations in Fiji, particularly in helping people protect themselves and their loved ones.
