Martial art is often associated with violence as it involves aggressive moves that can lead to injuries. But for many Jakartans, it also serves as a way to escape their daily routines.

Like high school student Castra Vidya Atmoko who attends a dojo in his spare time.

The 17-year-old said the need to protect himself was important because of the increase in street crime and mass student brawls in Jakarta.

“I have never been involved in any student brawls. But to me, self-defense is important because I often go out alone,” said Castra after practicing his striking and kicking combinations at the Jakarta Muay Thai and MMA Training Camp in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, recently.

He believes that the techniques he is learning will come in handy if he finds himself in a tight spot.

Despite warnings from authorities and schools, student brawls still occur in the city.

Last month, Rizky Ramadhan, 17, was stabbed to death in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, by a group of students from SMK 57 senior vocational high school after taking part in a futsal match. The perpetrators initially thought that Rizky, who was wearing his school uniform at the time, attended a rival school.

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) said that as of May this year, 23 students have fallen victim to mass brawls across the country, with some losing their lives.

It also revealed that 31 students were alleged perpetrators.

Last year, 57 students became victim of the dangerous activity, while 74 were accused of being perpetrators.

The training camp, one among dozens of similar spots in Jakarta, daily welcomes around 40 trainees who spend around two to three hours honing their Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts skills.

Muay Thai, a combative martial arts originating from Thailand, is growing in popularity worldwide because it is considered to be the best way to burn calories.

Jiu jitsu is a ground battle technique that allows for a relatively weaker person to successfully defend himself or herself against a stronger and bigger assailant.

While the camp is home to amateur fighters, anyone with the talent and inspiration to become a professional mixed martial artists will be referred to its sister club, Bali MMA, which has been touted as one of the top producers of professional mixed martial athletes not only in Indonesia, by Asia as well.

One of the international stars that Indonesia has produced is Stefer Rahardian who currently holds a 9-2 record in international contests.

The ever-growing full contact combat sport, which requires good focus, stamina and endurance, has also attracted many people, including well-known celebrities, to shape their bodies and to extend their relationships within the community.

“Since joining this camp three months ago, I have lost 10 kilograms. My weight is around 120 kg now,” Stefer said.

A one-day entrance fee for Muay Thai or jiu jitsu training costs Rp 165,000 (US$11), while a one-year membership costs Rp 6.2 million.

For Yosihumi Nakagawa, 39, of Japan, who works for an advertising agency in Jakarta, joining the camp to learn a new martial art technique also means engaging with a new community who shares the same interest.

“I used to practice judo in my home country but to learn something new with new people is fun,” he said.

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