Bollywood Actor Akshay Kumar is set to launch a martial arts training institute for women in Mumbai this year. Akshay, who was formerly a professional martial arts trainer in Bangkok before turning to acting, has teamed up with Aditya Thackeray, son of Shiv Sena president Udhav Thackeray, for the social initiative.
The initiative is set to empower women in Mumbai, making them able to better defend themselves against all sorts of attacks. According to sources, Akshay and Aditiya will inaugurate the martial arts training institute this may with the first one to be launched in Andheri Sports Complex, in suburban Mumbai.
‘I am thankful to Aditya Thackeray for coming up with the idea and also lending his complete support. The initiative is very close to my heart,’ says Akshay.
The Khiladi star who is currently shooting for his upcoming movie Gabbar received a black belt in Taekwondo in the 1980s in India. He travelled to Bangkok to enhance his martial arts skills and after learning Muay Thai combat sport in Thailand, he returned to Mumbai and became a martial arts trainer.
The self defense course is set to last for three months and will be free of charge.