The kung fu nuns of Nepal - in pictures

  • Himalayan Buddhist nuns at the Amitabha Drukpa Nunnery learnt kung fu in a bid to promote self-defence and gender equality. All photos: Amitabha Drukpa Nunnery
    Himalayan Buddhist nuns at the Amitabha Drukpa Nunnery learnt kung fu in a bid to promote self-defence and gender equality. All photos: Amitabha Drukpa Nunnery
  • The nunnery is in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, although many of the nuns come from Ladakh and other parts of India
    The nunnery is in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, although many of the nuns come from Ladakh and other parts of India
  • Tradition used to dictate that being 'well-behaved' would help nuns to come back as male monks in their next lifetime
    Tradition used to dictate that being 'well-behaved' would help nuns to come back as male monks in their next lifetime
  • Under the visionary leadership of Jigme Pema Wangchen, the Drukpa nuns are not onlu trained martial arts experts, but also chant masters, a position once reserved only for men
    Under the visionary leadership of Jigme Pema Wangchen, the Drukpa nuns are not onlu trained martial arts experts, but also chant masters, a position once reserved only for men
  • Since 2008, more than 1,000 nuns have been trained in the basics of kung fu
    Since 2008, more than 1,000 nuns have been trained in the basics of kung fu
  • Close to 100 nuns have taken intensive lessons and become trainers
    Close to 100 nuns have taken intensive lessons and become trainers
  • The nuns often brandish spears and swords during their daily practice
    The nuns often brandish spears and swords during their daily practice
  • The trainers conduct self-defence workshops in Ladakh each year, teaching young women techniques including takedowns and strikes
    The trainers conduct self-defence workshops in Ladakh each year, teaching young women techniques including takedowns and strikes
  • Jigme Deepam arrived at the nunnery 18 years ago
    Jigme Deepam arrived at the nunnery 18 years ago
  • Jigme Tontam Wangmo, who is originally from Kullu in India, says kung fu keeps her fit as well as focused
    Jigme Tontam Wangmo, who is originally from Kullu in India, says kung fu keeps her fit as well as focused
  • The nuns begin their day at 3am and practise kung fu regularly
    The nuns begin their day at 3am and practise kung fu regularly
  • The nuns also raise awareness about climate change, human trafficking and world peace
    The nuns also raise awareness about climate change, human trafficking and world peace