The nuns also raise awareness about climate change, human trafficking and world peace
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KWFIBNWVAVBSPNBCS5LRVM3CCE.jpg?smart=true&auth=f519f5780703ff617c5fd4ad83e27ea9652e749fb9a7ab84537774fe2182bbe0&width=400&height=225)
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
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
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
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
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
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KWFIBNWVAVBSPNBCS5LRVM3CCE.jpg?smart=true&auth=f519f5780703ff617c5fd4ad83e27ea9652e749fb9a7ab84537774fe2182bbe0&width=400&height=225)
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
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
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
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
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
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
Meet the kung fu nuns kicking down stereotypes in Nepal
Buddhist women teach self-defence, double as painters and plumbers and combat human trafficking while fighting for gender equality
Teja Lele
05 January, 2024
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