A Conversation With Jyoti Patel, First Indian Woman to Write a Book on Taekwondo

“The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” Gichin Funakoshi.

Taekwondo, to us Indians and a few across, remains like a paradox intertwined. In Jyoti Patel, we have a global goodwill ambassador, a blogger, a poetess, and an anthologer in one. She has surely carved out her niche and very recently added a life-lasting feather in her CV by becoming the first Indian woman to write a book on Taekwondo. I spoke to her about her life and her upcoming book.

Ravi: Firstly, thank you for giving your valuable time to The Sports Column. Let us begin by telling us about your background and what brought you into writing. Who are your role models?

Jyoti is an acclaimed and best-selling author.

Jyoti: I have no role models. I never really thought that I would become a writer someday. A few years ago, I found an online platform to read amazing books and share my short stories, poetry, and novels. This gave me the chance to publish my works online, which can be available to a wider audience from all around the world. The votes and comments came flooding my stories and every poem I published online, not immediately, but from the next few days. I’d never experienced anything like it before. Each day, I woke up to messages of encouragement from readers wanting to know “What I’m writing next” and saying “How inspiring my books are.” So, that’s how my writing journey has been started. As days and months passed, I received many opportunities to publish my work, and I started contributing to many anthologies. I was thrilled with my readers’ response, so I wrote and published my first solo book in 2016.

Ravi: Is there a specific genre that you are more comfortable in? Would you love to share any experience from your childhood that has had an impact on your writing?

Jyoti: I lost my father in my teens, around the age of 14. I had to drop out of school after my 8th standard and continue my education through distance mode for 3 years. That is when I lost my school friends and everyone I knew. Moving out of town and living in the new city was difficult. I had too many thoughts running in my mind. I always had something to share but none to listen to. I wanted to escape, and I wanted to go back to living a normal life, but I couldn’t be normal. As I was into home-schooling for three years, I got time to explore different things, and that’s when I started to read books. That’s when my brother got me a device to read online books, and instead of reading, I started to pen down my thoughts in the form of short stories, novels, and poetry.

Ravi: You are the first Indian woman to write a book on Taekwondo – Tae Kwon Do: An Olympic Sport. Can you talk us through your book and the motive behind it? 

Jyoti: I am inspired by the philosophy of this sport which is focused on: Respect, Courtesy, Goodness, Trustworthiness, Loyalty, Humility, Courage, Patience, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control, an Indomitable Spirit, and a sense of responsibility to help and respect all forms of life. Those attributes have driven me to pen about this sport in a classical format without missing an opportunity to impress a modern reader. As I researched and interviewed some amazing folks involved in this sport, I realized that ‘TAEKWONDO’ is beyond a sport. It is more of a representation of the way of life. The book illustrates some amazing techniques from ‘TAEKWONDO’ that focus on providing self-defense guidance for young girls/women or anyone keen on this subject. I thank Mr. Deepak Patel, a well-known Taekwondo Athlete and four-time Guinness World Record-holder. I would also like to thank Perennial Academy, a martial arts school, for getting closer to this form of art and translating this ‘art’ form to the world.

Ravi: It is not so regular and common for us Indians and our women to write on individual sports at any level. Would you mind telling us about the six books you have written so far? 

Photo courtesy Goodreads

Jyoti: I write poetry, short stories, micro tales, nonfiction, fiction, self-help articles, one-liners, and quotes. I write about love, life, relationships, women empowerment, etc. Almost all of my work is based on what we all experience in our day-to-day life. My first book (Sensation of a Soul) was published in the year 2016, My second book (The Mystic Soul) was published in the year 2017, My third one (Whispers of the Soul) was published in the year 2018, My 4th and 5th books, The Curved Rainbow and The Forest of Feelings were published in the year 2019. My last one, ANAMIKA: Beyond Words was published in 2020. My 7th book is Tae Kwon Do – An Olympic Sport, and my 8th is The Awakening. Before my first book release in the year 2016, I contributed to 10 anthology books.

Ravi: Taekwondo, to us Indians and a few across, remains a paradox. In layman’s terms, can you make us understand the sport and its scoring system? 

Jyoti: To me, Kicks and Punches resemble a great form of ‘Art’ than mere combat techniques. They are as subtle as a piece of paintwork that requires an enormous amount of dedication and effort to get it right. And, I must say, it is essential for every Taekwondo athlete to always remember the tenets of taekwondo. They are courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. In taekwondo, one point is scored for each legitimate strike on the body, and two points are given for kicks to the face. Competitors get an additional point for a knockdown. One referee and three judges oversee the contest, and a point is awarded only when two or more judges register a hit simultaneously. The only penalty in taekwondo is a gam-jeom, which is declared when an athlete punches to the face or punches or kicks below the waist. Also not allowed is attacking an opponent with the knee or the head. Falling to the ground is also penalized in taekwondo.

Ravi: How might readers purchase your book?

Jyoti: The cover was released on the 9th of August, and I am happy to share that we’ve received a great response from my readers and everyone else. I was amazed to see the response. I feel grateful! The Kindle edition was released on the 4th of September, International Taekwondo Day. The paperback version will be released by the last week of September. Until then, readers can purchase the eBook through the Kindle app (Amazon). Once the book is released, it will be available on various eCommerce platforms and also many bookstores all around India.

Ravi: What are some common myths about women in writing and journalism you wish to bust? How did things change for you from the day you began writing to date?

Jyoti: Things changed, and they will keep changing. The ups and downs, the highs and lows, are very common in any writer’s life (or in any career). When I started writing, I had no clue that I would make it my full-time career. I didn’t start writing with big expectations like many other writers starting their journey these days. I never really craved “likes” or follows. All I knew was I had to write to feel complete. I wrote to let out my pain. I started writing to bring a change (even if it is in one person’s life). I wrote to find peace, connect, and disconnect, and heal myself and someone else out there. And yes, there are many myths about women in writing/journalism. Myths like women write well only about certain topics need to change. Some say that women writers are confessional and exhibitionists and cannot be funny. I must say this to all the critics: not every writer is lonely or difficult, or will they die alone. We don’t live alone or always romanticize our pain. Lastly, not every writer is depressed.

Ravi: What does a typical writing week look like? How do you change up your routine, and where do you inspiration from?

Courtesy Facebook

Jyoti: For me, inspiration, information, and ideas come in various ways, and I always learn something from every person I meet. No matter who it is, what their background is, I firmly believe that everyone we meet has something to teach us in one way or other. I know so many young writers and established ones who are very good in their way. I learn something from their books, writing style, and ways of marketing and promoting their books. Depending on the plot, poetry, articles, or stories I am writing, I do research. The importance of research is very high. It’s so very important to read as well. I generally get all the required information online sometimes. I talk to people in the writing field to learn something new from them. I prefer to sit down in the corner of the room and write in peace. I cannot focus when I am surrounded by too many people. I prefer light music in the background, and I need my own space during my working times. I try to write every day but, to be honest, it doesn’t work out that way, at least not yet. I still try my best to write daily because I believe it’s essential for any writer to write daily.

Ravi: You have been recognized for your efforts in the form of awards. Can you talk us through your most memorable ones? 

Jyoti: Yes, I am grateful that I am being recognized for my works. Influential Author 2018, Author of the Year 2019, Genius Indian Achiever Award 2019, Voice of Indian Literature 2020, She Inspires 2020,  and Bharatiya Naari Award 2021 are some of the awards I cherish forever.

Ravi: Do you participate in any other sport, recreation, or fitness activities? 

Jyoti: No, not really. I was interested during my school days but then lost track. However, I am focused on fitness activities. It’s important to be fit and healthy. As they say, ‘Health is Wealth,’

Ravi: Last but surely not least, we are pleased about your success so far. What plans do you have for times ahead? And what plans do you have for nurturing young talent?

Jyoti: In the second half of 2021, I plan to work on exciting and new projects through the JP Foundation. Through JP Consultancy, we are planning to nurture young talents in writing. (JP Consultancy is especially focused on aspiring writers who are eager to publish their first book.) We help and train the young writers in the best possible direction. We provide the writing consultancy service on a one-on-one basis with the clients. I am also planning to expand my other venture, JP Enterprise. JP Enterprise is committed to providing its customers with the best quality products and exceptional services. In 2019, JP Enterprise started its services by selling highly-rated inspirational books with the support of its customers and well-wishers. JP Enterprise is expanding its selection, reach, and popularity. And, most importantly, I am currently working on my 8th Book, The Awakening. I am planning to release the book at the end of September or in October 2021.