Self Defence Courses

Our courses arm the trainee with skills, techniques and methods that increase their confidence and therefore their chances of escaping an attacker.

We firmly believe that self defence starts with avoiding potentially aggressive and violent situations. Therefore each course begins and develops throughout the need to respond to the demands of an aggressive encounter.

However, we are not advocating that a radical change of lifestyle is required, nor that all attacks are brought upon themselves by the victim and to this end our courses include a number of effective strategies to defend against an attacker.

In every situation, the level of aggression needed on the defendant’s part is first mentally assessed, and then the appropriate action can be taken.

We operate throughout Berkshire and Kent. We are also able to consider other courses in the South East. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your requirements. All courses are flexible and can be run in time slots to suit your need.

All our courses can be run by male or female instructors. We usually have both male and female instructors on each course. Please ask if you have any specific requirements.

Berkshire

Daniel Rose & Gillian Fraser 01344 440328 or 07979 373868 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kent

Glen Wright & Kaye Williams 01634 371554

Each course is divided into a number of units. Units follow a simple hierarchy and are listed below.

Avoiding Confrontation

Strategies to avoid confrontation Many people imagine self defence courses to involve lots of fighting, attacking each other and hitting pads. However, this need not be the case. In reality, arguments can break out in many different ways and only some of these may lead to physical conflict. Our courses aim to teach simple ways to reduce confrontation from occurring. Any potential attacker may use simple information such as how you walk and how you talk, to decide whether there is a physical advantage that lies in their favour. We discuss these aspects and offer simple changes to your lifestyle to help reduce the risk of attack.

Verbal Defence

Verbally Diffusing an attack It is vital that before any action is taken by the defendant, that the situation is assessed. Aspect of the attacker such as build, height, facial features etc can all help the police to later catch the assailant. In many situations it is possible to talk your way out of a hostile situation and if it is not, then little is likely to have been lost except the opportunity to avoid violence. We teach a number of strategies to verbally diffuse a situation, using role plays and discussion groups to help develop these skills.

Non-Aggressive Defence

Types of physical encounter The techniques taught on our courses fall into two distinct categories. This former category, non aggressive defence rely more on technique and are principally for breaking away from grabs. The reason for such defence is that it is not always the best idea to enrage an attacker to the point where their physical superiority comes into play. A waitress working in a bar, for example, may come encounter a group of over amorous drunks that grab her wrist and try to pull the waitress towards them. The use of movement, wrist breaks and verbal commands can all be used to diffuse the situation and move away from the encounter. The alternative was to grab the guy's arm, break his nose and either provoke a response or loose her job. In some situations, these types of defence may be ineffective and with no one around to support or come to your aid, a range of more aggressive defences may be needed.

Aggressive

Types of physical encounter II When an attacker is hyped up on adrenalin, their superior strength, particularly if a male on female attack, can render many defences useless. However, there are a number of attacks that can be employed which rely on spite. These attacks are painful and can give a temporary respite in the attack for a hold to be broken or an escape to be made. These defences include striking to the eyes, twisting the testicles (punches or kicks can be inaccurate and less effective), scraping the heel down the shin or clapping against the ears to induce disorientation. We provide the opportunity to practice these attacks, but more importantly the opportunity to learn how to find and implement these defences when under pressure. The course also demonstrates how to use many everyday objects as weapons, how to hold them and where to strike with them. Perhaps three of the more unusual weapons discussed are a newspaper, a cuddly toy and a cat!

Reviews

We have run self defence courses for a number of companies and Universities including: St Johns Ambulance - 2005 Bracknell, Berkshire Contract Options - 2005 Bracknell, Berkshire "At first I was a little apprehensive for about the course. I was worried that not everyone would be up to the demands of the course, but Daniel did an excellent job of involving all of the staff, from the youngest and fittest, to the oldest... and less fit (like myself!)" - Malcolm Stock, Senior Manager. Reading University Wells Hall of residence - 2005 St Georges Hall - 2006 "I organised the course because as Welfare rep I have been worried about attacks in the area and the route home that many of the female students have to take. I now feel more confident and feel more aware when out socializing." - Jenny, Welfare Rep "I am new to the University and feel unsafe when out. There have been lots of attacks on students recently in Reading. After the course I feel I would have a better idea of what to do if the unfortunate should happen" - Rowan, 1st year student.

Other clients

• Hempstead Valley Security Teams
• Local Superstores
• St John's ambulance crews
• TV personalities
• School Staff

Contact Sensei Glen Wright