Our Self-Defence class is a 45 minute soft skills (non-physical), hard skills (physical tools) & strategy session which teaches you how to defend yourself on the street in a violent confrontation.

What does that mean? 

We teach you the principles, strategies and skills required to significantly increase the probability of successfully protecting yourself or a loved one in a violent street confrontation or violent physical assault (our goal is to help you get home safe).  

We give attention to non-physical skills such as awareness, avoidance, de-escalation and how to escape.  In addition we help equip you with a small toolbox of easy to learn and implement physical tools.  You learn how to use your hands, elbows, knees and feet.  You also learn how to escape from common holds and how to defend against getting taken to the ground and how to fight to get back to your feet if you end up on the ground.  We also teach you how to defend against common weapons such as a baton or knife.

We believe the most important skills (especially in Australia) are non-physical (especially when we consider that we live in, what is in most parts considered to be a relatively safe country when compared with the rest of the world).  We believe that a high percentage of ego based social-violence (e.g. posturing) could be avoided through personal and situational awareness, verbal de-escalation or other strategies without the need for physical action (provided we keep our own ego in check and use our greatest asset, our mind).  In saying that, bad people do exist (both here in Australia and overseas) and we need the practical physical tools to employ should be left with no other option.  

Self-defence / Self-protection is about giving you the greatest chance of survival.  We cannot guarantee your success.  Anyone that tells you, that they can guarantee you will be able to defeat anyone that attacks you is simply lying.  We can only help increase the probably of your success.  Even skilled martial artists and combat athletes can come unstuck on the street due to the fact that on the street…

• there is no preparation time.
• there are no rules (no one to stop the fight, there is no weight or skill class)
• you can’t choose the environment (the ground could have rocks or broken glass on it)
• you can’t choose the timing (you may be sleepy, or unwell)
• there could be multiple attackers.
• there could be weapon(s) involved.
• the attacker could be intoxicated on an unknown substance and not react as expected.
• the attacker may have a psychological problems.
• the attacker may ambush you and take you completely by surprise.
• the physical strength, fighting skills and violent intent of an attacker could far exceed your personal strength and skills.

The ancient Greek poet Archilochus is quoted as saying “We don’t rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training.“  A modified version of this quote states ‘Under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training. That’s why we train so hard.’ is attributed to an unknown Navy Seal.

In essence to be competent or to develop greater skills in any endeavour, we need to regularly practice and apply what we learn.

One of the most important aspects of training in self-defence is to introduce a resistant (uncooperative) training partner/opponent.  Now this is something that must be introduced in a structured way and in a way that builds skill and confidence.  We slowly increase the pressure testing so that you can develop more confidence in applying what you are learning.

For more advanced students we encourage them to expand their skills by participating in one of our combat sport classes such as Boxing, Kickboxing, Judo, BJJ or Mixed Martial Arts.  These classes help build confidence with striking and grappling and against a resistant opponent.  They don’t provide the core training of street self-defence.

Everyone is at different levels and we cater our classes for complete beginners.  If you have any concerns of how we conduct the class please call us to discuss prior to your trial class.

What does a class look like?

• Warm-up
• Skills AND/OR Strategy Discussion
• Pad Work
• Heavy Bag Work
• Partner Work
• Scenario training (for more advanced students)
• Pressure testing (for more advanced students)
• Question / Answer

Like the majority of our classes, our Self-Defence class is beginner friendly.

We offer a state of the art training facility and a family friendly environment.

What equipment do I need?

• MMA Gloves AND/OR Boxing Gloves
• Hand Wraps
• Water Bottle
• 2 x Towels (one for you & one to wipe down any equipment you might be using or the mats underneath you)
• Deodorant
• Mouth Guard (advanced students)
• Shin Guards (advanced students)

What do I need for my first class?

• Comfortable clothing / Gym wear.
• We recommend wearing footwear that is easy to put on and take off such as slides or flip-flops.  We do not wear shoes or socks on the matted area.
• Water Bottle
• Towel (x2)
• If you have boxing gloves or MMA gloves please bring those with you.
• If you don’t have MMA or boxing gloves, we can arrange to lend you a pair to use for the night.  You will need to wear ‘inner gloves’ for hygiene reasons and we spray our gloves with a disinfectant before and after use.

Do you sell gear?

• Yes we have a range of gear  such as MMA gloves and Boxing gloves in stock and can order gear in if we don’t have your sizing available.