Why should I learn Self-Protection?

 

To give yourself a higher probability of avoiding some form of violation. In life we take out all sorts of insurance policies and extended warranties to protect our materialistic possessions, however, we don’t seem to take the same precautions with the protection of ourselves, the one thing that is irreplaceable. Violence can manifest anywhere and at any time and depending on where in the world you reside, your relationships, social patterns or employment type could see you have an increased or decreased possibility of encountering violence. We must acknowledge though that anyone can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, so why wouldn’t you take the initiative and responsibility for your own safety and undertake some form of training to mitigate the risk to you the best you can.

 

Is Self-Protection the same as Martial Arts?

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No, Self-Protection combines mental preparation, relevant education, knowledge and violence psychology to prioritise avoiding or de-escalating violence. However, it also incorporates principal based gross motor skill sets should you have to physically defend yourself. Whilst some elements of the physical dynamic may appear similar to Martial Arts, we do not teach technical based responses, katas, patterns or fine motor skill sets which for the masses take considerable time to master and are not retainable under real fight stress.

 

Are you insured and do you have Public Liability?

 

Yes, under the BMABA

 

How long will I need to train for before I get good?

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Like anything, the more time you put in the better the results will be, but this is not a straight forward question. It's like when a new martial art student asks, 'How long to get a black belt' Do not look at the end result as the be all and end all, because if that is all you desire it will most likely remain out of reach. The journey is more important than the destination. Firstly, you need to start. Get yourself through the door, then obtain knowledge, understanding and skills. Develop them until you have confidence in your abilities. Your ability to see things early and avoid them.  The ability to de-escalate and resolve. The ability to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and the ability to do that using physical means if necessary. How you measure 'Getting good' at the beginning of your journey, will differ greatly with proper understanding of true Self-Protection.

 

Is Self-Protection suitable for beginners or those with no experience?

 

Yes, I would argue more so than for those who have trained for years as you don't know what you don't know. Self-Protection training is for anyone with a good moral compass with the motivation to learn to protect themselves and their loved ones. We were all beginners once upon a time and we always remain students.

 

Do I need a good level of fitness to start?

 

No. Obviously, it has its advantages, but it is not essential. Potential violence will not care about your fitness levels so neither do we so do not allow that to be a psychological hurdle that stops toy from starting.

 

 How long is a class or seminar?

 

This can vary depending on who, where or what we are teaching but as standard assume approximate times to be:

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Private Lessons between 1-2 hours

Weekly Class 1-1.5 hours

Workshops between 2-3 hours

Seminars between 4-6 hours

 

Are the classes or seminars mixed?

 

Generally, yes, unless it’s a specific type of course such as Women’s Self-Protection for example. However, don’t allow that to put you off. Mixed classes provide the best environment for realistic training as in life, men will attack men and men will attack women. Likewise, woman will attack women and women will attack men. Of course, though, there are higher probabilities in certain types of attacks. If it’s a real hurdle for you though we can look at private training until you are comfortable joining a mixed class. The most important thing is that you get to the start line so we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

 

I am apprehensive or have concerns, can I bring someone with me?

 

Of course. This isn’t that uncommon, especially with private training. So, for example if you are coming to our studio for 1:1 training and you would feel more comfortable having a friend, partner or responsible person present to benefit you, then it’s no problem. We can also ensure there is a male and female staff member present if you are coming alone and would feel more comfortable with this. Likewise, if we are coming to you for training then the same applies. We have had boyfriends accompany girlfriends and vice versa, parents accompany their children or carers accompany someone that is perhaps classed as vulnerable in some way.

 

What should I wear to a class or seminar?

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Short version, whatever you want. Most wear sports type clothing that they are comfortable in, but as you develop you should try different attire. There's no point only ever training in your gym kit if the majority of the time you have to wear a suit and shoes. Learn to operate in different clothing and footwear as you progress.

 

What should I bring to a class or seminar?

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Treat it the same as a gym class. Fluids, towel, spare top etc... There is safety equipment you can acquire at the right time although a groin guard is always recommended.

 

Is there contact and will I get hurt?

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Firstly, remember what you are training for, to avoid, omit or de-escalate violence, but if that fails then the physical dynamic is all that is left. So yes, there will be contact of varying levels, but this is introduced in incremented stages as and when you are ready. The priority is progression not regression. Like with any physical activity there is a risk of 'getting hurt' or 'injury' but we take all precautions to reduce the probability of it happening. Please note anyone offering a 'No contact Self-Defence' class should be avoided. Yes, there are non-physical options and that is what we teach you to prioritise but if they fail or aren't available, then what is the only logical response you have left?

 

What if I've had a bad/traumatic experience, can I talk to you about it first.

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YES! If you are comfortable doing so, we encourage it. It is our responsibility to look after you, help you grow and progress and not regress so any information you are willing to share in confidence is welcomed as it will help us deliver a better experience to you.

 

Can I just learn online?

 

Yes, you can learn certain elements of Self-Protection online, specifically some teaching models, non-physical and psychological material. This is better than nothing, although, there is no substitute for in person training especially with any physical aspects and also with putting the non-physical options into practice. For some the online route can provide a starting platform before progressing onto in person training.

 

Can I train if I have injuries?

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Yes, within reason. Age, injuries, illness etc... all play a part in influencing what we can or cannot do. Sadly, none of us are 21 forever so as we grow older and our bodies decide not to move as they once did we need to adapt. Any potential violence you may face is unlikely to care about your bad knee or your 60th birthday. Of course, some things may no longer be plausible for you, but we work with what you can do, not what you can't. If you have any concerns, then please talk to us prior to training.

 

I have a health condition; can I still train?

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Possibly. If we can accommodate your condition we will, but for insurance purposes anyone with a health condition that could cause a risk to life or well-being to themselves, any other participants, instructors or staff would need to disclose said condition in advance of training so that a risk assessment can be carried out prior to a definitive decision. It hasn't happened yet but there is a possibility someone may not be able to take part in certain elements. For example, if you have previously suffered a heart attack, we may only be able to teach you from a knowledge and non-physical response perspective. 

 

Is there anybody you won’t train?

 

Our general belief and philosophy is that everybody within reason, has the right to protection of one’s self. So, if you have a good moral compass and your motivation to train is to acquire knowledge and skillsets to keep yourself and your loved ones safe then this would apply to you. We do not discriminate against age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, gender, disabilities (within reason) etc… However, there are exceptions. So, if we consider someone’s motivation for training to be for the wrong reasons i.e. they are looking to impose their will or hurt people. Then we would decline to train them. If someone is a career criminal specifically with convictions for violence or sexual related offences it is most likely we would not train you if this was discovered. A criminal conviction does not mean you cannot train. We believe in giving people a chance where appropriate, but it would depend on or the type of conviction we are talking about. If your honest with us will be honest with you. Inability to control ego or a general bad attitude towards training, instructors and fellow students will not be tolerated. Anyone who is seen to be bullying, deliberately hurting fellow students or is a consistent liability towards the safety of themselves or others will be shown the door.

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Will you travel to us to teach?

 

Yes, we will go wherever we are needed within reason. Locally, nationally or internationally. If you would like to host us wherever you are located, please contact us for details of how to do so.

 

Can I carry some form of weapon for the purpose of Self-Protection?

 

Depending on where you are in the world the answer varies. In short, from a UK perspective, you cannot legally carry anything upon your person in public that is a weapon by design, neither can you deliberately manifest something as a weapon in advance for the purpose of self-defence.

 

If we haven’t answered your question here, please contact us and we will do our best to do so.