Question:
Do you have to be fit to be able to participate in self-defence Training?

Answer:
Not really, if fitness were a pre-requisite then it would have the effect of excluding the very people we want to try and offer this training to. Whilst the fitter you are the better it is, fitness is not the be all and end all. If you aren’t very fit or you have a pre-existing medical condition that you think may cause concern or problems, see your GP and inform the Trainer.

Question: I have a disability, you won’t be able to teach me will you?

Answer: Why not? We have taught many thousands of people of all age groups and abilities. Just because you may have a disability this does not exclude you, we will do our very best to adapt techniques to suit you, or even, teach you specific techniques to fit with your capabilities.

Question: Self-defence is illegal isn’t it?

Answer: Everyone has the basic right to defend himself or herself. This is set out in common and statute law as well as the Human Rights Act. However, you could fall foul of the law if your response to an attack was deemed unlawful. This will not be a factor if you have been trained properly and given proper responses that are both effective and ethical. We adhere to the rule of ‘reasonable force’ however, we are also aware that you attacker will have no such considerations so I say this to you. “Self-defence training is about learning to avoid or minimise the risk of assault by integrating safety strategies, protective behaviour, raising awareness and learning of a few simple physical actions to employ when all else fails. It is about giving people a choice, no matter how much you know the choice still rests with you as to what you do. Remember that you are worth protecting and the assailant will have selected you not the other way around. If you have to use what you have learned, do so without hesitation and with all the means at your disposal. Once safe, report the incident to the Police. By doing this you are showing a responsible attitude.”

Question: Will I be thrown about like a rag doll?

Answer: You won’t be. Self-protection training is not a martial art. It is the art of fighting dirty to enable you to escape. You won’t be a Bruce Lee clone after a 10 week self –defence course, you will be more confident, aware and able to protect yourself should the need arise. Martial Arts training is highly formalised and specialised, self-defence is quick and easy, there are no prizes for second place in a real fight.

Question: Well I am only small, how could I hope to defeat a larger, male attacker?

Answer: By using surprise, knowledge and being committed to the cause of your own safety and salvation. Attackers who prey upon women do not expect a co-ordinated and determined defence. Research has shown that just such an approach could save your life. In any case, research shows that even those people that have been unsuccessful in their attempt to defend themselves have suffered no more injury for their efforts and have recovered far better psychologically than others with no training.

Question: How will I know when to use it?

Answer: You will know instinctively. That little voice in your head known as intuition will if you allow it to, guide you. Learn to trust it.

Question: What do I wear for practice?

Answer: Well this is really up to you. Whilst I accept you most likely will not be wearing jogging bottoms, t-shirt and trainers if you are attacked this really is the most comfortable dress for the activity. Self-protection training relies heavily upon repetition and this is best done in clothing, which is comfortable and easy to move in. In reality you may well be wearing a skirt and blouse etc. But in reality you won’t be practising you will be fighting for real so issues such as personal modesty, clothing being ripped or damaged wont really matter.

Question: What equipment will I need?

Answer: None, just an open mind and a willingness to learn. A sense of humour is good too, as we like to enjoy our training. We will supply all the other equipment such as striking pads etc. if you wish to purchase any items for your own use, we are able to obtain these items at reduced prices.

Question: Will I need to take notes?

Answer: Only if you want to. Each lesson you will be provided with the relevant handouts that will cover the subjects taught in the session. These handouts include how to do it sheets with clear, illustrated diagrams of the techniques.

Question: Do I get anything at the end of the course?

Answer: Apart from increased confidence, enhanced awareness and a new found ability to protect yourself you will also receive a certificate stating you have completed the course.

Question: Its all very well training with other women, but I know that my attacker is likely to be a man, do we get a chance to try it out on a man?

Answer: Yes you do. I will always let you try things out on me. And at the half way stage I bring in some of my Instructors for you to train with so that you can see for yourself how you are progressing and on the final session we have the Two-Minute Mill session. This is where you get to try out your new found skills against a male ‘attacker’ who will be wearing full protective gear so allowing you to go all out against them. This is purely voluntary but is usually always taken up by everyone on the course. It allows you to gauge how it would be ‘for real’ in a safe environment.

Question: How do you deal with disclosures on the course? What if someone is having problems and they need help?

Answer: I always have plenty of information with me relating to the various agencies and organisations that may be able to assist. This includes Rape Crisis, The Space, Social Services, Victim Support and many others.