Self-Defence Classes

Holistic fitness can provide a variety of bespoke self-defence classes and courses either from our Wimbledon Studio or at your place of work, school, community centre, church etc.

While we do not trade on any kind of fear factor, and we believe that London is a very safe and exciting city to live in, it can be beneficial for everyone to have some basic understanding of self-defence and our classes teach realistic techniques based to help defend yourself from and an attack. 

  

“Steve Dixon’s approach to teaching self-defence took us by storm and has opened our eyes to the need for prevention when it comes to self-defence.

He trained us on how to respond to various types of personal attack and how to take control in terrifying situations.

I’ve enjoyed the homework between classes, the humour in his delivery and even the challenging confrontations he uses to simulate aggressive conflict.

I’m happy to say not only can he dish it out but he can take it too!

Self-defence is probably something all employers/educators should offer and I highly recommend Steve’s classes in improving essential life skills.

Can’t wait for more!” Vicky D. Self Defence Class Participant

A Typical Self Defence Class

When you book a corporate, self defence class, we will discuss any specific requirements however there are some common elements in each. Firstly we advise your staff to wear their normal clothing, though we do suggest women may feel more comfortable wearing trousers or at least shorts under skirt. The point being we want to teach you techniques that work in real-life and not just in a martial arts dojo!

The class is only about self defence and is not a fitness class. This means all staff can join in and not worry about their fitness or skill levels and again, the self defence techniques taught are about what happens when you are walking home at night, or approached on public transport, not when you are fired up after a fitness session!

Each week the instructor will look at a particular aspect of self defence, from the basics of just preparing yourself mentally as someone approaches you, to what to do when being attacked with a knife or weapon.

After a demonstration the class practise with one another and we very much encourage working with differing partners and for men and women to work together to get a fuller understanding of how the techniques are just as effective on people of varying height and weight. 

Why Book A Corporate Self Defence Class?

In business your staff are your most important resource and anything that shows that you are concerned for their welfare is a great motivator. Self defence classes are both practical and a great way of team-building.

Ask any of your staff; 'Have you ever felt vulnerable in the street?' Most have. Both women and men. While the actual reality of being attacked is very small and highly unlikely, having even the most basic knowledge of self defence can help people feel less vulnerable, more confident and as a result make a random attack even less likely to happen. 

As far as staff perks go, booking a group self defence class could be a truly valuable investment in your staff.

See our self defence product page for faq's and costs, or contact us directly with any questions about our self defence classes. Alternatively read on to see how different Martial Arts disciplines are used as self defence...

Self-Defence in Kickboxing

Many attacks, especially on women will come from from the rear, the assailant trying to surprise you. Therefore while our Kickboxing classes may concentrate on kickboxing as a sport, we also teach self-defence techniques as part of our syllabus which includes taking an opponent to the floor, escaping from grasps and clinches and disarming an attacker with a knife or gun. 

Women's Only Self-Defence Classes

As part of our bespoke, self-defence classes, The Holistic Fitness Studios does offer women only classes, however, we actually encourage mixed classes as typically women ask us how to protect themselves from male assailants. So we believe practising realistic, effective techniques against opponents that may be bigger and stronger is key to having confidence in carrying out self-defence. Indeed many disciplines in martial arts are very much about how a smaller person can overcome a larger person and we promise that all of our classes are run on a safety first basis and offer a friendly training environment.

Aikido for Self-Defence

The traditional Japanese martial art of Aikido is very much grounded in self-defence rather than attack and uses your opponents energy, and body weight against themselves making it a very effective form of self-defence for smaller framed people or for those who do not wish to engage in grappling, punching or kicking. At Holistic Fitness our aikido classes are run by Karol Hoffer, of Aikikai Aikido London, one of the UK's most respected Aikido Teachers. The classes are a friendly mix of men and women across all ages and is a great way for new beginners to train alongside more experienced practitioners.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as Self-Defence

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an excellent self-defence martial art for those wanting to know how to escape from an attacker who has dragged them to the floor. Of course while you may kick, punch, scratch and bite all you can, if a heavy opponent has managed to pin you down then BJJ really does come into it's own as this popular grappling art will teach you how to disengage from your opponent, giving you an opportunity to fight back, run away and get help.

Self-Defence using MMA/Sport Combat

MMA, mixed martial arts is a hugely popular sport that incorporates a variety of martial arts techniques from boxing, kickboxing, bjj and more. As such, although our MAA class is taught as a combat sport like any martial art, the techniques can be used in real life situations to defend oneself.

A key aspect of self-defence is confidence and awareness, the ability to think while being put under pressure or threatening situation and hence why many martial arts can help. In fact at Holistic Fitness, we believe that exuding confidence and being aware of potential threats can prevent attacks in the first place but if something does happen, the self-defence techniques taught at all Holistic Fitness Classes should be easy to accomplish and ultimately very effective.