Self Defence Training

Lesson 1 • Developing a Defensive Mindset

Addresses the psychological readiness required to act decisively under stress. Establishes mental frameworks that support every physical skill taught later.

Lesson 2 • Legal and Ethical Use of Force

Introduces the concept of proportional force and the legal duty to retreat where applicable. Ensures learners understand accountability before practising any technique.

Lesson 3 • Situational Awareness Principles

Teaches the colour-code awareness model and environmental scanning habits. Connects proactive observation to threat avoidance before physical contact occurs.

Lesson 4 • De-escalation and Avoidance Strategies

Covers verbal and behavioural tactics to defuse confrontations before they become physical. Positions avoidance as the highest-priority self-defence tool.

Lesson 1 • Footwork and Directional Movement

Develops stepping patterns that maintain balance while closing or creating distance. Efficient footwork is prerequisite to effective striking and evasion.

Lesson 2 • Core Engagement and Power Generation

Explains how hip rotation and core tension transfer force into strikes and defences. Learners learn to generate power without relying solely on arm strength.

Lesson 3 • Warm-Up, Cool-Down, and Injury Prevention

Provides structured warm-up and cool-down protocols specific to self-defence training. Reduces injury risk and prepares the body for high-intensity practice sessions.

Lesson 4 • Stance and Balance Fundamentals

Teaches the defensive fighting stance and weight distribution for stability. Proper stance underpins every strike, block, and movement covered in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Elbow and Forearm Strikes

Introduces horizontal, vertical, and rear elbow strikes for close-range defence. Elbows are emphasised as high-impact tools when punching distance is unavailable.

Lesson 2 • Hand Strike Fundamentals

Covers the straight punch, palm heel, and hammer fist as primary hand weapons. Each strike is selected for reliability and low injury risk to the defender.

Lesson 3 • Combination Striking Sequences

Chains two to three strikes into fluid combinations that overwhelm an attacker's defence. Builds on individual technique mastery to create continuous offensive pressure.

Lesson 4 • Striking Under Stress Conditions

Drills strikes with elevated heart rate and simulated pressure to replicate real encounters. Stress inoculation ensures techniques remain accessible when adrenaline spikes.

Lesson 1 • Integrating Defence with Counterattack

Combines blocks and evasions with immediate counterstrikes into seamless defensive sequences. Trains the reflex to transition from defence to offence without hesitation.

Lesson 2 • Defending Against Grabs and Chokes

Covers defences against wrist grabs, collar grabs, and standing chokes. Releases prioritise breaking grip structure rather than matching attacker strength.

Lesson 3 • Passive and Active Guard Positions

Establishes hands-up guard positions that protect the head while appearing non-aggressive. A solid guard is the starting point for every defensive response.

Lesson 4 • Blocking Straight and Hooking Attacks

Teaches inside and outside blocks against straight punches and wide swings. Correct blocking redirects force and positions the defender for an immediate counter.

Lesson 1 • Knee Strikes in Close Range

Introduces rising and diagonal knee strikes for use when clinched or grabbed. Knee strikes are highly effective at close range where punches lose power.

Lesson 2 • Low-Line Kicks for Disruption

Covers shin kicks, ankle stomps, and instep strikes targeting the lower leg. Low kicks are difficult to see and effective for disrupting an attacker's base.

Lesson 3 • Side and Stomp Kicks

Develops the side thrust kick and downward stomp for lateral threats and downed attackers. These kicks exploit the hip's natural power axis for maximum force.

Lesson 4 • Front Kick Mechanics

Teaches the push kick and snap kick to the midsection and knee as primary distance tools. Front kicks are introduced first for their simplicity and balance retention.

Lesson 1 • Clinch Strikes and Dirty Boxing

Applies short punches, elbows, and knee strikes within the clinch to damage and destabilise the attacker. Clinch striking converts a defensive position into an offensive one.

Lesson 2 • Clinch Entry and Posture Control

Teaches how to enter and establish a dominant clinch position against an aggressive attacker. Controlling posture limits the attacker's ability to strike or throw.

Lesson 3 • Off-Balancing and Throws

Introduces hip throws, foot sweeps, and push-pull off-balancing to create space or end the encounter. Throws are taught as tools to disengage, not to continue ground fighting.

Lesson 4 • Disengaging from the Clinch

Covers safe methods to break clinch contact and create distance for escape or continued defence. Disengagement is the preferred outcome when the threat is neutralised.

Lesson 1 • Guard Position and Defence

Teaches the closed guard as a defensive position to control an attacker and limit damage. Guard work provides a platform for sweeps and stand-up escapes.

Lesson 2 • Ground Strikes and Defensive Biting

Introduces palm strikes, elbows, and eye gouges applicable from inferior ground positions. Teaches last-resort tactics when mechanical escapes are temporarily unavailable.

Lesson 3 • Escaping Common Ground Positions

Covers escapes from mount, side control, and back control using leverage and hip movement. Each escape is selected for reliability against a larger, stronger attacker.

Lesson 4 • Ground Survival Priorities

Establishes the mindset that ground fighting is a temporary state requiring immediate escape. Teaches position awareness and the hierarchy of ground survival goals.

Lesson 1 • Post-Incident Response

Covers immediate actions after a self-defence incident including safety checks and reporting. Prepares learners for the physical and psychological aftermath of a real encounter.

Lesson 2 • Multiple-Attacker Awareness

Introduces movement strategies and priority targeting when facing more than one threat. Emphasises escape over engagement when multiple attackers are present.

Lesson 3 • Environmental Constraint Scenarios

Trains defence in confined spaces, against walls, and in low-light conditions. Environmental constraints force adaptation of techniques to real-world limitations.

Lesson 4 • Scenario Design and Training Methodology

Explains how realistic scenarios are structured to replicate street encounters safely. Establishes roles, safety protocols, and feedback processes for scenario training.