New · 6-week course · Kingston

Feel confident walking home.

A friendly 6-week self-defence course for complete beginners. One hour a week, on a weekday evening, at Lifestyle Fitness Kingston. The first course starts in January 2027. Register your interest to hear the dates first.

Register your interest What's in the 6 weeks
At a glance

Small group, simple skills, no experience needed.

6 weeksOne session a week, building as you go
1 hourOn a weekday evening, after work or lectures
8 to 16People per course, so everyone gets coached
January 2027First course start. Exact dates go to the list first
Penrhyn RoadLifestyle Fitness Kingston, at Kingston University. No gym membership needed
The 6 weeks

Each week builds on the last.

  1. Awareness and voiceStance, distance, spotting exits, and using a loud, clear voice to set a boundary.
  2. Breaking free from grabsSimple wrist and arm releases, then getting yourself away.
  3. Simple strikesPalm heel, elbow and knee, practised on pads with a partner.
  4. Getting out of holdsClothing grabs and bear hugs, from the front and from behind.
  5. Back on your feetGetting up safely from the ground and making space.
  6. Putting it togetherGentle, controlled scenarios and a recap, so it all sticks.

Every session has a warm-up, skill practice with a partner, and one thing to practise at home. No sparring, and nothing you're not comfortable with.

Why now

The evenings are dark by teatime. Feeling capable is something you can learn.

1 in 2women feel unsafe walking alone after dark on a quiet street near home, compared with 1 in 7 men.
82%of women feel unsafe walking alone in a park or open space after dark, compared with 42% of men.
72%of women change their outdoor activity routines in winter.

Sources: ONS, Perceptions of personal safety, Great Britain (June 2021 and February to March 2022); Sport England, This Girl Can research (October 2024).

Who it's for

Every body belongs here.

Complete beginners of any age, size or fitness level. Women who want to feel more confident getting around Kingston after dark are especially welcome. So are Kingston University students and staff heading home in the evening, and anyone who'd like to come with a friend.

This first course is for adults, 18 and over.

Not about fear

Kingston is a good place to live, and nobody should have to change how they live because of what someone else might do. This is about feeling calm and capable, and knowing you have options.

Register your interest

Hear the dates first.

No payment and no commitment. People on the list hear the dates and price before anyone else, and places go in the order people book.

I'll only use this to tell you about the course and the taster. See the privacy notice.

Questions

Common questions.

Do I need to be fit or have any experience?

No. The course is built for complete beginners, and we start exactly where you are.

Do I need a Lifestyle Fitness membership?

No. The course is open to everyone, members or not.

Is it only for women?

No. Everyone is welcome, whatever your age, size or background.

Will there be sparring?

No sparring. Everything is controlled, practised slowly at first, and built up at your pace.

What if I miss a week?

Each week has one thing to practise at home, and I'll catch you up at the start of the next session.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes you can move in, and trainers.

How much does it cost?

The price goes to the interest list first, along with the dates. It's paid once, up front, for the whole course.

Can self-defence guarantee I'll be safe?

Nobody can honestly promise that. What training gives you is awareness, confidence and a few simple, practised options, so you're more likely to know what to do.

Would you rather learn one-to-one?

You can. See self-defence sessions for 1:1 and bring-a-friend training.