Self-defence for real life, built on confidence.
Awareness, confidence and simple practical skills, taught patiently for complete beginners. No fear-mongering, no fight training, just knowing what to do.
Feeling unsafe after dark is common. Feeling capable is something you can learn.
Sources: ONS, Perceptions of personal safety, Great Britain (June 2021 and February to March 2022); Sport England, This Girl Can research (October 2024).
Simple skills, practised until they feel natural.
Spotting Trouble Early
Reading situations, trusting your instincts and avoiding trouble before it starts. The most useful self-defence skill of all.
Voice & Boundaries
Using your voice and body language to set boundaries, de-escalate, and make it clear you're not an easy target.
Breaking Free
Simple, practical techniques to break a grab, create distance and get yourself to safety.
Staying Calm
Practising under gentle, controlled pressure, so your body knows what to do instead of freezing.
On your own, or with people you know.
One-to-One Sessions
30 minutes, just you and me, at your pace. Ideal if you'd rather learn privately before anything else.
Bring a Friend
Train with friends, flatmates, colleagues or family. Learning together makes it easier to show up and easier to practise.
New: a 6-week group course
A friendly beginner course, one hour a week on a weekday evening, starting January 2027. See the course and register your interest.
Where and when
In person in Kingston, at Lifestyle Fitness Kingston. Sessions run at times most classes don't, including weekday mornings and Sunday afternoons.
On your terms.
Self-defence here is for everyone, and especially for women who want to feel more confident getting around Kingston, day or night. You're welcome to train with a friend, every session happens in a public gym, and we only ever go at a pace that feels right for you.
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 capable and calm, and knowing you have options.
Common questions.
Do I need to be fit or have any experience?
No. Sessions are built for complete beginners, and we start exactly where you are.
Is it only for women?
No. Everyone is welcome, whatever your age, size or background.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes. Bring-a-friend sessions are designed for 2 to 4 people who know each other. Get in touch and I'll sort out the details.
Will there be sparring?
No sparring, and nothing you're not comfortable with. Everything is controlled, practised slowly at first, and built up at your pace.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can move in, and trainers.
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.
How much does it cost?
One-to-one sessions are from £33 for 30 minutes. Bring-a-friend prices depend on how many of you there are. Fill in the quick questionnaire and I'll talk you through the options on a call.
Tell me what you're looking for.
A quick questionnaire, then I'll follow up to arrange a call and find a time that works.
Enquire about self-defenceWant boxing or Muay Thai instead? See boxing & Muay Thai