Self Defence

Self defence is the practical skill of protecting yourself if someone tries to harm you. It's less about fighting and more about awareness, confidence and escape: reading a situation early, using your voice, creating space, escaping grabs and getting to safety. The best self defence move is the one that gets you home.

Krav Maga is a self defence system developed in Israel, built on simple, direct moves designed to work under stress. No fancy stances, just what works.

Eskrima, also known as Kali or Arnis, is a Filipino martial art that trains with sticks and focuses on defending against weapons, from disarms to getting safely out of range.

Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu teach balance, grips and escapes, including what to do if you end up on the ground.

Boxing and kickboxing sharpen your stance, footwork and guard. Plenty of practical self defence systems borrow a little from all of them.

After a warm-up, your Activity Leader starts with the foundations: a balanced stance, hands up and open, and a voice that means business. Then you'll pair up and take turns playing the attacker, working at a slow, controlled speed. Expect wrist releases, escapes from holds, basic blocks and ways to create space so you can get away. It's friendly, it's a bit silly at times and it's surprisingly empowering.

Perfect, you're exactly who beginner self defence is for. The techniques rely on timing, balance and good angles rather than size or strength, and they're kept deliberately simple so you can remember them when your heart is racing. You'll leave with a few solid moves, a calmer head in tricky moments and a new appreciation for your training partner's patience. Plus the smug feeling of knowing exactly what to do with a wrist grab, which is more useful than it sounds.

Comfy sportswear you can stretch in and trainers with good grip. Take off rings, watches and chunky jewellery, and tie back long hair. There will be grabbing involved, so maybe not your best festival top.

You might also like Kickboxing, Eskrima (Filipino Stick Fighting) and Theatrical Combat.

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