“Garry and his staff have provided a number of “Staying Safe” self defence classes for the children in our school. All of the children have thoroughly enjoyed the courses, growing in confidence and developing a range of skills and approaches to help them stay safe. Garry’s approach is spot on; disciplined, professional and fast paced but with a terrific sense of humour and a natural way of talking and explaining things that all children appreciate. This can be seen in the way that children have attended three or four courses run by Garry and there is certainly demand for more. I hope that we continue to work with The Academy of Self Defence in the future and that our children continue to benefit from the courses in staying safe.” Chris Jennings, Headteacher, Intake Primary

“The children thoroughly enjoyed the ‘Self Defence’ sessions, some even returning for a second time when offered. The children said they had learned a lot. The instructions given to the children were clear and health and safety was excellent. Behaviour management was first class- even though some of the children who attended did have some issues with their own behaviour. Garry and his staff were always reliable and  pleasant with both pupils and adults, and when asked to change dates were very accomodating. I would certainly welcome them back into school at any time. Many thanks”
Jean Picksley, Deputy Headteacher, Athelstan Primary School

“Very engaging and stories made it fun to learn” – “The most useful and interesting thing I have done so far at University. Thank you” -” It was useful, thanks” – “Had a physiological and anotomical reason befind every defensive move which made a lot of sense” - “Really useful, everyone should take this course!Brilliant teacher” – Great, practical and useful” – “Very helpful and builds confidence” – “Have enjoyed this very much, would recommend”. Sheffield University Students.

Garry ran a week long Self Defence class at The Learning Zone from Monday 22nd August.  Each (5 daily) session was two hours long, the first covering safety and good conduct.  The young people that attended reported back that they had really enjoyed the sessions.  Garry taught the children in a fun, yet informative way, expressing the importance of analysing their own personal safety in any situation.  One of the young people attending had learning difficulties and Garry dealt with him very well, taking into consideration his abilities, whilst not excluding him from the group.  The young person in question had a great time and grew in confidence as the week went on.  I would have no hesitation in recommending Garry and the Academy of Self Defence to anyone.  Sheila Bhandal, Centre Administrator, The Learning Zone.

Yewlands and the family of schools have worked with Garry and the Academy of Self Defence on a number of occasions. At all times the service we have received has been of an excellent standard. Sessions ran with students in both Primary and Secondary schools have been very well attended by both boys and girls. Sessions have been practical, interesting and beneficial for all involved. Garry has a real talent in motivating and engaging all students. The Academy of Self Defence also ran classes for women. Many of the women who attended this course were vulnerable and “hard to reach” it was great to see confidence develop and a real sense of self esteem being instilled in them. I would not hesitate in recommending The Academy of Self Defence to other wishing to run fun, energetic sessions that can ultimately save a person’s life. Lucy Wragg, Extended Services Co-ordinator, Yewlands Technology College.

“Thank you for the Self Defence classes you delivered to our Brownie unit. All the girls without exception thoroughly enjoyed all the classes you did. They have gained a lot of self confidence and have spent time practising the moves they learnt. Several parents have also commented on how good the classes have been and that their daughters have enjoyed them.I would definately recommend the classes if anyone asks, you were totally professional at all times whilst still having some fun with the girls. Thank you once again,”  Andrea Atkinson, Unit Guider, 124th Sheffield Brownies

“We have worked with the Academy of Self Defence on a number of occassions and would highly recommend the team to you. Lessons were thoroughly planned and all equipment clean and safe to use. The children really enjoyed the sessions. Garry and his team had a brilliant manner with the children, clear instructions and boundaries were explained and maintained. We would definately invite the Academy of Self Defence into our school without hesitation.” Regards, Tina Holmes, Deputy Child Protection Officer, Woodhouse West Primary School.

“Thank you very much for the self defence course. I suffer with panic attacks and anxiety, its hard for me to go out of the house sometimes. My confidence is that low now that I won’t go out of the house, speak to new people  or basically do anything. I was so scared when i first came to the course but after just 4 weeks my confidence has grown to the point that I walked to the shops on my own. To some thats not a lot but to me it is. Thank you so much for all your help I really enjoyed it.” Anon, Womens Self Defence course member.

“Garry and Stefan had the boys enthralled with his descriptions of self defence and they were soon trying the moves enthusiastically for themselves. Care was taken to impress upon them that this was for ‘Defence’ not offence. A successful session. Thank you”, Emma, 142nd Fulwood Scouts.

“Just to say that I thought the self defence classes were brilliant, they should be compulsory for every school. I firmly believe that every child should be equipped with the sort of knowledge that your course gives. Obviously, I brought my own two daughters , one of their friends and my friend, who enjoyed the course. I hope that you continue these courses and hope your business goes from strength to strength which I think it richly deserves!!” Women’s Self Defence Class member.

“Working with The Academy of Self Defence has been a wonderful experience.  They have run classes for both adults and children in Woodthorpe.  They are excellent in tailoring their classes making it accessible for all – young or old.  We will definitely be working with them again – hopefully in the not too distant future.”  Karen Dineen – Woodthorpe Development Trust.”

“I think the simulations seemed real and not made easy – like real life” – “When can we do it again” – “It was a good 6 week session that I will not forget” – “Very good, I had fun but learnt a lot” – “It was fab and really assuring” – “Please do this course again” – “It was great – it was very cool, simple to learn but very effective” Handsworth Grange Pupils.

I’m not the most physically fit person in the world, so while taking a Self Defence class was tempting for the possible benefits, I really wondered if it would be right for me. In the end I decided trying it out for one night would be all right, after all, it was free and I didn’t have to go the following week if I didn’t want to… but I did!  Not only was it a valuable education in legal rights and wrongs, it was a lot of fun and an opportunity to meet other people in the community. It helped that, despite my back problems, I could sit out anything that was too strenuous, but still continue with the class, just doing what I felt I could handle.  I’d certainly recommend the Academy of Self Defence course to anyone who wants to feel more confident about their safety… and have a laugh or two on the way!” Michelle, Womens Self Defence Course Member.

“Thank you very much its been Amazing” – “I know how to help myself with self defence I’ve really enjoyed it, THANK YOU!” – “Now no one can hurt me cause I know really good self defence.” – “I really enjoyed doing it.” – I really loved it you taught me a lot.” – ” I enjoyed it Loads.” – It was really fun.” – I really enjoyed it and I learnt a lot.” – “It was fun.” – I liked it it was soooo fun.” – “Thank you for coming it was fun”. 125th Sheffield Brownies.

“The Academy of Self Defence has been a long standing contributor to our after school activities programme. Since Garry first visited our school he has run his self defence course to many of our children, some of them attending 2 or even 3 times. Garry is very clear in the message he gives to our youngsters about how important it is to keep themselves safe whilst out and about in the community. They listen attentively to his many tales of his experiences. Garry is a very reliable, and I would recommend him to run a course at your school or organisation.” Kathryn Cockayne, Stradbroke Primary School.

“I just wanted to let you know how impressed we have been at Mansel school with your Self Defence classes.They have been running for 4 weeks now,and each week the classes have been extremely well attended. In fact this has been the best attended club we have ever ran at our school. The children have been really excited about this, and the feedback has been very positive. I feel this is an important area for our children to learn.We need them to be safe,but to also learn that being disciplined is equally important. I would not hesitate to recommend you to other schools and organizations in the future.” Chris Stubbs, Mansel School.

“Many thanks to Garry and Stefan who came to our Guide unit. The girls certainly had a great time, we have not seen them that animated in a while!! I am sure that the girls all learned some very useful tips and will still be talking about it next week.  The advice and techniques that Garry gave and demonstrated were age appropriate, useful and fun!!! The girls all enjoyed trying out the techniques and am sure will follow up a new interest in self defence.” Katie Liddell, Unit Guider, St Johns Guides, Deepcar.

“On behalf of the South Yorkshire Kempo Martial Arts Club I would like to thank you for the recent self defence seminar. Every one that attended has asked me to thank you and let you know how much they appreciated it.  I had some very positive comments and feed back from everyone and would like to pass them on to you.

Although those that attended had a considerable amount of martial arts skill and experience between them, they all admitted after, that they did not know as much as they thought they did. The majority   of the techniques were totally new to us and not covered in our style. The ground work and submissions you covered were the favourite of the session and has got them all wanting to learn more.  Although the session was based on serious training and at times hard work we all found your sense of humour and light hearted approach good fun.

For myself I found it refreshing that what you were teaching enhanced and harmonised with our style. There was no conflict of interest and the respect shown to our students, club and style was greatly appreciated.  We would be only too pleased to, and will all not hesitate to recommend you to other martial arts clubs.  Thanks again for an informative training session, we will certainly organise another date.”    Gerald Colley,  Vice Chairman for South Yorkshire Kempo Martial Arts.

“It was Great soooofun O really interesting” – “Excellent” – I really enjoyed this session and it was different” – “Very good!” – “It was excellent thank you Garry I really enjoyed it” – “It was really fun” – “I loved hurting my friends (pretending) it was very fun!” – “It was so grate to do something different” – “It was fun” – “Very good but sounds disgusting!” – It was fun + useful” – “A good laugh” – “Amazing! Best Guides EVER!!!!!!” – “Thank you so much I feel like I have learned some really valuable lessons! X” – “Thanks, wonderful lesson, practical and concise” – “Thank you! The session was amazing. I’m sure I’ll never have to use these skills but what I’ve learnt I’ll not forget. I had a great time. Thanks again.” St John Guides.

What we liked about Our Self Defence lessons with Garry and Stefan: “It was the best experience ever; we enjoyed it so much. Amazing.” Issy and Annabel. – “I feel so much safer now.” Ellen, Maddy and Madeleine. – “Now I am not scared of anyone attacking me because I know how to do self defence, which really hurts! Thank you for teaching us.” Harriet. – “Extra help in a real emergency.” Esmee. – “Now I can knock someone out if they attack me. Yay! “ Katie. – “I enjoyed everything. Thank you for coming and working with us.” Georgia, Holly and Alice, – “We hope you Garry and Stefan enjoyed meeting us. Night-night bunny rabbit!  Thanks to you both from all of the leaders. The girls are still buzzing about all that they learned. Dale Andrews, Brownie Leader, 125th Sheffield 1st Dore Brownies

“Thank you for the great self defense sessions. The children at Shortbrook really enjoyed them and learned new skills, taking away good discipline and self protection. Many thanks.” Lynn Butler, Learning Mentor, Shortbrook School.

“A truly fantastic course, really enjoyed the kicking, would love to do more self defence. Really enjoyed it, can’t wait for next course” – “Thank you for the last few weeks training. I feel like I’ve learned lots of basic skills that I could use if needed to. It’s been fun and I’ve really enjoyed it!” – “Very practical and fun sessions” – “Totally agree with the above comments, fun sessions but with lots of info on different scenarios and great advice on self defence, thank you.” Womens Self Defence course members.

“The Academy of Self Defence performed an excellent martial arts exercise class for a group of 14 young people aged 10 – 17 years as part of our weight management strategy. They provided a high quality session, adapted to meet the diverse needs of our group, which included young people with learning difficulties. The instructor was professional at all times and I would highly recommend his services to others. A fun session, thank you…” SHINE Sheffield

“I just wanted to say how much the young people enjoyed the martial arts fitness session that you ran for us. We thought you engaged the young people really well and it was good to see them all participating for the whole session. Our young people really benefitted from the physical workout and through working in team, we thouroughly recommend the Academy of Self Defence.” Ellesmere Youth Project

“The course in personal safety with the Academy of Self Defence was really well thought out and delivered with enthusiasm. I did not think I could do the things we were taught but now Know that I can think and act in ways that make me safer. A good experience, many thanks…” Sally, Home Visit Worker.

“The Academy of Self Defence delivered a class to all 14 of our staff including myself and it was tremendous value for money. As well as learning some really useful personal safety and practical self defence techniques the session certainly helped staff to bond together. This was the best training we have had this year and was worth every penny. The actual techniques we were taught were easy to learn and backed up by a very professional delivery of supporting analogies and information that were delivered with skill. Garry has a great sense of humour which he uses to motivate people and get them joining in. Top marks from me, it certainly gave all the staff who took part a huge lift” Surestart Manager

“Being a small company we joined a personal safety training course with people from 2 other organizations at Abbeyfield Park House that was delivered by the Academy of Self Defence. The training was very professional and the delivery pitched just right. We all felt it was easy to join in and very relevant to our jobs as home visitors. We learned some things that felt obvious when we had done them but would never have occurred to us without the course. The break away techniques we learned were really useful as was understanding how we react when faced with aggression and how to identify how it escalates in a situation. Thanks to the excellent instructors who made a very serious subject fun to learn about…” Green City Action

“The young people from our school who joined in the training with the Academy of Self Defence thouroughly enjoyed themselves. Their enthusiasm was a reflection of the effort and skill of the tutors who were brilliant. Some of these children clearly lacked confidence in themselves prior to this course but have moved on in leaps and bounds because of it. Fantastic stuff.”Brunswick Primary School.

“May I take this opportunity to say a massive thank you for the self defence classes you taught us. I found all of the classes very interesting and they certainly helped me to think about the different scenarios I could be faced with. Your ideas and techniques in handling difficult situations are invaluable although I hope I never need them! You showed us a wide variety  of ways to defend ourselves with easy to follow instructions and more importantly made us all feel comfortable in trying them out. I especially enjoyed listening to the real life stories you told us which brought the sessions to life. I would highly recommend these sessions to anyone wanting to learn self defence.” Women’s Self Defence course member.

“The Academy of Self Defence provides top quality self defence training for young people. There staff are experts in their field, professional in their approach and deliver excellent value for money training sessions that place the individual at the centre of the learning experience. Some of the ‘stories’ they use to educate are spellbinding and pitched at exactly the level of the audience. They are our first choice provider for self defence.” Get Hooked on Life.