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

The Academy of Self Defence began delivering its sessions in schools in September 2009 working in Intake, Stradbroke and

Woodhouse West Schools. We have since delivered a raft of successful courses at Handsworth Grange, City School, Athelston, Shortbrook,  Brunswick, St Josephs, Ballifield and new course for 2011 has just started at Mansell Schoolwith 48 young people enrolling.

As well as working in schools we have been busy delivering courses for communities in the locations they find easiest to access. We have enjoyed working with the Woodthorpe Development Trust, Parson Cross Community Development Trust and Longley Four Greens to deliver may courses this past year and are NEW CLASSES are starting in Sharrow, Heeley, Gleadless and Lowedges in January 2011. These new courses are funded by Sheffield City Council and are FREE to young people aged 8 to 19+. We are working in partnership with our good friends at Sharrow Community Forum, Heeley Development Trust, Gleadless Valley Community Forum, Lowedges Community and Safety Forum and South Yorkshire Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team to deliver these NEW ten week courses.

Working with the Academy of Self Defence provides real practical skills for young people as well as allowing them to let off steam at the end of the school day. They also learn to respect themselves and others, to appreciate the importance of working hard and to enjoy a sense of achievement as the develop new and exciting skills.

All the instructors at the Academy of Self Defence appreciate the value of study and are committed to lifelong learning. Our training exists in a symbiotic relationship with the core curriculum and social values of the school and as such reinforces the effectiveness of developing responsible and knowledgeable young people who can work equally well independently and as members of a team, vital skills for the present as well as throughout their lives.

At the academy of Self Defence we pride ourselves on our ability to underpin our practical training with a sound theoretical base. In this we believe we offer a unique service to schools and their pupils. All the young people who have taken part in the self defence classes have really enjoyed themselves. Importantly they all find something that they can excell at and this breeds self confidence.  They experience the training in a disciplined environment with instructors who nurture their talents and encourage them to express themselves.

We are now an official Learning Destination for the Children’s University so any young person who is part of this can have their hours with us counted towards their award. If you want to join the Children’s University then passports are available on request.