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You can’t control every situation.
But you can control how prepared you are for it.
If you have ever felt uneasy walking alone, had a close call or unsettling experience and want practical self-defence skills (not martial arts), this workshop is for you.
You’ll improve your situational awareness, learn easy to use self-defences and gain greater confidence and stress resilience.
Suitable for women of all ages, the workshop is a safe and fun environment.
No experience necessary.
What You’ll Learn
The Ability to Act Without Hesitation
Simple, Effective Skills That Work Under Pressure & Within UK Law
Greater Confidence & Resilience
A Step by Step Process for Handling Conflict
"Everyone is so welcoming."
I didn’t know what to expect and worrried that this would be another macho fight club, but everyone is so supportive. The skills I’m picking up are amazing.
Marie
"I have the skills I need to be confident."
I was attacked on a beach in Thailand. I was lucky but promised I’d never be in that position again. Krav Maga gives me the confidence to travel again.
Katie
"Yet another great session."
Self-confidence was a little low but a big thanks to Scott for being so patient with me. I’m getting stronger with each session.
Sarah
"I'm stronger and fitter."
After every class I can tell I’m getting stronger and fitter, and the techniques give me the confidence that I can handle myself in the worst case scenarios.
Elana
All testimonials are from real students who have trainined with the Lead Instructor in classes held in the Gloucestershire area
Spaces are limited to ensure maximum value
Details
Agenda
Intro to Principles of Self-Defence
then straight into the practical learning
Light Warm Up
to activate your senses and your reflexes
Fun & Interactive Exercises
that are safe and keep you moving
Review of Real-World Scenarios
we slow it down and look at specific problems…
Guided Practice of Techniques
… we show you solutions & help you try them out
Progressive Training to Challenge you
while always remaining safe, fun and at your own pace
WANT TO COME WITH A FRIEND?
Buy 1 ticket, get 2nd half price!
Get a second, third or even a fourth ticket HALF PRICE when you book the workshop for you and a friend or a group of four.
Individual tickets are £20 per person, with every subsequent ticket costing just £10 for 2+ hours of self-defence instruction.*
* Tickets must be purchased at the same time for discount to apply.
Workshop objectives
Gain practical skills to defend yourself
The DFA Women’s Self-Defence Workshop teaches women how to protect themselves and escape life-threatening situations, in a safe, fun and zero-pressure training environment. The workshop is beginner-friendly, suitable for women of all ages & fitness levels, and focuses on solutions to real-world scenarios that affect women.
Improved Situational Awareness
Identify Early Warning Signs
Read your environment & learn to act before situations escalate
Avoid Conflict
Apply natural instincts to tactical decision making
Define Your Boundaries
Take control of the situation
Get Away Safely
Exit & Evasion tactics, post-conflict assessment
Easy to Use Defences
Simple Techniques
That can be learned quickly & work against common attacks
Instinctive, Intuitive & Work Under Stress
Practical no-nonsense skills that are easy to remember
Confidence Without Confrontation
Use appropriate & legal reactions to end the conflict
Greater Confidence & Stress Resilience
Feel Empowered
Gain control of your personal safety
Feel Stronger
Know your capability and legal rights to protect yourself & others
Be Safer
Reframe confrontations & know how to deal with them
Instructors
Scott Deane
Scott is the founder and lead instructor for the Defensive Fitness Academy (DFA).
He is a certified Krav Maga and BTEC Level 3 Self-Defence instructor and holds a wide range of professional qualifications supporting both self-defence and fitness instruction, including trauma-informed coaching and mental first aid.
He also serves as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Defensive Fitness Academy ensuring professional, responsible, and compliant delivery across all training environments.
Scott has trained hundreds of men and women to gain empowerment though self-defence training and created the DFA to provide training suitable for everyone.
John Stokes
John began his martial arts journey at a young age training in Korean Karate, developing a strong foundation in discipline and striking.
In his early twenties he expanded his experience across multiple systems including Vale Tudo (a Portuguese no-holds barred mixed martial art), kickboxing, boxing, Aiki Ju Jutsu, Aikido, and Wing Chun Kung Fu. While each system contributed to his development, John was ultimately drawn to Krav Maga, appreciating its direct, practical, and “no nonsense” approach to real-world self-defence.
In 2012, John began training Krav Maga. Demonstrating natural ability and commitment, he progressed quickly and in 2017 completed the demanding Krav Maga Global Instructor Course (GIC).
John is also First Aid qualified and brings a practical, grounded perspective to teaching street-level self-defence.
Take The First Step Toward Greater Confidence
Reserve your place on the next DFA Women’s Self-Defence Workshop and start developing practical skills that could make a real difference.
Frequently asked questions
About the Workshop
Who is this workshop for?
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The Defensive Fitness Academy Self-Defence Workshop (Foundation Level 1) is designed for women of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels who want practical, no-nonsense self-defence skills they can use immediately.
No experience is required.
Our training focuses on simple, principles-based techniques that:
- Are quick to learn
- Work in real-world situations
- Do not rely on strength or athletic ability
Unlike traditional martial arts or technique-heavy systems, we teach a principles-first, objective-based self-defence techniques using your natural reactions and the strength you already have.
This workshop is ideal if you want to improve:
- Situational awareness
- Confidence
- Personal safety
What happens at the workshop?
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The workshop is structured, practical, and easy to follow:
- Introduction (5 mins)
Welcome, safety briefing, and core principles - Warm-up (5–10 mins)
Low-impact and adaptable to your ability - Tactical drills
Build awareness, reactions, and confidence (often fun and interactive) - Real-world scenarios
We demonstrate common situations and practical solutions - Guided practice
You apply techniques at your own pace with instructor support - Progressive training
We safely introduce pressure to simulate real situations - Skill integration
Learn how techniques connect through core principles - Final exercises
Confidence-building challenges (no pass/fail—just learning) - Cool down & debrief
Review what you’ve learned
The workshop is designed to leave you feeling more confident, capable, and prepared. For participants interested in additional development, we can provide further details without obligation.
How long is the workshop?
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The agenda runs from one and a half to two hours, but we don’t place a hard stop on your training as we want to make sure you leave confident you have the skills you came to learn.
The maximum length of any Foundation workshop like the Self-Defence Workshop for Women is three hours, but we aim for less so participants are not overwhelmed, but we allow lots of time to question and discuss what is being taught.
Will I be hit or have to be involved in sparring?
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No, this is not a combat or sparring-based session. Training will involve practicing techniques with a partner in a safe, instructor-monitored environment. There is no sparring or competitive fighting aspect to the workshop.
Your safety is our priority at all times.
Many of the techniques require light physical contact, which is why we recommend training with a friend that you trust.
Instructors will demonstrate techniques with each other and with assistants, and only with participants if they volunteer.
None of the training or techniques are conducted in a manner that is designed to injure, as this is against our safety in training policies and code of conduct.
What kind of clothing and footwear should I wear?
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Wear comfortable gym clothing and trainers.
We recommend:
- Flat, stable footwear (avoid thick or high soles)
- Flexible clothing that allows full movement
For safety:
- No jewellery (rings, watches, necklaces, etc.)
- Tie long hair back
This helps prevent injury during training.
Are the instructors qualified to teach self-defence for women?
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Yes. All DFA instructors have a background in martial arts, particularly in Krav Maga which is a self-defence system designed for the military and then adapted for civilian use and law enforcement.
DFA instructors are KMG Certified Krav Maga instructors, BTEC Level 3 Self Defence Instructors and First Aid Qualified. Instructors are fully trained in different training methods suitable for a range of learning styles as well as training specifically for women.
How many people are there per workshop?
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We aim for 10-15 people, with a maximum of 20 participants per workshop. This is so we can spend proper time instructing and coaching each and every participant.
About the Venue
What are the venues like?
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Each venue is a sports hall that has been assessed to ensure suitability for self-defence training. Please check with the venue before attending if you have specific needs.
Is there parking?
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Yes, the venues are selected for convenience and have parking available. As the venues are sports halls, it is likely that on the day of the workshop there will be other people using the facility, so the car park may be busy. We recommend arriving early!
What time do I need to arrive?
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Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time, so we can register everyone and begin on time.
What happens if I'm late?
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Don’t worry if you’re a few minutes late, we will do our best to accommodate you. If you’ve missed the warm-up, we’ll need to make sure you’re physically prepared before you can begin training safely.
What if I need to cancel?
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No problem. Just contact us as early as you can. Please note that if you can’t contact us to cancel before the workshop begins we may be unable to refund you. See our cancellation policy.
Health & Safety
Is the training safe?
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Yes, safety in training is our highest priority.
We create a safe, supportive environment where you are always in control of your participation.
Key safety principles:
- You will never be forced to take part in anything
- No physical contact without your consent
- No striking, sparring, or aggressive fighting
- You can stop or step out at any time
Our instructors:
- Demonstrate techniques themselves (you won’t be put on the spot)
- Are First Aid qualified
- Are trained in Trauma-Informed Coaching
The workshop is designed to:
- Avoid unnecessary physical or emotional stress
- Allow you to train at your own pace
- Be accessible regardless of fitness level
We also:
- Conduct venue risk assessments
- Provide regular breaks
- Ask participants to complete a PAR-Q form beforehand
Any unsafe behaviour is addressed immediately to protect all participants.
Any participant acting or behaving in a way that may endanger themselves or others will be reminded of the safety obligations for training, but should such behaviour continue, participants will be asked to leave and may forfeit any fees paid.
Please see our code of conduct and cancellation policy for more information.
Will I be hit or have to be involved in sparring?
Your Subtitle Goes Here
No, this is not a combat or sparring-based session. Training will involve practicing techniques with a partner in a safe, instructor-monitored environment. There is no sparring or competitive fighting aspect to the workshop.
Your safety is our priority at all times.
Many of the techniques require light physical contact, which is why we recommend training with a friend that you trust.
Instructors will demonstrate techniques with each other and with assistants, and only with participants if they volunteer.
None of the training or techniques are conducted in a manner that is designed to injure, as this is against our safety in training policies and code of conduct.
Do I need to be fit or strong to attend the workshop?
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No. The workshop is designed for women of all fitness levels. The focus is not on improving fitness, but on giving you practical self-protection skills..
However, the nature of self-defence training means there will be physical activity and exercises that will require a level of exertion similar to a low intensity fitness class, such as a gentle circuits class or warm‑up in a gym session.
We welcome participants from all backgrounds, including those who are neurodivergent, have disabilities, or have existing injuries (as long as training is safe and approved by your doctor or GP).
The DFA is apolitical and people from all political/religious backgrounds are welcome, in line with our equality & diversity policy
Are the instructors qualified to teach self-defence for women?
Your Subtitle Goes Here
Yes. All DFA instructors have a background in martial arts, particularly in Krav Maga which is a self-defence system designed for the military and then adapted for civilian use and law enforcement.
DFA instructors are KMG Certified Krav Maga instructors, BTEC Level 3 Self Defence Instructors and First Aid Qualified. Instructors are fully trained in different training methods suitable for a range of learning styles as well as training specifically for women.
Is there an age limit?
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The workshop is suitable for women of ages 16+ however if you are below the age of 18 we will require a parent or guardian’s consent to attend the workshop.
What kind of clothing and footwear should I wear?
Your Subtitle Goes Here
Wear comfortable gym clothing and trainers.
We recommend:
- Flat, stable footwear (avoid thick or high soles)
- Flexible clothing that allows full movement
For safety:
- No jewellery (rings, watches, necklaces, etc.)
- Tie long hair back
This helps prevent injury during training.
Do I need to bring anything?
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Just a towel and a water bottle. Water will be available on site but please feel free to bring your own if you prefer (just make sure you have enough to last the session).
If you require snacks to keep blood sugar levels up, please bring them along but food cannot be consumed while training.
Please note that protective gear is not necessary but if you wish to wear supportive items like braces please speak to an Instructor before training.
Can I come alone or do I have to come with a friend?
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Participants are very welcome to come on their own, as many do! We aim to encourage you to attend with a friend by discounting the cost for two at the time of booking.
If you prefer to attend on your own you’re very welcome, as we will make sure you are paired with another participant or group if there are uneven numbers. While safety in training is our highest priority, making sure you are comfortable and have fun are equally important to us.
What experience do I need?
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None. No experience is necessary, but if you do have experience, you are very welcome to attend as well.
Will I have to share personal experiences?
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No. Sharing is optional and not expected.
We will discuss real situations to ground the training in reality, and you are welcome to share your views but there is no obligation.
I've experienced real-world problems and worried that the workshop might trigger me
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We understand that some topics may feel sensitive, especially if you’ve had personal experiences.
Our approach is careful, respectful, and supportive.
- You are never required to share personal experiences
- You can pause or step out at any time
- Our training avoids unnecessary emotional stress
Our Lead Instructor is trained in Trauma-Informed Coaching, and the workshop is designed with this in mind.
If you have concerns, you’re very welcome to contact us beforehand for a confidential, no-obligation chat.
Will there be photos or videos taken?
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With your permission, we would like to take photos for promotional purposes. However, if you do not wish to be photographed we will avoid taking photos of you. No one under 18 will be photographed under any circumstances.
We ask participants not to take photos at any time. We have a social media & photography policy with more information.
About the DFA
What is the Defensive Fitness Academy (DFA)?
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The Defensive Fitness Academy (DFA) incorporates scientifically-backed training with proven self-defence principles, Krav-Maga-based techniques and understanding of UK law to create a fully comprehensive self-protection system.
We do not just teach self-defence techniques. We develop problem-solving capabilities for high stress, confrontational or violent encounters.
The Defensive Fitness Academy is led by its Founder and Lead Instructor, an experienced self defence practitioner with a background in practical training, physical conditioning, and applied personal protection.
The DFA ensures:
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Consistent teaching standards
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Direct oversight of curriculum development
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Continuous evolution of training methods
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Personal accountability for quality and safety
If you want to know more about the instructor’s background, qualifications, or training history, please see the Instructors page.
Who is the Lead Instructor?
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The Defensive Fitness Academy is led by its Founder and Lead Instructor Scott Deane, an experienced self defence practitioner with a background in practical training, physical conditioning, and applied personal protection.
DFA is instructor-led, not franchise-driven. This ensures:
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Consistent teaching standards
-
Direct oversight of curriculum development
-
Continuous evolution of training methods
-
Personal accountability for quality and safety
If you want to know more about the instructor’s background, qualifications, or training history, please see the Instructors page.
What makes DFA different from other self defence schools?
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DFA is:
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Independent
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Reality-based
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Fitness-integrated
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Instructor-led
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Legally aware
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Not sport-focused
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Not franchise-driven
We train for the environments people actually face: urban settings, social situations, and unpredictable encounters.
Defensive Fitness Academy incorporates scientifically-backed training with proven self-defence principles, Krav-Maga-based techniques and understanding of UK law to create a fully comprehensive self-protection system.
Other Questions
Can you run the workshop for a small private group?
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Yes. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Can you run the workshop for a corporate or business group?
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Yes. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
The Defensive Fitness Academy (DFA) operates under independent UK governance to ensure high standards of instruction, safeguarding, and professional conduct.
The DFA is proud to be a Gold certified club, having been awarded the highest accreditation for outstanding governance and commitment to professional standards as defined by the British Martial Arts and Boxing Association (BMABA).
The stats
%
of violence against women is committed by someone they know
%
of women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime
%
reduction in the risk of assault when trained in self-defence
Spaces are limited to ensure maximum value