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:

• 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.

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:

• 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.

Yes. The DFA incorporates Krav Maga techniques and principles as a core training pillar within our system. Our instructors are officialy certified Krav Maga instructors as well as having extensive backgrounds in other martial arts.

Krav Maga is widely recognised as one of the most effective modern self defence systems due to its focus on:

• Simplicity

• Efficiency under stress

• Aggressive counter-response

• Realistic threat scenarios

However, the DFA does not limit itself to one syllabus or organisation.

DFA is:

• Independent

• Reality-based

• Fitness-integrated

• Instructor-led

• Legally aware

• Not sport-focused

• 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.

No. You do not need to be fit to begin.

Self defence training naturally improves:

• Cardiovascular fitness

• Functional strength

• Reaction speed

• Mobility

• Confidence under pressure

Sessions are designed to challenge you safely, regardless of starting fitness level.

Prior to beginning each and every session, we require every DFA member to declare their fitness for training and disclose any concerns that require adaptation.

Prior to joining, DFA members are required to complete a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ) and Health Assessment Questionnaire.

All submitted details treated are private and confidential and retained in line with our Terms & Conditions, policies on GDPR & Data handling, and Privacy.

All instructors, staff, volunteers, and members are also expected to adhere to the DFA Code of Conduct.

Adult classes are suitable for anyone over the age of 16 years of age.

If you are under 18, we require approval from a parent or legal guardian before you start training.

We recommend that you:

• wear comfortable, lightweight clothes, suitable for gym / althletic activity.
• wear trainers that have flat or minimal tread to allow easy movement while providing grip.
• bring a water bottle & small towel
• bring any support equipment (e.g. knee brace, wrist support etc)
• do not wear jewellery, watches or other items that could get caught or snagged 

A typical DFA class includes:

• Warm-up and mobility work
• Technical instruction (strikes, escapes, defensive tactics)
• Partner drills
• Scenario-based training
• Conditioning and resilience training

Our sessions simulate realistic stress while maintaining controlled and safe training environments.

See what to expect to learn more

Yes.

DFA focuses on real-world self defence, not sport competition.

This includes training for:

• Situational awareness

• Verbal confrontation

• Physical assault

• Close-quarter attacks

• Multiple attacker awareness

• Environmental hazards

• Urban threat scenarios

• Post-incident protocols

Our approach emphasises awareness, avoidance, and proportional response in line with UK law concerning use of reasonable force.

Safety in training is a core training priority.

The DFA ensures:

• Structured progression

• Controlled partner drills

• Clear safety briefings

• Appropriate supervision

• Risk-aware training design

While any physical training carries some risk, our goal is to minimise unnecessary injury while preserving realism.

Yes. Our curriculum is grounded in UK law and an understanding of the use of reasonable force. Our training is informed by the DFA system (Defensive Foundational Awareness) which incorporates tactical solutions to real world problems with proven self-defence principles, Krav-Maga-based techniques and an understanding of UK law to create a fully comprehensive self-protection system.

Our classes help members to understand the core principles of self-defence, the mindset of both the attacker and the defender, and trains tactical problem solving skills to avoid or end threatening or violent confrontations while remaining on the right side of the law.

This doesn’t mean our Krav Maga techniques are watered down, or the techniques are purely defensive in nature, as this would create a one-sided, incomplete system. In fact, it is because of the potential lethal nature of such confrontations that we train members in how to deal with such conflict, while being fully aware of the legal ramifications that follow from such encounters.

Yes. Our curriculum is informed by the DFA system (Defensive Foundational Awareness) which incorporates tactical solutions to real world problems with proven self-defence principles, authentic Krav-Maga-based techniques and an understanding of UK law to create a fully comprehensive self-protection system.

The DFA curriculum includes the following general elements:

• Defensive Techniques
  (blocks, evasive techniques to unarmed aggressors)
• Unarmed Combatives
  (striking with various parts of the body)
• Improvised Shielding Techniques
  (using common objects)
• Defensives to Armed Attackers
  (bladed items, stick-like items, improvised weapons)
• Defensives to Physical Attacks
  (Grabs, Chokes, Bear Hugs)
• Situational Awareness
  (Environmental control)
• Spatial Boundary Setting
  (Hodological assessment, distance settings)  
• Pre-Conflict Solutions 
  (deescalation, verbal control and disarming, psychological preparation)
• Conflict Negotiation
  (controlled response, engagement control, exit creation)
• Post-Conflict Protocols
  (situational assessment, evaluation, beaconing, reporting, recovery)
• Legal Application
  (pre-emptive application, reasonable force alignment, post-conflict reporting)  
• Physical and mental conditioning
  (mental acuity, physical fitness)
• Functional strength and Agility
  (explosive power generation, greater speed and reaction)
• Psychological Hardening
  (mental health, trauma response control, physical reaction protocols)

Each class combines elements from the DFA curriculum to provide a varied, challenging and fun physical and mental workout, helping members become Fitter, Faster, Stronger and Safer.

Yes, we train defensive techniques to armed attackers.

Where appropriate and legally compliant, DFA covers principles relating to edged weapon awareness and defensive tactics.

All training focuses on:

• Threat recognition

• Distance management

• Escape prioritisation

• Legal considerations

• Effective combatives

Given the rise in UK knife crime statistics over recent years, understanding awareness and avoidance is increasingly important.

Yes.

DFA delivers corporate self defence and personal safety workshops for:

• Businesses

• Schools

• Universities

• Community organisations

• Security teams

Workshops can cover:

• Workplace conflict awareness

• Personal safety while commuting

• De-escalation strategies

• Situational awareness training

Contact us to discuss tailored corporate training packages.

Krav Maga is a practical self-defense and close-combat system developed in Israel. It was originally created for the Israeli military and later adapted for civilian and law enforcement use.

• The name means “contact combat” in Hebrew.

• Techniques draw from striking, grappling, weapon defenses, and situational responses.

It’s designed to be simple, fast to learn, and effective in real-world confrontations rather than competition.

Many international agencies adopt Krav Maga or Krav-influenced training because of its focus on real-life threats.

Krav Maga is easily modified for non-combatants (men, women, older adults, or beginners) and focuses on threats like street assault, muggings, and armed encounters.

Krav Maga is now practiced in 70+ countries thanks to international organizations, certified instructors, seminars, and media exposure.

Practical, Real-World Skills

• Emphasizes techniques that can be used immediately under stress.

Psychological Preparedness

Training repeatedly under stress helps improve:

• situational awareness

• reaction time

• decision-making under pressure
  Studies show structured Krav Maga training can significantly improve emotional regulation and awareness in threatening contexts.

Physical Fitness

Regular training boosts:

• cardiovascular health

• strength

• power through high-intensity, functional exercises.

Intuitive Movements

Techniques rely on natural reflexes and gross motor skills — making them easier to recall under extreme stress.

Speed of Learning

Research indicates basic striking techniques can be learned and retained fairly quickly, even with limited sessions.

Yes, Defensive Fitness Academy (DFA) instructors are certified in Krav Maga, having been trained within the Krav Maga Global (KMG) system.

Our instructors have trained directly with Eyal Yanilov, founder of KMG (considered by many to be the successor to Imi Lichtenfeld, who originally developed Krav Maga for military and then civilian use).

DFA instructors completed the KMG General Instructor Course (GIC) – a military-level training programme consisting of continuous physical and technical testing throughout.

The GIC is widely regarded as the most demanding civilian Krav Maga instructor course in the world.

Yes. Despite the potential severity of the techniques within the Krav Maga system, it is completely legal in the UK, as are the majority of self-defence, martial arts and MMA classes and clubs that teach combat techniques like boxing, sparring, striking, kicking and weapon-based training.

Where the legal question most often applies is in the application of these disciplines when confronted with threats of violence or physical injury in real world settings.

UK law provides UK citizens the right to protect themselves and others from harm, but any use of force must be reasonable and proportionate under the circumstances, and based on an honestly held belief that a person (yourself or a third party) is in real danger of attack or injury.

As you can imagine, what is considered reasonable is often open to interpretation, and often judged after the fact – what can seem a reasonable act at the time could be judged as an excessive use of force later by the police or courts should an incident proceed to prosecution.

When considering training in Krav Maga, martial arts or MMA, ask yourself if the techniques and skills you’re learning are for the dojo or the street; what is acceptable in an octagon under competitive oversight by a referee may land you in jail if performed in the street. And conversely,  trying to take an attacker to the ground could end up with you being injured or worse – there are no rules preventing an attacker from using a concealed weapon to even the fight, or for his friends to join the fight.

The bottom line – make sure the discipline and training you select to devote your time to gives you the skills you are looking for but do not increase the likelihood of you being on the wrong side of the law or increase the potential of injury, should you need to defend yourself in real life.

People cite reasons such as:

• Focus on realistic, no-rules self-defense

• Rapid skill acquisition

• Psychological preparedness

• Adaptability for civilians, law enforcement, and military purposes.