SDFEssex self defence testimonialsSDFEssex self defence testimonials from students, adults, parents, schools, women’s groups and staff team building sessions.

SDFEssex self defence has run classes in Billericay, Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Great Baddow Chelmsford, Colchester, Rayleigh and Southend Essex.

Please phone for class availability and discuss training options. Sessions cover awareness, knife defence, standing and floor practical self defence techniques plus its fun.

SDFEssex self defence training is empowering, always respectful, positive, encouraging challenging and importantly great fun.

In an attack, surviving unharmed is winning, many attacks either start with grabbing, pushing and pulling.

SDFEssex testimonials – Domestic abuse victim attends self defence classes in Great Baddow Chelmsford Essex.

From my initial inquiry about SDF Essex Richard has been attentive to detail. He is incredibly passionate and his energy and pride is infectious.

I approached SDF Essex at a time when I was in a very dark place. Having had been in a very toxic and abusive relationship, it was suggested that I look into self defence classes.

Dubious to say the least I made my inquiries and Richard put me at ease from the very first interaction with him. He asked me questions although was always very considerate as not to pry.

Having now attended 5 sessions, I am pleased to say that Richard has really helped me along my road to recovery. He has always been considerate and conscious of the experiences I have been through and will always check to make sure that I really am okay.

He is flexible and encourages you to make as many classes as you can but there is no pressure to feel like you have to attend every week. For me this works out perfectly as a single parent and having only every other weekend free I can’t commit to make every Sunday.

He’ll work you hard and you certainly feel it for the week to follow but I feel invigorated, confident and empowered to take on the world.

Thank you.

SDFEssex Feed Back – Physical Activity for Duke of Edinburgh Award in Brentwood Essex

“Having moved to Essex with two teenage children, I wanted them to meet new people and try a new activity. I was recommended that they try SDF Essex.

I contacted Richard who was so helpful and my children decided to “give it a go”. They both really enjoy going with the bonus that this activity can be used towards their Duke of Edinburgh award. As a parent I now feel that they are getting fit, meeting new people and having the bonus of keeping themselves safe”

…”I joined the self defence classes in the summer of 2017 as a way of meeting new people due to recently moving to Chelmsford and to be part of my physical section for my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. I have throughly enjoyed the year, getting to meet a range of different people and learning a range of skills to keep myself safe. Despite sometimes the cold wet weather, the community spirit was always good and kept me motivated. I would recommend this activity to anyone who wants to meet new people, keep fit and to be aware of how to protect yourself”.

SDF Essex Self defence Club

What happens after attending a beginners class in the next few self defence sessions?

Classes are on a pay as you go basis.

The structure of the first 6 to 8 weeks attended classes is that a variety of techniques are covered to give students a good general awareness, then beyond that skills can be refined and developed further. 

This approach covers various types of attacks, which I believe is so important.

This all builds confidence as further techniques are taught.

Contact SDFEssex Self Defence

See further SDFEssex self defence reviews

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Duke of Edinburgh scheme

Self-defence for Duke of Edinburgh scheme ‘From my initial enquiry, Richard has been nothing but professional, calm and extremely knowledgeable. He happily answered my (many!) questions before we signed up to the classes. My daughter is learning self-defence as part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. She was slightly apprehensive to start with but Richard has been so kind and patient that she was very quickly put at ease and now thoroughly enjoys every session with him. She is learning Continue Reading

5th March 2023

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Self Defence Club Feedback

Self defence club feedback, recently received: Our 4 children recently started training with Richard and have loved every session they’ve had so far. He makes it fun for them all whilst maintaining their focus and ensuring they are competent in the techniques they’ve been taught before moving on. All of the techniques shown are highly effective and thoroughly rehearsed to ensure that each person is confident in what they’ve been taught. I would highly recommend Richard to anybody who wants Continue Reading

5th March 2023

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Beginners self defence testimonial

Beginners self defence testimonial I recently attended a Beginners course with Richard after a recent incident I encountered in London. On the day of the training my anxiety had kicked in, Richard was fantastic and reassured me that I would be OK and he would let me go at my pace. At each stage he checked that I was comfortable and happy which reassured me and calmed my anxiety down. I have since attended another of his group sessions and can honestly Continue Reading

20th December 2022

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Self Defence Class Review

Self Defence Class Review "My 14 year old daugher suffers with generalised anxiety disorder as well as other mental health issues, therefore spending a lot of time in her room, so I was looking for some kind of activity for us to do together.  Having searched for a while, I found Richard from SDF Essex, who seemed very passionate about his work, and he spent time talking to me on the phone about what he does to make sure it Continue Reading

4th December 2022

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Self Defence for Students

Self Defence Testimonials This is the best training that I have found that I can attend with my teenage daughters and we all want to keep learning more! The outdoor sessions gradually put you in more realistic attack situations that force your brain to react in automatic mode.  We love the fitness too and the fact that we can attend any sessions on a pay as you go basis which works well as girls are at University. SDFEssex self defence training have Continue Reading

11th April 2022

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Women’s self defence Essex

Women's self defence Essex Testimonial “For years I had been meaning to look into self-defence lessons and I just never got around to it. Then our work van, which is parked right under our bedroom window, got broken into and my husband and I chased the culprits off. This was my impetus to go online and finally do something about it. After researching various martial arts disciplines, I came across the SDF Essex website and knew that was what I Continue Reading

Ms L Essex Student 7th April 2022

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Self defence family session

SDFEssex Self defence family session in Essex, it teaches important life skills, helps build confidence, fitness plus its lots of fun outdoors. SDFEssex Testimonials Below are 2 recent parent reviews: All the children enjoyed the session and learnt a lot about awareness, & personal safety. Mum learnt a lot to! Was taught age appropriately not dumbed down which they respected. Would recommend for anyone with children & for adults too. Essex Mum Self defence family session My son and I love the Continue Reading

5th April 2022

Self defence Chelmsford Essex

School Curriculum Extension Day

School Curriculum Extension Day Richard took part in our Year 9 School Curriculum Extension Day. He spoke with our students about personal safety. Richard was able to give them tips and advice that they could put into action immediately; considering mobile phone usage and awareness, the importance of distance and raising the alarm using specific language. Acting Head of Year 9 Teacher Self Defence Training Are you thinking about learning self defence? Do you know someone who would benefit from a Continue Reading

13th December 2021

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SDFEssex AntiBullying Self Defence

SDFEssex Self Defence Review SDFEssex AntiBullying Self Defence I enrolled my two boys ages 10 and 13, to join the SDFEssex antibullying self defence for several reasons. Firstly school bullying is rife in many schools. When such a situation would arise with my sons it was always a challenge for me to advise on the best approach to deal with these occurrences.  SDFEssex instructor Richard gave very clear advice on how to deal with and defuse an aggressive approach from someone. Continue Reading

6th November 2021

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Self Defence Essex Classes

Self defence Essex classes, who are my classes aimed at? SDF Essex teaches Self Defence in Great Baddow Chelmsford and Mountnessing, Brentwood. Domestic abuse calls have increased 25% over this lockdown period. A third of violent crimes in Essex is domestic related.  The freephone 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number is 0808 2000 247 https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk Testimonial - Domestic abuse victim learns Self Defence with SDF Essex From my initial inquiry SDF Essex (Richard) has been attentive to detail. He is incredibly Continue Reading

14th April 2020

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DofE Award Self Defence

Self Defence Anti Bullying Classes in Mountnessing Brentwood and Great Baddow Chelmsford with SDF Essex, below is a testimonial from an Essex parent and a student. Duke of Edinburgh DofE Award Self Defence physical activity. "Having moved to Essex with two teenage children, I wanted them to meet new people and try a new activity. I contacted Richard who was so helpful and my children decided to “give it a go”. They both really enjoy going with the bonus that Continue Reading

6th March 2020

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Confidence Self defence classes

Self Defence Anti Bullying Classes in Brentwood and Great Baddow Chelmsford with SDF Essex, detailed below a testimonial from an Essex parent. SDF Essex Testimonial Richard I write to applaud you for your dedication to assistingyoung people such as my son, to come out of their shell, and defendthemselves in time of trouble. My son did enjoy himself today by participating in the self defence training session.We look forward to joining you and other participants in next week’s practice. Chelmsford Parent Continue Reading

Parent of SDF Essex Student Chelmsford class 3rd March 2020

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Self Defence Anti Bullying

Self Defence Anti Bullying Classes in Brentwood and Great Baddow Chelmsford with SDF Essex, detailed below a testimonial from an Essex parent. SDF Essex Testimonial My daughter age 13 has been struggling with bullying for the last five years, unfortunately not just verbal but physical too. As a parent I felt that I needed to do as much as possible to protect her which of course included the police and regular counselling sessions. As my daughter is becoming more independent Continue Reading

Mum of SDF Essex Student in Chelmsford 24th February 2020

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Grapevine Essex Self Defence Group Event in Chelmsford

Grapevine Essex is a charity which provides fully supported recreational and educational activities for adults with learning difficulties in Essex. We approached Richard, to run a self-defence class for some of our members over the Easter break. They had to fill in a medical questionnaire in advance so that Richard was well aware of any possible problems which could arise. To begin with, we had a question and answer session on what constitutes bullying and how we may present ourselves Continue Reading

Mary Schultz, Grapevine Essex. 22nd February 2020

SDFEssex self defence training

SDF Essex Student Reviews

SDF Essex Student Reviews, Myself and my younger brother attended Richard’s self defence sessions in Chelmsford and we both enjoyed it greatly. My brother was nervous at first but Richard immediately put him at ease and encouraged him, really building his overall confidence over the weeks with his support. The content is enjoyable as well as useful, and we both feel much more capable and safer since learning it- our mum is much less worried about me returning to my Continue Reading

3rd February 2020

SDFEssex self defence training

Parent self defence reviews

Parent and child self defence In 2019 SDF Essex run a series of parent and child taster classes and half day beginners classes in Brentwood, Chelmsford and Rayleigh. Detailed below are parent self defence reviews. Parent and Child Self Defence class in Essex School Holidays The next Parent Child self defence taster class in Rayleigh 17th February 2020. This parent and child self defence taster class is ideal for children attending school years 6 and 7.  Ages 10 and 11 are Continue Reading

15th January 2020

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Team Building Self Defence

Are you thinking about having a staff team building self defence activity? If you have been looking for a group activity, contact Richard at SDF Essex for a chat about a taster session. Detailed below are recent reviews / testimonials from staff following a team building staff activity with SDF Essex. The training session was for two 90 minute taster classes at lunch time, covering theory, personal safety awareness and a few practical standing skills including some knife defence. https://www.selfdefenceandfitness.com/groups-learn-self-defence/ Contact Continue Reading

30th December 2019

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Learn to defend yourself with SDF Essex

SDF Essex Beginners self defence class in Brentwood and Chelmsford Learn to defend yourself in Essex with SDF Essex. Half day monthly beginners self defence fitness classes in Brentwood and Chelmsford suitable for adults teenagers and children age 10 and above. Following a recent class at Great Baddow Chelmsford, I received this testimonial from an SDF Essex student. The training helps to feel more confident and improve fitness. SDF Essex Testimonial 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 After a traumatic incident I decided to Continue Reading

30th December 2019

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Children’s self defence Chelmsford Class

Children's beginners self defence Brentwood and Chelmsford Class Each month I run a half day beginners self defence class in Brentwood and Great Baddow Chelmsford for adults, teenagers and children above ten years of age. Following a recent Chelmsford class, I received this testimonial from an Essex parent. The training helps to feel more confident and improve fitness. SDF Essex Testimonial “I would just like to say what a positive experience we all had at the Self Defence for Beginners in Continue Reading

30th December 2019

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Chelmsford self defence testimonial

Are you thinking about attending a SDF Essex self defence class? If you have been looking to learn self defence, for yourself or someone you know but didn’t know where to start, or are concerned about attending, this could be just what you are looking for. See below Chelmsford self defence testimonial. Spaces available for new students to learn self defence techniques in Brentwood & Great Baddow Chelmsford Essex classes.  The training begins by attending a half day beginners class, covering Continue Reading

15th December 2019

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Self Defence Essex testimonial

Its great to receive recognition from students please see below Self Defence Essex testimonial "Richard, from the outset, has been great at listening to what my son & I wanted to gain from his sessions both in our initial call and subsequent training sessions. He has always made us feel welcome and the 'no one is better than anyone else' attitude at the training sessions makes you feel very at ease. Everyone knuckles down to learn. At every step Richard Continue Reading

15th December 2019

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Boarding School Self Defence

Self Defence classes for Boarding students at School Boarding students learn self defence at Essex school As the Director of Boarding at an independent school, I felt it was important to offer self-defence classes to our boarding students. Richard was very enthusiastic, flexible and willing to accommodate our varying needs within the whole school boarding community. The sessions were engaging with a variety of activities. Richard managed to cover a lot of information into his sessions and they were a Continue Reading

9th December 2019

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Self Defence Year 6 school student

Personal Safety and Self Defence Year 6 school student testimonial I had been looking for a self-defence class for my 10-year old daughter for a while but could not find anything suitable for her age. As she was due to start Senior School soon and walk on her own, it was important to me that she knew how to defend herself but martial arts were not her thing. I eventually came across SDF Essex and contacted Richard to check the Continue Reading

25th November 2019

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Self Defence classes helping build confidence

I've never taken a self-defence class before so had no idea what to expect. I knew I needed to build up my confidence again after a very difficult time with anxiety and stress at work and thought this might be one way to achieve that. After an initial email enquiry, I received a call from Richard going through the details of how it works, what to wear etc. which was very helpful and reassuring. I was a little nervous attending Continue Reading

19th November 2019

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Testimonial Self Defence with SDF Essex

Self Defence classes for beginners in Brentwood, Chelmsford and Rayleigh Essex Testimonial Self Defence with SDF Essex. I decided to undertake some self defence training and after an extensive search I contacted Richard and I am really pleased that I did.The classes are fun, insightful and interesting. There is a mix of demonstration, practice, tips and a fitness training. The classes I attend take place outside in the fresh air and are in a pleasant park location.My instructor Richard is Continue Reading

Mr S from Cambridge 26th August 2016