It depends what you are after from "self defence". People often mix "self defence" and martial arts up. Martial arts are good for building self confidence and exercise but full within the box of sport and are bound by rules so things like strikes to vulnerable/delicate parts of the body (eyes/throat/groin) are frowned upon as that goes against the "rules" of they teach. Also most martial arts teach "moves" that are A over complicated and B designed for someone attacking you from the same discipline. Martial arts systems very rarely do stress training either.A good self defence system teaches to attack and keep attacking delicate and vulnerable parts of the body with basic strikes. In a high stress situation when confronted by an attacker(s) your adrenaline will kick in, your heart rate will go through the roof so trying to remember a complex throw will be out of the window.Though a small female may have the ability to throw a large male over her hip in a gym/dojo change the environment so its dark, wet, on an incline or just wearing different clothing the person may start questioning their ability to do that throw which leads to losing precious seconds to react to the threat. Keep it simple is the name of the game.There are a lot of people offering services in teaching self defence out there. unfortunately what they teach is things they had copied from youtube or even worse made up themselves. So try to go for something with an established governing body so you know your teacher has reached a required standard in whatever they teach, this also increased the likelihood that they also get upto date training themseles.Krav Maga has increased in popularity over the last 10 years or so. I believe two clubs operate in Acton and are both subscribed to an organisation.Krav Maga is not a sport and it was developed so that people could learn it quickly and use it effectively. Basic attacks are taught so, as mentioned, when you are in a highly stressful situation you will be in a better position to defend or attack.
mike barker ● 4188d