WELCOME TO OUR CLASS INFORMATION PAGE

The following sections hope to answer most of the Frequently Asked Questions about our schools, classes and training standards. If you have require further information, please contact us by phone or email.

Why not just turn up at any of our locations and we will be pleased to discuss your individual training needs in more detail.

Even better, why not participate in a FREE Introduction Class so that you can try it for yourself then consider how Dynamic Self Defence can work for you!
( All you need to do is turn up wearing a T-shirt, Joggers & Trainers)

PRACTICAL SELF DEFENCE

BUILD YOUR SELF CONFIDENCE

IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH & FITNESS

IMPROVE YOUR CO-ORDINATION & FLEXIBILITY

HAVE FUN IN A FRIENDLY CLUB ATMOSPHERE

HIGH QUALITY INSTRUCTORS

A SAFE, CONTROLLED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

LEARNING SELF-DISCIPLINE & SELF-CONTROL

THE NEXT STEP?

• Techniques are natural and easy to learn.

• Movements are designed to work with the body's natural biomechanics and therefore won't damage your joints.

• All activities and exercises are relevant to YOUR self-defence training.

• Realistic scenarios (within a safe and controlled environment) are used to demonstrate application of the techniques and how effective they would be in a real attack situation.

• Targeting Skills - understanding how and where to strike your attacker to ensure effective defence along with developing and improving your co-ordination.

• DSD provides equipment on which to practice and improve your technique and power.

• All in good time - this programme is designed for you to progress at a steady pace. You will learn specific techniques and drills at each belt level before advancing. This means you will have a full understanding of your level syllabus before progressing to a higher rank.

• Higher rank syllabus includes learning to deal with multiple attackers, weapons and groundwork using effective, not flashy, techniques.

• Practice makes perfect - becoming a DSD member allows you to train at any DSD school inclusive of your monthly fee - any day of the week (subject to location) - There are numerous locations around London and the UK. Each school runs at different times during the week allowing you to practice as much as you like!

• Age & flexibility is no barrier - the classes are suitable for the whole family!

• Registration - The Dynamic Self Defence Association (DSDA) is registered with the Martial Art Development Council (MADEC), to which we have a representative on their board to promote and develop Martial Arts within the United Kingdom.

• Regular training with this easy to learn Street Defence Martial Art will promote your assertiveness and confidence as well as increase your ability to defend yourself and deal with a whole number of threatening situations.

• Joining a fun, safe and controlled learning environment that has proven successful in helping people build up their self-esteem.

• There are no expectations of having previous martial arts training when you enter our classes - everyone begins at a junior level and progresses at a comfortable and controlled pace.

• The mixed training environment allows you to practice with different types of people (various heights, sizes, ages and abilities). This will help you to understand how to deal with a variety of encounters by any type of person. We are proud of our 'no ego' philosophy that promotes a relaxed atmosphere.

• The practical techniques and realistic controlled attack scenarios used within the class are designed to develop your skills, power and fitness. Feeling fit and capable of defending yourself will help you build your self-confidence

• Classes include the following elements:
  

  > Stretching
  > Cardiovascular Training
  > Breathing Techniques
  > Muscle Conditioning and Strengthening
  > Stamina Building

• There are no fitness expectations before you join the class.

• All in good time - this programme is designed so that you develop and progress at a steady pace.

• Already fit and healthy? DSD will complement your existing fitness routine with balanced classes that help you cross train in all the elements listed above.

• All movements and activities are designed to work with the body's natural biomechanics and therefore won't damage your body (joints, muscles, lower back etc).

• Regular training will enhance the rate at which you progress your health and fitness. Becoming a DSD member allows you to train at any DSD school inclusive of your monthly fee - any day of the week (subject to location) - there are numerous locations around London and the UK. Each school runs at different times during the week allowing you to practice as much as you like!

• There are no expectations of your co-ordination or flexibility when you join DSD.

• You will learn simple, effective techniques at your pace. Constant repetition helps improve co-ordination and flexibility as your body becomes accustomed to the movements to the point at which they feel natural to use.

• The basis of DSD is the utilisation of sequential movements that work with the body's natural biomechanics. You will learn how to co-ordinate continuous techniques using the following methods:
  
  
  • Patterns (Kata's): Each belt level has its own 4 directional pattern which co-ordinates all your level techniques in a practical formation.
    
    
  • Defence Drills: Each belt level has its own defence drill or activity in which to practise your level techniques within a self-defence scenario. As you become more senior in rank, the levels get harder and faster to help develop your skills.
    
    
  • Stretching: Great importance and emphasis is placed on warming up and down your muscles, which helps increase your circulation, flexibility and prevent injury during the training session.
    
    
  • Syllabus: As you progress through the ranks, you will learn more advanced techniques that will enhance your co-ordination and flexibility as well as increase your speed, power, fluidity and reaction skill.

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• DSD promotes a positive, friendly learning environment where all ages, abilities and personalities are welcome.

• There are no expectations of ability when you join DSD. The instructors will help you learn at your pace and encourage you to work with others.

• Junior and Senior belt levels often work together, enabling you to help those at a junior rank to you and be helped by those at a senior rank to you.

• Training with everyone in the class increases the social element allowing you to get to know your fellow students.

• All members of DSD will receive regular newsletters that include topics to suit everyone.

• The DSD philosophy aims to promote a fun and relaxed element into your training (e.g. children's class includes games), unlike more traditional art forms that engage in more regimented and aggressive forms of learning.

• Social functions & gatherings: - Allowing you to meet DSD members from other schools around the country:

• Additional Training Seminars: - Regular seminars both local & national are held to expand your knowledge in more focused areas such as Knife & Stick defences, pressure points, close range attacks etc.

• Annual Christmas Parties

• No limit - becoming a DSD member allows you to train at any DSD school inclusive of your monthly fee. This gives you the opportunity to meet and train with even more people.

• All instructors are distinguished by their uniform
  • Black Trousers = Assistant Instructor (+ badge)
• Black Suit = Chief Instructor

• All instructors have qualified from a special course, and undertake constant training to ensure they teach effectively, safely and correctly.

• Instructors have regular, separate classes to ensure that the high teaching standards governed by the DSDA are maintained and that their own knowledge base is expanded in new areas.

• Care has been taken to ensure that common terminology is adopted by all students and Instructors. This ensures consistent teaching that avoids confusion when students are taught by a different instructor.

• You will notice that Assistant Instructors can start at junior (Green belt) level, allowing them to teach those of a lower rank only.

• Upon reaching green belt level, you are welcome to join the assistant instructor's course if you wish.

• DSDA is an evolving art. The syllabus has been reviewed and refined to ensure the needs of each level are met as well as ensuring that students are able to understand the mechanics and logic behind each technique. This has been further backed up by the introduction of an intensive and informative student manual that has been written specially to help students improve their skills.

• DSD promotes self-control and self-discipline.

• Injury is to be avoided wherever possible within the class. Strict safety standards are enforced by the instructors to maintain control.

• Personal safety equipment is worn within the class during particular drills that incur greater risk of injury. These can be purchased through the school.

• General class equipment (e.g. shields, focus mitts) - all members are taught how to use equipment correctly in order to improve their skills.

• Insurance - becoming a member of DSD includes insurance cover against personal injury within the class. All Chief Instructors are insured to teach any class. Insurance is arranged via the Martial Art Development Council (MADEC).

• DSD schools that have a large membership have split classes (i.e. junior and senior belt classes separated) to ensure that halls are not overfilled and students are not lacking in space to practice safely).

• Teaching standards - students are taught only by a qualified Instructor or Assistant Instructor, all of whom are trained to instruct, demonstrate and ensure safety in the class at all times.

• Training together - unlike many traditional martial arts, you will have the opportunity of training with various people of different levels, strengths, sizes, heights etc. All students are taught how to vary their power and techniques according to the training partner they are working with.

• DSD promotes self-control and self-discipline.

• Regular attendance is expected of students - 2 classes per week minimum. This routine will help to develop your training more effectively and improve your level of fitness. For maximum benefit you are expected to practice between classes.

• Your self-control will be developed gradually. As a junior belt, all exercises and drills involve minimal contact with others in order that you first learn to control your power and techniques.

• By senior belt level, you will have developed your self-control sufficiently to be able to utilise more contact in your training with others - therefore advancing your own training and that of your fellow student's with a greater level of trust in each other's ability to avoid injury.

• Like any hobby or sport, it takes self-discipline to continue your attendance on a regular basis - this is helped by the social aspect of the class. If you miss classes, you will be missed by your fellow students!

• The instructors play a key role in helping you to maintain your self-discipline - through constant encouragement and by inspiring and motivating you to reach higher levels of advancement in your training.

Either contact the national number 0208 203 5785 or contact your local school now!

Don't forget that your first introduction lesson is FREE, so what are you waiting for?

CONTACT US NOW or JUST TURN UP (In a T-shirt, Joggers & Trainers)