Name: Kyusho Self-Defence Classes for Women
Start: 2026-02-09T19:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-02-09T20:00:00+00:00
Location: Ridgewood Community Centre

I'm starting a women's only self-defence class, which has been inspired by an event that happened to a friend who was attacked by her ex-partner in their home which continued with harassment, criminal damage to her property, and which with her incredible perseverance and fortitude, she went to court, where he was charged. She was lucky.......many are not, and whilst the torment and worry of a potential attack is something I cannot help with, learning how to take control of your own safety, control your immediate environment, being vigilant of your surroundings, understanding basic body language, and how to potentially incapacitate an attacker with the use of "Kyusho" (vital point striking), is something I can teach anyone, and hopefully give them the confidence to try and defend themselves or people close to them should the situation arise.
There is a reason why the "eye jab" is banned in all combat sports....it is a devastating strike that will end any combat situation in an instant. So something as simple as shining a small tactical torch light into someone's eyes, is a very simple but effective strategy for anyone with no self-defence understanding, and together with some very basic training could buy some valuable time or even deter a potential attacker.
What's my experience to be able to teach basic self-defence.....why me?
I have a boxing background, having had some amateur bouts under the tutelage of my first combat mentor, Craig Turner (Downend Boxing Club), who was then an England boxing coach. Craig is an incredible tactician with a complete forensic-like understanding of boxing mechanics and application, who truly understands the importance of footwork/movement and promotes smart boxing principles, so there is not a reliance on just speed, power and strength.
I would highly recommend Craig should you wish your children to start boxing.
Downed Amateur Boxing Club

My second combat mentor was Mike Colbourne, who was a 5th Dan black belt in Ninjutsu (created to target weak sections of the Samurai's armour). Another incredible combat mentor who got me to a green belt in Ninjutsu, and whilst I no longer practice Ninjutsu, the Kyusho trikes, joint locks and simple leg sweeps, I still practice and train, not always to the liking of my current training partners at Zhanshi Wing Chun (Yate).
My third combat mentor is my current instructor, Steve Clayton, who is a black sash in Wing Chun. Steve has over 25 years experience of Wing Chun/Martial Arts, and is similar to my previous mentors, in that he is very tactically aware, very technical in terms of mechanics and application, and is also a great practitioner and instructor of Wing Chun.
During Covid I self taught some very basic Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), but having no partner I practiced drills and strikes using baton or half staff and bladed weapons to improve joint strength, spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, which compliments my current training in Wing Chun.
I also worked as a door supervisor in central Bristol (short period), when I was fighting as an amateur boxer, and experienced a number of situations of extreme violence in my short stint, and learnt how seemingly calm situations can turn violent very quickly. Skilled and trained fighters can be overcome in the absence of spatial awareness, lack of distance control, complacency, or just not reading/understanding body language-red flags.
This is not a Martial Arts class.......I will show you what happens when a person gets too close and how this affects reaction time......teach you how to use your first line of defence - your voice......basic footwork/movement techniques to control distance and your attacker......then we will drill the eye jab - eye gouge and other vital point strikes in class to build some muscle memory, basic skill & flexibility, timing, strength and most importantly confidence.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns or apprehensions, and whilst being attacked is no joke, we will of course try to have fun......but not too much!!!!

"It is better to be a Warrior in Garden than a Gardener in a War"