Meet Your Mentor

I have trained and taught martial arts for many years but don't let that fool you into thinking that's what you need to protect yourself and others. The most relevant skills I have learnt came long after those years spent during physical training on the mats in a dojo. 

I believe the foundational skills you need don't come from knowing hundreds of flashy techniques or having multiple black belts, but instead having a solid understanding, and the right training of the below (in priority order):

1. Developing a strong survival mindset
2. Having general fitness to get you out of trouble quickly
3. Good knowledge of strategies such as situational awareness and de-escalation
4. Knowing a few simple physical skills that you can call on quickly if needed

Although physical responses should always be trained, they should only be used when there are absolutely no other options available. Focus should be on your mindset first.

I don't teach large groups or use a one size fits all approach. But I do like to get to know each client individually so I can help them utilise their own strengths and shape the training to exactly what they need.

I genuinely see people as experts in their own lives and already have many of the skills they need to protect themselves. Our job is to help create a safe environment where we can find and use those skills, filling in any knowledge gaps on the way.

Whether that's helping you set some strong mental boundaries in your everyday lives with friends, families, work colleagues or strangers, or learning physical skills like preventing an abduction attempt, it has to be about you, not me.

I'll never call myself an expert or tell you that "you should have done this in that situation", because I know from experience that every single violent encounter, whether physical or mental, is different. 'Context is king' is a phrase I use consistently in my training and is critical to understand for any client.

I still make mistakes in my own training and teaching, but it keeps me grounded and always open for learning and improving. I'm fully aware the biggest learning resource I have is the people I teach, who over the years have challenged me to improve and deliver a better service without knowing it. So for everyone I have been lucky enough to teach, or been mentored by, trained with, or who's research I have used, and books I have read. Thankyou!

Finally, I didn't invent what I teach. I just leverage the skills I have gained from other experienced, genuine and forward-thinking people in the violence prevention and self-protection industry who have been helping others stay safe all over the world for many more years than I have. They have done the hard work, and I'm just adding my unique teaching and personal skills to the strong frameworks that they have already established and tested.

My Trainer Credentials:

SAFE International Certified Instructor (International) - https://learn.safeonlineselfdefence.com/

Krav Maga Certified Instructor (International) 

Raise Foundation Youth Mentor (Australia)

First Aid/Mental First Aid (Australia)

Note: Insurance certificates, working with children checks and references will be provided on request.