Krav Gen News

Life is not a video game – a stabbing can be fatal

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:20:27 GMT

Knife crime and the safety of young people continues to occupy our thoughts. There doesn’t seem to be a week go by without a media report about another young person killed or seriously injured after a stabbing. Sometimes gang- or drug-related, there are other incidents that appear to have a less obvious motive – personal grudges perhaps that play out in public places.

In just the last few months, there have been several shocking incidents in Surrey. In January, 15-year-old Luis Gabriel Guembes was murdered by two boys in Stoke Park, Guildford . And in March, a teenage boy was stabbed in Staines High Street – several teenagers were subsequently arrested. The repercussions of both incidents was palpable, communities are scared and worried about what’s happening in their local areas, parents are scared for their children’s safety. Dispersal orders will only go so far to alleviate fear, we need to be proactive and educate our young people.

Knife crime is a national concern

In April, the government announced a new initiative, the Safety In and Around Schools Partnership . Targeting up to 250 schools in areas identified as knife crime hotspots, both staff and children at these schools will receive specialist training and support. But more intervention is needed. A view shared by Martin Cosser, the father of Charlie Cosser who was murdered at a party in West Sussex in 2023. He set up Charlie’s Promise and now visits schools to talk to young people about the impact of knife crime. From a place of grief and deep pain, he is bravely drawing on his experience and is an absolute inspiration.

The difference Krav Generation can make

We know from talking to our younger members that the fear of knife attacks is very real. Which is why we do everything we can to equip them with skills and knowledge that will help them stay safe. Self-defence training isn’t simply about learning some nifty moves, it’s about actively avoiding conflict before you ever think about using those moves.

Situational awareness

Integral to self-defence is being more aware of your environment, recognising potential risks and being able to make informed decisions based on that awareness. We aim to equip our students with a proactive approach to personal safety.

Conflict de-escalation

The ability to defuse a tense situation is a truly valuable skill. Knowing how to use one’s voice and adopting a confident stance to prevent confrontation are simple but effective tools.

Building confidence and resilience

Being in a Krav Generation class can make the biggest difference to a young person’s self-esteem – such is the power of physical activity. As they acquire new skills and improve their physical fitness, we see many of our students transform into more self-assured youngsters. Increased confidence makes them less vulnerable to peer pressure and gives them greater resilience to navigate tricky social challenges.

Discipline and responsibility

A good self-defence class is run with discipline, respect for each other and shared responsibility. The physical techniques we teach demand that all students adhere to this. We work together to achieve goals and, in the process, foster personal growth and community wellbeing, qualities that will extend into all aspects of our students’ lives.

Krav Generation’s classes for young people

We run classes for children and teenagers at Jubilee High School in Addlestone and at Esher Rugby Club. Teens aged 14+ are welcome to join our Leatherhead class. We also deliver workshops and short courses – if you know of a school or youth organisation that is looking for ways to educate their young people how to stay safe, please get in touch !

Red vs Blue, Krav Generation’s response to a dangerous viral trend

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:29:18 GMT

There is an aspect to our kids and teens classes that we don’t tend to promote – talking. Alongside working on self-defence skills and techniques, we’ve created a safe and supportive environment in which students can voice their opinions, experiences, worries. This week, one child shared their worry about rumours of a Red vs Blue game between their school and another. It was like a snowball effect – everyone in the class, and bear in mind that they come from a number of different schools, said they were also feeling scared.

It didn’t exactly come as a surprise. There has been plenty of news coverage of this Red vs Blue trend that is gaining traction on social media. Seemingly originating in London, there have been incidents reported beyond the capital. We’ve seen reports of trouble in Bristol and Essex schools have issued a letter from Essex Police to parents to raise awareness.

So what is Red vs Blue?

It’s a thinly veiled ‘game’ designed to incite rivalry and violence between different schools and targeting children as young as 11 years old. More than a scrap or a skirmish, students are challenged to earn points for hurting their opponents. And even worse, there is positive encouragement to carry weapons, including compasses, protractors and scissors – items commonly found in a student’s pencil case – and even knives and fireworks.

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. School is meant to be a safe environment, travelling to and from school should not be a life or death experience. It’s bad enough that violent incidents in and around schools seem to be escalating, and some, such as the tragic stabbing at a school in Brent in February, are being linked to the Red vs Blue trend. At a more local level, parents are taking to social media and talking about what’s happening, especially as more and more schools are issuing advice.

Life is not a video game

Do these children genuinely want to kill? Have they become totally desensitised to violence through online gaming? Does Red vs Blue offer the ultimate satisfaction? Is violence and physical harm considered a sport? Police forces are monitoring social media platforms and working to disable accounts that promote the trend, but it’s bound to be an uphill struggle. And we can’t expect an immediate police response every time a group of young people gather after school.

Bringing it back to our students, we took the opportunity to reinforce everything we teach in our self-defence classes.

Don’t engage with viral trends. Even showing up as a spectator holds the possibility of getting caught up in violence.

Don’t share the social media posts, don’t be part of the problem. If you see a post relating to your school, dates, times and meeting places, tell your teacher, tell you parent or carer, tell us.

Be aware of what’s happening around you, particularly during travel to and from school. If you see groups gathering or spot students wearing coloured bandanas, remove yourself from the situation, contact a responsible adult or the police.

Don’t hang around after school, just go straight home. The best self-defence is to avoid a fight before it happens.

All sensible and obvious advice that builds on our work around situational awareness and de-escalation. The conversation also offered a springboard to show our students how to defend against the kind of improvised weapons being promoted on TikTok and Snapchat. We set up a variety of scenarios to practice effective self-defence techniques. We even made our own (safe) improvised weapons to see how those techniques would be successful. And we also turned out the lights to practice those same techniques when the weapons were hidden or out of sight.

We don’t want our young members to face danger. Equally, we want them to know how to defend themselves if they do get caught up in a potentially dangerous situation. It sometimes feels that the world is becoming a rather strange place. Children have less opportunity to simply be children and enjoy a carefree childhood. At Krav Generation, we’re doing what we can to keep them safe.

Domestic abuse – men can be victims as well

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:15:41 GMT

People join Krav Generation for a multitude of reasons. Whilst many like the idea of learning self-defence because it’s useful to know or enjoy it because it’s a different form of exercise, some students have very specific reasons for joining – from one of our older students who was assaulted in a park to a young schoolgirl who was being bullied by fellow pupils.

One student’s experience is a stark reminder that domestic abuse is not always about men abusing women. It can also be about men being abused. Jay (not his real name) was arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse after an accusation by his partner. He tried to present his side of the story but no one would believe him. He was put on bail and released pending further action. The situation was turned on its head when Jay’s partner saw him again and stabbed him. It took that incident to make the police realise that they had failed Jay, that they had shown gender bias in refusing to entertain the possibility of a man being victim to domestic abuse. Is it any wonder that many men endure abuse in silence, because who is ever going to believe them?

Male domestic abuse is rarely discussed

For any nay-sayers, you only need watch My Wife, My Abuser: The Secret Footage. Originally aired on Channel Five in 2024, the programme was then picked up by Netflix and has subsequently attracted a global audience. The bravery of Richard Spencer, the subject of the programme, to allow his story to be openly shared is phenomenal. Even if you don’t watch the programme, take a few minutes to see Richard being interviewed on BBC Breakfast . The pain of his experience, which lasted for years, is palpable. It’s testament to that man’s mental and emotional strength that he has managed to rebuild his life and even enjoy another relationship.

Like Richard, Jay will carry the scars of the abuse he endured, not least the scar from the knife attack. He suffers from PTSD and, not surprisingly, has struggled with self-confidence and finds it hard to trust women. Like Richard, Jay is stronger and more resilient than he realises.

Self-defence skills also improve self-confidence

Because Jay is taking positive steps to rebuild himself and his self-confidence. With every Krav Generation class he attends, he grows. He is helping himself to mend and recover. And that’s the beauty of learning self-defence. Not only do you gain valuable skills that could one day help you in a threatening situation, you learn to believe ‘I matter’, ‘I’m not going to just accept what Life throws at me’.

Having seen Jay, a kind, gentle and considerate man, go through this experience and come out of it determined to get on with life, we think it’s important to help get the message out – domestic abuse is something that happens to both women and men and it extends to same-sex relationships as well.

For further help and support

We’ve previously highlighted the help available to women , so we’d also like to champion The Mankind Initiative . This charitable organisation provides a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse, along with advice and information for friends, family members, colleagues and employers who know someone in need of support. Respect Men’s Advice Line is another great source of support with advisors who are available via the phone, email or webchat. And the NHS also offers very useful information about domestic abuse, from recognising the signs of abuse to sources of support.

Being brave in the face of danger – it’s a split-second decision

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:13:48 GMT

“A lot of people hypothesize what they would have done, or whether they would have been able to take on the attacker. But it's if you are brave enough in that moment and it's much easier said than done. The fact that Stephen had that courage when he only had a split-second decision to make is so admirable.”

These are the words of Astrid, a young woman who was on board the train in which a man armed with a knife ran amok . She witnessed passenger Stephen Crean face up to the attacker in an attempt to protect her and other passengers. What he and crew member Samir Zitouni did was selfless and undoubtedly prevented others being harmed.

Two men who made the decision to fight and protect others

Stephen Crean suffered serious injuries to his head and hands. He was simply trying to get home after watching a football match. Samir Sitouni was also very seriously injured was in a coma for more than a week. He was on the train as part of the catering crew, there to do his job. Both men acted instinctively and without thought for their own safety. They were incredibly brave and heroic without a doubt.

What happened on that train showed the difference two ‘normal’ people can make. Many more passengers might have been hurt or killed if it wasn’t for the actions of these individuals (not to mention the train driver whose quick thinking meant the train could be diverted and stopped at a platform, where emergency services could then take control).

Fight or flight – is it cowardly to run?

Where one person will turn and face an attacker, others will run – fight or flight is an instinct, it’s about survival and running away shouldn’t be considered a weakness. Look at the teacher who was caught up in the Southport dance class attack. Despite being stabbed, her instinct was to shield the children and get them away from the attacker. Another teacher kept a child safe in a bathroom. Nobody could ever accuse them of being cowards.

Knife crime is impacting on everyday life

A few days before the train incident, a man was stabbed to death on a street in Uxbridge. He just happened to be walking his dog past an altercation between several people. And then, just days later, a woman died after being stabbed in an unprovoked attack – she was simply waiting at a bus stop.

Without wishing to sensationalise such incidents, violent and senseless knife attacks are, sadly, becoming more commonplace. And we are seeing a rise in members joining Krav Generation classes because they do not want to live their lives in fear.

Krav Generation gives you confidence

Confidence is what we’re all about. Confidence to travel on public transport, confidence to walk along a street, confidence to know what to do if you’re unfortunate to be faced with danger. And that confidence can look different every time – it could be knowing effective self-defence techniques to avoid injury or it might be situational awareness, knowing which way to run or where to hide.

Most of our students will go through life without ever needing to use their skills in a real situation. But just the fact that they are armed with good knowledge of self-defence is empowering.

Why not join us for a free trial session soon? Everyone is welcome and you’ll find us a friendly and supportive group!

Self-defence for youth organisations

Fri, 30 May 2025 10:33:47 GMT

Krav Generation does lots of work with youth organisations, including local Brownie, Scout, Guide and Explorer groups, providing children and young people with self-defence sessions that are both fun and educational.

We run engaging and active workshops within a structured environment and share important life skills. We are helping to make self-defence one of the key skills that these organisations promote and have ensured that we are aligned with the aims of these fantastic groups. Here’s how we do it!

Confidence and skill development

Building self-esteem through fun warm-ups activities and learning self-defence techniques, which helps participants gain confidence and believe in their abilities.

Developing a range of skills that can be used to defend against all types of bullying, emotional, psychological and physical attacks. They also learn outdoor skills like situational awareness and not putting themselves at unnecessary risk.

Fostering resilience through playing games and learning self-defence, so that they can adapt to situations as they arise and develop a confident mindset.

Community and social skills

Making new friends by interacting and mixing with others who might not be their best buddies. Our aim is to help build understanding, tolerance and kindness, all key to forming friendships and social connections.

Learning to work in a team is integral to Krav Generation and essential in life. Training involves working in pairs, small groups and as a collective. This teaches the children how to collaborate, share responsibilities and support each other.

Developing leadership skills really comes in to play with older age groups, particularly for anyone participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award. As our classes have a structure, the children quickly learn how the class is run. They are then able to step in and teach a warm-up to their peers, which helps them learn to make decisions and consider different perspectives.

Exploring creative interests

Our classes always include a game (or two). Centred around the techniques that will be learnt in the class, the games use the body form that will be required in the self-defence moves, which helps build the appropriate muscle memory. As each game is different it encourages creativity as participants devise strategies to win the game.

Learning about the world

Krav Generation provides the opportunities to learn about the environment and social issues, promoting awareness and responsibility for their actions.

Developing values

Our own club ethos is rooted in honesty, kindness, respect and a sense of community, values we aim to instil in everyone who takes part in Krav Generation classes.

Don’t just take our word for it…

It’s great to hear just how well received our classes are. One adult leader sent us this message: “Thanks, Laura, for providing two excellent sessions for Scott Unit Explorers. The children (and leaders) all thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and learnt a lot from them. Laura is a great instructor who has extensive knowledge of self-defence. I would highly recommend.” And another said: “Our Explorers must have gone home buzzing, because we got a stream of positive feedback from their parents on our WhatsApp group after the session.”

Thinking of inviting Krav Generation to your youth group?

We adapt our classes to be age appropriate and will always take time to discuss plans for your session. Why not get in touch and let’s talk about how we can work together!

What does ‘Adolescence’ say about our society and what can we do about it?

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 12:57:53 GMT

It was shocking to watch the Netfilx drama 'Adolescence' recently. It was even more shocking to then read about the parents of a teenage boy whose aggressive and violent behaviour has torn their family apart. Sadly, ‘Adolescence’ has exposed a reality that is pervading families all over the country, regardless of class or background. And it’s being driven by social media and online influencers – our children are at risk of being immersed in radical, misogynistic messaging. The result is an increasing rate of gender-based violence by younger and younger children.

‘Adolescence’ raised so many questions. And rightly so. The good thing is that awareness has been raised – it’s brought issues into the public eye and sparked debate and conversation. The downside is recognition that, as a society, we are woefully under-prepared to deal with this type of crisis.

How clubs like Krav Generation can help

Whilst the traditional routes to help and support may be overwhelmed and underfunded, there are alternatives that can help children and young people develop a strong moral code and teach respect for others. Boxing has always been a sport that instils discipline – throw a punch outside of the ring and you’re dropped from the club, boxers train according to a strong code of conduct.

This is also true of self-defence clubs and through classes for children and teenagers, Krav Generation is doing everything within our power to address the kind of issues that ‘Adolescence’ has exposed and brought into the limelight.

Adolescence is a critical time for children and their development as they move towards becoming adults. It’s a rapid period of growth – physically, emotionally, cognitively. Puberty can hit hard, many youngsters struggle with their identity, emotions can be all over the place and peer relationships are critical for acceptance, there is a need to belong to a group. Alongside this, they are developing cognitive skills – abstract thinking, problem-solving, critical thinking. It’s a time at which they are both impressionable and vulnerable and, thanks to social media, there are so many outside influences that can shape them.

We help children understand what is right and wrong. We teach them what self-defence actually is and identify the point at which use of the skills they are learning cross over to violence ie it can no longer be considered an act of self-defence and/or the force used is disproportionate to the threat. In our classes we instil discipline, which helps them understand levels of control – should a dangerous situation arise they know how to remain calm and level-headed instead of over-reacting.

Our kids’ classes provide a positive experience and a supportive environment

Working in mixed age groups helps our students develop compassion, patience and, again, self-control. They develop friendships, they learn to trust each other. There is a real sense of camaraderie in our classes and the bond between everyone, instructors included, creates a safe environment in which everyone feels they can ask questions or start discussions about various topics.

Our students mix and work as a team. Whilst it’s very normal for friends to navigate towards working with each other, we actively encourage boys to work with girls, older to work with younger. In that way we are helping them to learn how to treat others with respect and to look after each other in training. Instilling this in our younger members, this approach helps to establish good morals, with the ultimate aim stamping out violence towards women, to those who are weaker, younger or smaller. Krav Generation and self-defence training shows how everyone is valued for who they are, that everyone brings something positive to the table.

Krav Generation instructors know how to get the best out of children

Just as we believe our students have a responsibility towards each other, we have a huge responsibility to our students. All our instructors are qualified to teach self-defence to children. This means they have learnt about the psychology of children’s minds, how they think and how their bodies will react to a situation. And having a mix of female and male instructors helps young minds learn to respect people regardless of gender, because all our instructors have the same ability.

At Krav Generation we teach children as young as four-years-old. Whilst we can’t claim to be able to positively shape a child to develop into a non-violent, respectable young person, we can help to influence their attitudes by teaching right from wrong and the difference between self-defence and violence.

As parents, we all want the best for our children and to see them grow into decent adults. But, with so many outside influences that we simply can’t control, navigating that path seems to be increasingly more challenging for both parents and kids alike. Getting involved in healthy activities outside of the school day and outside of their friendship groups can be so positive. It helps to relieve the day-to-day pressure children may be caught up in and mixing with a different crowd might just help them become more discerning about negative behaviours.

Would your child like to try self-defence with Krav Generation?

It could be the start of more time away from their phone, tablet or computer. Why not sign up for a free taster session today !

What would you do if someone was pointing a gun at you?

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:20:05 GMT

The UK is considered one of the safest countries in the world when it comes to gun-related crime. Unfortunately, despite our seemingly tight gun laws and regulations, crimes in which guns are used are becoming more common.

Should we be worried about guns?

A crime survey by the Office for National Statistics released in September 2024 suggests a reduction in offences involving firearms and that replica and BB guns are the weapons most used. Yet still we hear of awful incidents happening – the recent trial and conviction of Nicholas Prosper , who was able to easily obtain a shotgun after faking a gun licence, has highlighted weakness in our gun laws.

Why so many shootings?

The motives behind shootings can often be linked to declining mental health or personal issues in the perpetrators’ lives. More recently, some incidents have been connected to online movements and social media.

Efforts are being made to counter gun crime, including information sharing between police forces and more robust background checks on applicants for firearms licences, but the dark web has given rise to a market for guns that can be acquired illegally. Which means all kinds of firearms can find their way into the wrong hands. And that is evident in drive-by shootings or fights that escalate in public places – incidents in which innocent people going about their daily lives can be killed or injured.

Laura, the owner of Krav Generation, knows all too well how it feels to be caught up in a dangerous situation involving a gun . At the time, she had little knowledge of de-escalation techniques but the little bit of knowledge she had gained from self-defence training gave her the confidence to tackle and subdue the gunman.

What would you do if someone was pointing a gun?

This is exactly why we include scenarios involving guns at Krav Generation. It may seem silly, it may seem ridiculous to even contemplate the possibility of coming face to face with someone pointing a gun, but it happens – it happens to normal people, people who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. And we want to give our students a fighting chance if, God forbid, they are ever caught up in a violent or life-threatening situation. So, we teach how to deal with weapons and how to disarm an attacker. We teach real defences for real situations – always with the hope that those skills will never actually be needed.

Inspired to find out how you can learn the skills and techniques to protect yourself and your loved ones? Get in touch and join us for a free trial session

Self-defence classes in the workplace

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:22:44 GMT

Did you know that your employer has a specific duty to protect you from work-related violence and aggression? This includes both verbal abuse and physical attacks. And this duty extends to anyone working as a contractor, a freelancer or on a self-employed basis. The Health and Safety Executive outlines all the details surrounding this. If you work in high-risk environments or there’s a history of workplace violence, then your company should be providing self-defence training.

Learning self-defence techniques helps individuals to better protect themselves in the event of physical threat or assault, potentially reducing the severity of harm in a dangerous situation. Krav Generation is often approached by companies and groups to deliver specific workplace self-defence workshops. These workshops are designed to meet the specific needs of the business, its people and the environment in which they work.

Krav Generation empowers a team of estate agents

As an example, we recently worked with a leading estate agency. Naturally, staff are generally required to attend house viewings on their own and often in the company of people they may never have met before. Thousands of property viewings happen up and down the country every day without incident, but it’s not without risk. The highly publicised case of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh , who disappeared in 1996 after showing a property, remains a chilling reminder of the risks of lone working.

This particular training session was tailored to our client’s working practices, the situations in which staff might find themselves and sharing the most appropriate self-defence techniques for typical scenarios. We also incorporated education about personal safety – easy and obvious things that we can do to prevent ourselves from becoming a target, from body language to situational awareness. All aspects of the training were accessible to all members of staff – men and women, older and younger, fit and less fit.

What participants said

Feedback from the class was incredibly positive and we’re delighted to have made such a difference to the staff at this particular company. Comments included:

“Really well put together class, I took away invaluable information and techniques.”

“Many thanks for organising the self-defence course… it was really useful and I am actually taking my daughter to one of Krav Generation’s group classes next week.”

“I really enjoyed the class last week, thanks for organising it! The instructors were great and made us feel at ease. I feel so much more comfortable knowing that if something were to happen, I can try a few of those techniques to protect myself. I thought that the class was a good length of time to really put everything into practice but also not information overload.”

“A very practical class designed to get you out of trouble and to safety. Really well managed and digestible, lots of fun and confidence inspiring. Lots of good tips to avoid getting into trouble in the first place.”

“I really enjoyed the self-defence class and learnt some useful tips should I ever be in that type of situation (hopefully not). Laura and the team really made me feel at ease and were hands on teaching the techniques.”

Feel confident, feel safer in your workplace with self-defence

At Krav Generation our goal is to give people the skills and knowledge to deal effectively with potentially violent situations. Whilst the risks of, for example, being alone in the office or walking to your car at night can never be eliminated, there are ways to minimise such risks and, in many cases, avoid the possibility of becoming a victim altogether.

Knowing self-defence is empowering. It gives you confidence, it means you don’t need to feel nervous or scared. If you find yourself in a threatening situation, you will be prepared to respond to it appropriately.

All of us are our own best defence against violence. If you’re an employer, don’t wait for one of your team to become a victim of crime before providing them with the personal safety knowledge they should have. Contact Krav Generation and give them that knowledge now! And if you work for a company and believe that you and your colleagues would benefit from self-defence training, share this article with your boss or line manager, encourage them to get in touch !

Discover our Parent & Child class

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:35:03 GMT

Krav Generation runs classes for adults. We run classes for children and teenagers. Through talking and discussion with students we realised there was an important gap to be filled. An increase in knife crime and other violent incidents on our streets means that many of us feel vulnerable when out and about. And ‘vulnerable’ reaches a whole new level when you’re a parent or carer responsible for the safety of young children – even the most basic of shopping trips can give rise to a multitude of ‘what ifs’.

This is why we introduced our Parent & Child class. Unique to Krav Generation, the class has been carefully designed to teach parents and their children learn how to recognise a dangerous and potentially violent situation and know what to do.

Who is the Parent & Child class for?

As adults we are obviously very aware of what’s happening around us and what is reported by the news media. We’ve had parents approach us because they feel the need to equip themselves and their children with defensive skills. One mum, for instance, was worried about how she could protect both her toddler and very young baby – she attended the class with baby in a carrier and we ensured she could fully participate.

Then there are parents of children who may be struggling with self-confidence or shyness. The Parent & Child class is a brilliant way of helping children grow. What better way to build confidence than to attend a class with mum or dad, feel more secure in their presence and start to make new friends while also learning valuable new skills. Similarly, the class works really well for children that may be subjected to bullying at school – again, we see fantastic results. The transformation in children – even after just one or two sessions – who do everything they can to not be noticed and then find their voices, their spirit and, most satisfying of all, their smiles will never cease to make the Krav Generation team incredibly happy! This is why we do what we do!

How does the class work?

Crucially, we don’t draw attention to the existence of violence in society – the last thing we want is to make young children anxious about everyday life. The Parent & Child class is anything but scary. We may be teaching self-defence but our younger members don’t see it as that, they are simply being active and enjoying a fun environment. But behind the fun and games, the class is carefully structured and planned to teach key skills and hone participants’ natural reactions to dangerous situations.

We use positive reinforcement and repetition, which helps children to feel more confident in themselves. They stand tall, make eye contact and aren’t afraid to use their voice. Having the confidence to use their voices loudly enables them to alert others that they are in danger or frightened. And standing tall and proud means they aren’t a target to bullies. In class we talk about right and wrong behaviour, when it’s okay to defend themselves and what they are allowed to do. And because we use repetition in class, they aren’t scared to use the tools they have learnt. Doing this alongside a parent or carer who is supportive of this approach helps to deeply embed these valuable skills in the child’s brain.

Learn in class, practice at home – together!

We all know that feeling when you ask your child how their day at school has been or what did they do at their after-school club – the response is often ‘the usual’, ‘nothing’ or just a shrug. It can be so frustrating! Not so with our Parent and Child class. You and your child are learning together and working together. It means you have a shared knowledge, from key safety words and what action to take to actual self-defence techniques, and you can continue to practice at home in between classes to develop muscle memory. Many parents also say that this shared experience strengthens their bond, improves communication and deepens trust – a very positive side effect of the class.

What age range is the class aimed at?

We generally accept children aged four and over. And we don’t restrict the class to one child per adult. We believe in basing our classes on real-life scenarios – we know that life doesn’t equate to one child per adult. Naturally, all children are different, so if you’re not sure whether the class will suit just get in touch and we’ll have a chat – whether your child has endless energy to expend, struggles with making friends or has special needs, we accommodate everyone!

Bringing your child to a self-defence class shouldn’t be because something bad has happened. Bring them because you want them (and you!) to have an array of tools ready should something happen in the future. For most parents, making sure your child can swim is a key skill they should acquire as early in life as possible. We believe self-defence is exactly the same!

Krav Generation’s Parent & Child classes run every Thursday 5.15pm-6.00pm at Esher Rugby Club. We also run workshops for parents and children at Achieve Lifestyle in Staines. Contact us to find out more or to book your free trial session !

You’re never too old to learn self-defence

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 17:26:20 GMT

Nobody should live in fear, not in their own home nor out and about in their local community. Unfortunately, for many older people that is exactly what happens. Visiting outdoor spaces and venues, travelling by public transport, even living in less favourable areas, can have a profound impact on how vulnerable the older generation feel, particularly in relation to feeling unsafe and being at risk of crime.

I’m sure that it comes as no surprise that theft and antisocial behaviour is on the rise – be it verbal abuse on a bus or a snatch and grab of a phone or bag on the street. Police resources are stretched, the report of an incident often goes no further than being given a crime reference number, and the likelihood of perpetrators being prosecuted are slim. All this feeds into ever bolder and more blatant activity by those who know they can ‘get away with it’ and, consequently, the perceived risk of being in public places increases.

It's a situation that can have a major psychological impact on an elderly person’s wellbeing. The knock-on effect is that it often prevents them feeling part of a local community. In addition, the winter months can lead to reduced social participation because it’s dark by 5pm. Even opening the front door when the doorbell rings can feel risky for some people.

Statistically, younger people are far more likely to be victims of crime and violence when out and about. That is not to say that elderly people aren’t targeted, but they are less likely to put themselves at risk compared to younger people who, for instance, are more likely to spend an evening out on the town. And this is the tragedy. The issues that can come with ageing, such as reduced mobility and/or loss of hearing, have a horrible habit of making older people feel more vulnerable and feeds the fear around personal safety, a feeling that can easily take control and impact how they live their lives.

Equally, there are older people who lead very active lives – but just one incident can jeopardise their lifestyle. Which is exactly what happened to Len (not his real name).

Meet Len, our oldest student

Len is in his eighties but still incredibly young in spirit. He retired some years ago but has always kept himself active – having a dog ensures that he gets out and about every day. He regularly walks in a particular recreation area. It’s a popular spot for parents with young children, many a child has mastered riding a bike in this park, it’s a well used route for people walking to and from work and, with several supermarkets and a museum close by, there is plenty of folk – a perfect place for Len to enjoy a daily stroll with his dog.

But that all changed one morning when he was confronted by a man who quickly – and for no reason – became aggressive towards him. Len was hit and, because he was recovering from an operation, was unable to defend himself. Naturally, this incident really knocked Len’s confidence. He was worried about walking his dog again and, even worse, he hated to think that he was vulnerable.

Len could have allowed this to completely undermine his way of life but, thank goodness, he didn’t want that to happen. He decided to do something about it and he started looking for a self-defence class. Len booked a trial session with Krav Generation and he loved it! After that first class, in which he learnt several useful self-defence techniques, he felt more empowered and was relieved to feel his confidence returning. We also spent some time talking about his experience and discussed how we could work on other techniques that would help him feel confident and able to defend himself in the future.

Len has since become a stalwart of the club and is a fantastic ambassador. He often borrows the words of Alexander Pope – “a little learning is a dangerous thing” – and adds his own twist, “in the case of self-defence a little learning is invaluable”. He is now encouraging friends to join the class and we are planning to run some specific workshops for older people in the future – watch this space!

Self-defence classes really are for everyone!

It's fantastic that since joining Krav Generation Len has been able to continue living his life the way he wants to live it and knows to defend himself should another situation arise. The odds are it won’t, but his experience perfectly encapsulates our belief that it’s better to know self-defence and not need it, rather than to need it and not know it.

Not only that, coming to class is a great opportunity to meet people from so many different walks of life, people who go on to become friends. And it’s good exercise. Age is just a number, it should never be seen as a barrier to trying things and acquiring new skills – don’t write yourself off, why not join us for a trial session . Who knows, you might just enjoy learning how to kick some a**!

Helping emergency workers stay safe when on duty – plus 10% blue light discount!

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:07:48 GMT

Some time ago I visited a fire station to offer free self-defence training to their staff, but they politely refused, saying that firefighters look intimidating in their uniforms and they work in a big team team. Fair enough, you might say. However, you’d be surprised by just how many emergency workers are attacked in the UK. The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) has estimated that 55 ambulance staff face verbal abuse or physical attack every single day . Across the 14 ambulance services that cover the UK over 19,000 incidents were reported in 2023/24.

To me, that’s horrific. Ambulance staff are highly trained emergency workers, there to save lives, think on their feet and give the necessary medical care when they arrive at the scene of a car crash or enter the home of someone with a suspected heart attack. They are heroes. But they are also ‘just’ people. People who, without question, will race into a situation without any real concern about their own safety. People who want to do their best for others who need medical assistance. People who, for whatever reason, are finding themselves subjected to violence.

Scared to go to work every day?

This has the knock-on effect of staff being off work in order to recover from their injuries, others struggling with their mental health and the impact of working in a job where they worry that if it’s happened once it may well happen again, and those who choose to walk away from the service because they simply can’t cope or aren’t prepared to work in risky conditions. And this is despite measures being taken to try to ensure personal safety. In 2022 AACE launched its #WorkWithoutFear campaign, which included various resources to educate staff on how to stay safe, teaching conflict resolution skills and some services have now introduced body-worn cameras – video footage of incidents is useful obviously in the event of someone being prosecuted. And perpetrators are being successfully prosecuted – assaulting an emergency worker can lead to imprisonment for up to two years.

All good stuff but I’d argue that the campaign doesn’t go far enough in terms of practical skills. I firmly believe that emergency workers shouldn’t have to go to work every day fearing for their safety. If they had the necessary knowledge to defend themselves using reasonable force, their working conditions would be much improved. And they’d feel better equipped to concentrate on the job they’re meant to be doing.

Krav Generation teaches self-defence techniques that work

At Krav Generation we keep it real, teaching practical self-defence for real attacks and violent confrontations. With experience in the forces and security industry, we have hands-on experience of threatening and violent situations – that, combined with our knowledge of self-defence, means our classes are effective. Through scenario-based training we convey how dangerous situations will feel, how they can be avoided and/or prevented and how to survive them. We all possess a natural defence mechanism, we take that and harness your natural reactions to be effective. As you learn a wide variety of self-defence techniques, so you’ll build the necessary muscle memory to react and defend an attack of any kind.

But it’s not just about knowing how to physically defend yourself. We also teach situational awareness, helping you hone the ability to read a situation, to pre-empt someone’s actions, make an informed assessment of the situation and react appropriately.

Krav Generation classes are perfect for emergency workers

We run weekly classes in various locations, as well as 1-2-1 training and bespoke training sessions. We have provided group training for the emergency services, supermarkets, estate agents, schools, colleges and universities, youth and sports clubs, women’s refuge centres, specialist schools & home school networks and corporate staff. If you or any of your colleagues would like to find out more, why not sign up for a taster session – the first class is absolutely free and we offer a 10% discount for emergency workers who join the club.

Domestic abuse – we want to help

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:08:19 GMT

Many of us have probably felt nervous or threatened out in a public space, whether the person rushing up behind you turned out to be racing to get to a bus stop or the car moving at a snail’s pace alongside you was simply a delivery driver looking for the right address. But just imagine living in constant fear, always looking over your shoulder in case your ex is lurking or actually having to live day-in day-out with someone who is jealous, controlling and possibly violent.

In recent years there have been far too many horrific crimes committed as a result of domestic abuse. Unfortunately, many victims are let down by a criminal justice system that seems poorly equipped to support them legally, there are so many loopholes that enable perpetrators to escape punishment. Having worked previously with Victim Support, I have seen it with my own eyes. A young woman with strangulation marks around her neck, bruising over her body, audio recording of her begging her boyfriend to let go because she can’t breathe, abusive text messages – sounds pretty convincing, right? Wrong, despite there being even more evidence of ongoing abuse than I’ve just shared, the police didn’t believe they had enough to make a strong case. Nothing short of a suspect admitting guilt would seemingly be evidence enough to secure a conviction.

Shockingly, prosecutions of suspects accused of domestic abuse are down by 45% since 2015. And protective orders, designed to help protect victims from their abusers, don’t seem to be worth the paper they’re written on when they are regularly breached with little fear of further legal action.

A ‘Joint Justice’ plan was launched jointly by the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service a couple of years ago to improve charge and conviction rates, but nothing happens quickly and resources, as we know, are severely stretched these days.

Protecting yourself – what can you do?

If you’re in a relationship with a partner who has become controlling or violent, or your ex won’t leave you alone, Clare’s Law – the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – is there for you. Through this scheme you can request information about your current or ex-partner. Official checks will be carried out by your local police force and any information relating to domestic abuse, controlling or coercive behaviour by that person will be disclosed to you.

Importantly, the DVDS isn’t just for women at risk of, or experiencing, domestic abuse. It applies equally to men who are in an abusive relationship and extends to concerned family members or friends of those who appear to be at risk. The service is free and it’s completely confidential.

The DVDS is a great initiative, I don’t think enough people know it exists and I hope this article helps spread awareness a little further. But a background search on a particular person isn’t going to protect you immediately, particularly if you feel vulnerable when you’re going about your daily life. The police-approved Hollie Guard app was developed for just that reason – whether you want to feel more secure when out and about or you’re concerned that you’re being stalked.

And why not learn self-defence

You’d be amazed just how Krav Generation students grow in confidence after just a few sessions – and sometimes, a boost in confidence is all it takes to change a situation. Not only that, you are literally arming yourself with the tools to look after yourself if, in the very worst-case scenario, someone tries to physically attack you. God forbid it should happen, but there are so many people out there who will say “no, he/she would never actually hurt or hit me” and then find themselves in fear for their lives.

Please come and join us ! Yes, it can feel like a huge step to take – we get it, we understand. Krav Generation is a truly supportive community, you certainly don’t need to share your reasons for joining, and your trainers and fellow students will help you learn valuable self-defence techniques that could make a huge difference to your life.

Need support?

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse, please try to seek help. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is free and available 24-hours a day – call 0808 2000 247.

Parents and self-defence – we’ve got a class for you!

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:32:56 GMT

If you’re a parent you’ll know all about the fierce sense of protection that suddenly comes to the fore the moment you see your baby for the first time. It’s primal, it’s instinctive. Along with an incredible surge of love, there is also an overwhelming sense of responsibility that comes with being a parent. That tiny bundle is yours to love, nurture and protect, from the moment they’re born to, well, pretty much forever one way or another.

The vulnerability of being a parent

Chatting with a friend recently, we ended up reminiscing about becoming parents for the first time. She recalled the first time she went shopping with her partner and their baby, a quick trip into town to pick up a few bits and pieces – it was nothing special. But it came after several days in hospital and a few more safely cocooned at home as she got to know her son and began to get to grips with a new normal of sleepless nights, feeding, changing nappies and repeat. She told me how vulnerable she felt, especially when her partner left her to go into a shop. She began to panic. In the middle of the day in the middle of Guildford, she was suddenly scared for her baby. She knew it was illogical, there was nothing threatening but she had this tiny person in a buggy and the weight of responsibility hit her full pelt. Twenty years on and she still sees that brief experience as a defining moment in her life.

Back then, my friend might have considered crossing the road with a buggy the greatest risk she would face. But the world seems to have changed in recent years. It feels more dangerous, more volatile. And today’s new parents know that.

Violence seems to have crossed a line

I’ll mention just three horrific incidents that have occurred over the last six months or so. Back in December a pregnant woman was stabbed as she walked her children to school. Thankfully, both she and the baby survived, and her attacker – her ex-partner – is now serving 17 years. In April this year a young mother was fatally stabbed as she pushed her baby in a pram along a Bradford street in broad daylight. You may remember the huge manhunt that ensued before the woman’s husband was found and arrested. And then there was an event that shocked the world, a crazed knife attack on multiple people in a busy shopping mall in Sydney, Australia. Amongst the victims was a young woman who had her 9-month-old baby with her – both she and her baby were attacked, the baby survived but the mother died.

Whilst they are all exceptional events, and certainly not something we read in the news every day, they seem to signify a shift in our collective sense of safety in public areas. Whilst we all know about the risks of walking down an unlit street at night, these were incidents that happened within unremarkable circumstances – on the school run, walking along a street during the day, during a shopping trip.

So it got me thinking. Let’s do something specifically designed for parents of young babies, something that gives them the confidence to go about their daily life with confidence.

Introducing Parent & Prams

This four-week course is for parents – both mums and dads – of babies that are not yet walking. Classes will be held during the day so that you can bring baby along and there will be no pressure if you need to step away to give your baby attention. We’re going to teach you some valuable self-defence techniques, based on a wide range of disciplines, that will help you have more awareness of your surroundings when you’re out and about and, God forbid you ever find yourself facing someone who is out to cause harm, give you the skills to de-escalate a threatening situation and defend yourself and your child if need be.

The course will run at The Dojo Woking in Old Woking, where there is parking for anyone travelling by car. We hope to run this course again so if you can’t join us just yet there will be more opportunities. Why not get in touch and register your interest – we can’t wait to get this course underway!

I want what you’ve got – Krav Generation responds to a new crime wave

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:22:58 GMT

During a recent Krav Generation class there was an interesting conversation that got everyone involved. A student mentioned the increase in the theft of high value items from people travelling on the London Underground, particularly Canada Goose coats and personal belongings such as Apple Airpods and smartphones. It’s become a real problem – on the London Underground alone robberies have increased by over 100% in just six months.

Just like we’ve seen shoplifters upping their game and stealing steaks in volume from supermarkets to sell on, there now appears to be a buoyant market for luxury and designer label items sold cheaply and no questions asked – it feels very much like a sign of the hard times we are currently experiencing. It used to be expensive watches that were being ripped off wrists – but where savvy people could easily conceal their watch under the sleeve of a coat or jacket, it’s a lot harder to hide a Canada Goose coat – desirable brands can act like a magnet.

Wearing a designer coat shouldn’t make you a target

Many of my students agreed that they sometimes feel vulnerable because of what they’re wearing or what phone they’re using in public places. It got me thinking and I decided to run a scenario-based training exercise. As The Standard’s article states, this spate of muggings means that it’s important to be aware of one’s surroundings and who is nearby at all times – it’s something that Krav Generation consistently teaches. So, for the next session I asked students to each bring along an old coat so that we could inject an element of realism to the lesson.

The session focused on de-escalation techniques and how to defend against attack. Students wore their coats and carried various personal belongings and we worked on their defence skills. As well as working in the studio, we went outside to a poorly lit area. With ears partially covered, to simulate wearing headphones or Airpods, we worked on their responses to being approached by a gang or threatened by someone with a weapon.

Whenever we teach a technique every student works with a partner. We take it slowly, allowing the muscle memory to form and, as it does so, the student’s response becomes increasingly smoother. At the same time, we are mindful to remind students that, despite learning defence techniques, they shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of security or feel invincible. No one is.

Situational awareness is key

We train our students to respond appropriately to a situation. In this particular scenario situational awareness means understanding that certain places or environments can hold risks. Wearing headphones or Airpods whilst out and about makes you less aware of your surrounding and more vulnerable to attack. Keeping personal belongings out of sight means you are less likely to become a target. If an attack were to happen, we discuss escape and looking for viable exits. And then there is the one tool that so many of us forget – our voice and the importance of shouting to raise the alarm and attract attention.

Scenario-based drills enable students to use the techniques they’ve learnt but this time under a bit of pressure. This helps to train their brains to decipher information quickly in order to determine the best course of action in the given situation. And the muscle memory they have acquired from repetitive practice means they can respond rapidly.

Self-defence skills don’t turn us into superheroes

Whilst we hope none of our students will ever find themselves in a threatening situation, we want to students to be able to react instinctively rather than feel helpless. And on that note, I’ll finish by reiterating that we never EVER suggest to our students that we’re equipping them with superpowers, that they should recklessly attempt to disarm an attacker or enter into a fight. We can’t even promise that, in a truly threatening situation, a Krav Generation student will be able to perform defence techniques to a sufficiently proficient level to safely counter an attack. But what we can guarantee is that we give them with the defensive tools to do something rather than nothing. Sometimes that is all it will take to keep yourself safe.

Why not t ry a Krav Generation class yourself? The first session is absolutely free! Classes run in Addlestone, Cobham and Esher, with Leatherhead starting on 7 May.

Why is knife crime amongst young people so high?

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:34:51 GMT

It’s depressing to keep reading about young people’s lives being affected by knife crime. Whether a knife is used as a threat to steal money or a phone or a disagreement at a party l eads to a fatal attack , incidents involving knives are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Children are not born with a knife in their hands

Most children will never carry a knife but why is it that some do and not others? Is our society failing children and simply waiting for them to make a mistake before we intervene? Is it learnt behaviour from adverse childhood trauma, neglect, abuse, victimisation or exposure to violence?

If a child attends school, displays good values and behaviour do we assume they will continue to do so? Is it all about their home life or is it peer pressure and what they get up to with their mates? Do we pick up on the changes in a child’s behaviour (those teenage years are hard enough to navigate as it is)? Do we just accept that getting into trouble at school or being withdrawn at home is the norm and carry on with our busy lives?

So many questions and I most definitely don’t have any definitive answers! But what is clear is that there isn’t enough help and support available to young people. Schools are understaffed and under-resourced, the children’s mental health system is on its knees due to insufficient funding, youth services and useful community groups are disappearing at a rate of knots.

Without sufficient adult and professional guidance and support, children look to their peers. If those peer groups have ended up making poor choices, we are essentially allowing a Lord of the Flies society to grow and thrive. We can’t let that happen. Our young people deserve more.

So how can we keep our children and young people safe?

Raising awareness and building trust is key. I firmly believe that providing education within schools about knives and the reality of carrying a knife will have a positive impact. Helping young people understand about the danger of knives and the very grim reality of what happens when a knife is used – be that the injury to the victim, or even their death, the consequences for the perpetrator and the wider impact on the families of those involved – is crucial.

It’s not unlike the young driver education sessions that many sixth formers/college students attend. They are hard-hitting and offer multiple perspectives of those who have first-hand experience of crashes involving young drivers – from paramedics to survivors to parents who have lost their child. It’s designed to shock, it’s designed to make youngsters stop and think of what could happen to them. Likewise, we need more education around knives. Far from being cool or creating ‘street cred’, our young people need to understand the repercussions of carrying a blade. This then fosters positive values and norms within their friendship groups and gives them the knowledge and inner resolve to challenge the negative influences of those who are attracted to knives.

As part of this, kids need to be encouraged to report knife incidents and if they know someone who is carrying a weapon. Greater availability of blade boxes is also key – a child can safely discard of a blade without any fear getting into trouble.

At home, I believe it’s about having conversations about knives and how they ruin lives. Talk to them about their fears and worries. No matter where you live, no matter what school your children attend, no matter who they hang out with and where they go, life can change in an instant when a knife is involved.

Think about having a safety plan without it being too formal. It could be as simple as making sure your child always has their phone on them so that they can call for help. Remind them about using 999 if they are threatened or in danger. Check that they have enough money to get home safely. Discuss situational awareness, knowing their surrounds and the people they are with. Talk about their ‘inner alarm’, that gut feeling that something isn’t right and having the confidence to walk away or escape. Ask them to let you know if their plans change when they are out. Explain to them why it’s so important to tell you. It can be hard to strike a balance that suits both the parent and the child, especially as teenagers strive to become more independent, but agreeing to the use of a phone tracking app can only be a good thing.

How Krav Generation helps younger students

At Krav Generation we talk to teenagers about the repercussions of carrying a knife and provide scenario-based training to help them understand what could happen and how to deal with it. We’re not trying to turn them into heroes or make them think that challenging someone with a knife is easy. We teach them first and foremost to stay safe. We do everything we can to educate young minds, empower our students to know who they are and give them the confidence to reject the notion of carrying a knife for protection. By addressing the issue early, we may just stop so many knives being used on the street.

Krav Generation runs classes for children and teenagers in Addlestone and Esher – why not encourage your child to get involved, the first session is free !

Shop workers face aggression and abuse every day – it needs to stop

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:11:12 GMT

The last year or so has seen a worrying rise in violence towards shop workers. From small corner shops to the biggest supermarkets, shoplifting is rife and this has coincided with an increase in threats against staff. During the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns there was a marked change in how some people behaved. It was, of course, a stressful time but still no excuse for abusing shop staff. Roll on to the cost-of-living crisis and this has exacerbated the situation, with the rise of stealing goods to order by organised crime groups. Now add to the mix an over-stretched and under-resourced police force – thieves are becoming more brazen in their actions and have no fear of being apprehended or prosecuted.

In a recent report the British Retail Consortium has claimed that there is an average of 1,300 violent and abusive attacks on shop workers every single day . That’s around 50% more than the previous year – horrific!

Last summer I attended the Runnymede Awards and was sat at a table with several members of staff from a large Tesco store. We got talking and I was shocked when they told me that many of their colleagues had, whilst working, been verbally abused, pushed or hit by customers. The fact that the store has security at the entrance makes no tangible difference. The security guard can be called to intervene and remove the offending person from the store, but it doesn’t change what happened to the member of staff.

Shop workers should not have to work in fear

Let’s put it in context. Look around the next time you do a supermarket shop – who is filling the shelves? Students who might be as young as 16 or 17, mums working shifts that fit with school hours, older people who still enjoy working a few days a week, people working to earn a wage to pay their rent or mortgage and feed their families. Normal people. I know of one young man who, at 21, is working at a local supermarket alongside his university studies. He might be 6’ 2” but, when the security guard called him to provide back-up to apprehend three shoplifters, did he know how to do so safely? Was it even fair to expect him to potentially put his personal safety on the line? What if one of the shoplifters had a knife?

Back to my chat at the awards ceremony, we talked about empowering staff, giving them the tools to feel and act more confident in their work environment. It clearly resonated with my fellow guests and they were keen to organise a self-defence session for their colleagues. Given the nature of retail, where workers are on different shifts, it proved impossible to organise a group session. However, I did run a 1-2-1 session with one of the people I’d met. Having experienced various levels of violence herself, it was impacting on her wellbeing at work. Not surprisingly, some of those who had threatened or harmed her live locally, as does she, and she has always tried to play down the various incidents for fear of reprisal outside the store environment. She was going to work scared.

Self-defence is not about being handy with your fists

I started the session with one of the most valuable skills anyone can learn, how to stand tall and the importance of making eye contact – two simple actions that would mean Sally (not her real name) no longer looked like an easy target. We then discussed situational awareness and being alert to what’s going on around her. In the event of someone becoming aggressive, we explored ways to de-escalate the situation whilst maintaining personal space. This involves raising the hands to protect one’s face and body and ready to react to a slap or punch. Equally, with palms facing the other person it’s a calming and non-threatening gesture.

We then moved on to the Educational Stop, protecting your personal space by pushing the other person back and adopting a bladed stance. This is where you step back with one leg for greater stability. With one hand in front and one behind, you then use a firm voice and tell the other person to back off. In the event that the other person is still determined to cause harm, I taught Sally how to defend against being hit or punched. In the course of that one session, Sally grew. Having arrived as a very timid person she transformed into someone far more confident – and she recognised just how different she felt.

Krav Generation can help shop workers ‘be more Sally’

Whist retailers are taking measures such as offering staff body-worn cameras and installing protective toughened glass screens at till areas, I strongly believe that teaching basic self-defence and de-escalation skills would have a positive impact and help reduce the fear that many shop workers cope with day in, day out. It would give them greater confidence to deal with challenging situations until security or the police arrive. As I always say, it’s better to know self-defence and not need it than to need it and not know it.

As well as our weekly classes, Krav Generation runs private group and 1-2-1 classes for a wide range of clients. If you’d like to find out more about self-defence classes for yourself and/or your colleagues, please get in touch !

New year, new venue – Esher is up and running!

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 11:31:38 GMT

2024 has got off to a great start as Krav Generation opened another venue. In the planning for some time, we launched our self-defence classes at Esher Rugby Club at the beginning of January.

When we announced the classes a few months ago, we were inundated with requests to book a free trial session. It doesn’t guarantee everyone will turn up, but we were completely taken aback by just how many people came to the opening night.

Fun for all the family

We kicked off with our Parent & Child class. This class was added to the timetable in response to a huge demand by parents who wanted to attend an activity with their children and develop a new kind of bond with them. It was quickly evident that this class will deliver a really positive experience for all participants and it will be particularly beneficial for children who suffer from anxiety – research has shown that, post-pandemic, this is a very real and common issue .

Our class helps to build up children’s confidence whilst they have the security of knowing their parents are close by. After just one class, we could see how even the shyest and quietest children were happily mixing with others and not needing their parents quite as much as they thought. We’re looking forward to seeing them really grow in the coming weeks and months – and we’ll make sure the grown-ups have fun too!

Youngsters bursting with energy

The Kids & Teens class was next. This is another new class and it was fantastic to see that our hopes for this particular session were realised. The younger children trained separately but were within the same space as the teenagers. We spotted that they were all keeping an eye on what the older age group was doing, exactly what we hoped for. It means they can see and understand the discipline required of older students and how effective the techniques are – aspiring to be like them is a great motivator. Similarly, the teenagers were able to see younger children easily and quickly learning the same techniques, which is equally motivating ie ‘if they can do it, so can I’! The class was also effective in helping all students to be respectful of others and appreciate differences in age, size, strength and ability, something that they can apply beyond the class environment.

Rest. Repeat. Smash it!

Thankfully, we’d scheduled a short break for the instructors before the adult class started. It gave us the opportunity to chat with parents and the youngsters who’d just finished their class and the feedback was wonderful! Meanwhile, students for our adult class were arriving, a few nervous faces amongst them.

The start of any new class is all about putting people at ease. We always explain that students mustn’t do anything that they can’t physically manage or feel uncomfortable about. It’s also important to cover health and safety and to ensure that all students understand our expectations in terms of behaviour so that everyone remains happy and safe throughout the class. Having explained how the session would run, everyone was asked to bow, and the class began with a warm-up of light jogging, easy exercises and stretching, followed by a game, which gets the body moving and reduces the risk of injury. A mix of achievable fast and slow movements prepares students both physically and mentally before learning specific techniques. The game also mirrors movements used in the different techniques, so students are already developing muscle memory. Just as importantly, the game is a great icebreaker and really helps to break down inhibitions, shyness and embarrassment, all the usual barriers that often pop up when strangers meet for the first time.

After a quick break, we got down to the business of learning some self-defence, beginning with de-escalation and how to avoid engaging in a fight. Students learnt about situational awareness and how to use their voices to draw attention to a challenging situation. We then moved on to techniques that included recognition of reasonable force, listening to your inner alarm and preventing a stranger from invading your personal space. Students also learnt how to effectively stop a hit or slap, how to escape a knife attack, how and when to kick and prevent further attack and how to literally stop an attacker in their tracks.

As the class drew to an end, we did a quick reminder of all the techniques covered and set up a scenario-based drill in which students could put everything into practice. Always with safety as our priority, we reminded everyone to be mindful of their training partner and to go slow and controlled. The class finished with a bow – a sign of respect for each other and the instructors – and then the room erupted with enthusiastic chatter.

We finished on an absolute high. The students were happy and the KravGen team – Andrew, David, Vish, Taryn and myself – couldn’t have been more delighted by how our opening night went. Thank you to all of our students for making each class a joy to teach and thank you to the staff at Esher Rugby Club for being so supportive and helpful!

There are very few spaces remaining in our Esher classes, but do please get in touch if you’re interested in joining us!

2023 has been an amazing year for Krav Generation!

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:50:09 GMT

As we approach the end of the year, thoughts naturally turn to what we’ve achieved in the last 12 months. It’s been an exciting year of growth, with some fantastic opportunities and, best of all, meeting and training with so many wonderful people. Krav Generation students come from all walks of life and that’s part of what makes every class dynamic and so much fun.

Krav Generation’s first anniversary and so much to celebrate

June marked Krav Generation’s first anniversary. The real celebration was reflecting on the fact that we had achieved our goal of working with over 90 students and seeing just how far they’ve come! Students who started with us in June 2022 have achieved three gradings, with a 100% success rate – well done to everyone for being so brilliant! Eleven students passed their P1 in November 2022, seven passed their P1 to P3 in March 2023 and 12 students graded this September achieved their P1 to P3 patches – we are so proud of you!

Krav Generation also welcomed two fabulous new instructors – Andrew and David – who are qualified to teach adults and children. Their enthusiasm and commitment to sharing their knowledge of self-defence really elevates the quality of the classes we provide and helps ensure a positive experience for everyone. Meanwhile, Vish, our wonderful club ambassador is now training to become an instructor next year – he’s going to absolutely smash it and will be a real asset to the Krav Generation team. That team is integral to our growth as a club. Having started with one venue in Addlestone, within six months we were able to open a new venue in Cobham, along with several smaller venues in Surrey.

Krav Generation won an award!

The Runnymede Business Awards were launched this year in recognition of the borough’s standing as the most competitive outside London. Featuring seven categories, the awards are a great way of celebrating diverse and innovative businesses operating in the area. Following a rigorous judging process of over 75 nominations, Krav Generation made the shortlist. Invited to the awards ceremony held at prestigious Fairmont Windsor Park Hotel on 26 May, it was a fantastic surprise to win the award for Start-up Business of the Year.

Krav Generation goes back to school

Throughout the year Krav Generation has been invited to run classes in a number of primary and secondary schools, including Sayes Court Primary School, St Paul’s Primary School, Salesian School, Danesfield Manor School and Reeds School. We delivered self-defence training to both students and staff and we’ve also helped a number of students to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Awards .

And we haven’t neglected our own learning. The Krav Generation team has been busy working and training with Ciaran Shihan, former World Koshiki Karate Champion and Director of Dojo Woking , and Siukee Wan , author of Wing Chun Sil Nim Tao. It’s so inspiring to explore different disciplines and learn new skills and techniques.

Private classes have gone from strength to strength

We’ve worked with over 40 individuals to provide 1-2-1 self-defence training. They include VIPs, police officers and civilian staff, MOD employees, NHS staff and retail employees. We’ve also been delighted to support Your Sanctuary, a local women’s refuge that works tirelessly to help vulnerable individuals and victims of crime, and we’re proud of the small contribution we can make in helping women feel more empowered.

Looking ahead to 2024

We’ve had a fabulous year and cannot thank everyone enough for supporting Krav Generation. There are lots of new plans for next year, including a series of special events, scenario-based workshops and kids holiday clubs, plus we’re opening our Esher venue in January – it’s going to be busy and we can’t wait!

Getting the better of school bullies with a little help from Krav Generation

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 09:00:00 GMT

A few months ago I was contacted by the very distressed father of an 11-year-old girl. Since moving to secondary school she had been targeted by several fellow pupils who would wait for her to get off the school bus and then bully her. Every day, five days a week. And this had been happening for at least eight months. Just imagine for a moment how that was affecting her.

Despite contacting the school there was nothing that could be done since it was off school grounds and after school hours. The parents even approached the parents of the bullies, still nothing changed. This child was living in fear, reluctant to go to school, scared to get off the bus and her parents were desperate. Dad, having heard about Krav Generation, asked if he could book a 1-2-1 session in an effort to help his daughter.

When I met Zhara (not her real name) I was struck by her reluctance to speak or make eye contact, she literally hid her face behind her long hair – it was instantly clear just how much her confidence had been destroyed by the bullying. She really didn’t want to be there with me, so I focused on simply trying to encourage her to chat and get to know each other a bit. Gradually, I brought the conversation around to the reason her dad had set up the session and asked if she’d like to talk about what was happening to her. She didn’t but I assured her that I would always listen.

Breaking the ice with French fries

I asked Zhara to play a silly game with me. The aim is to steal French fries off each other’s head – lots of fun but actually designed to encourage students to protect their heads by holding their hands up in a semi-passive stance. I asked Zhara if she knew what she was doing. She didn’t so I explained that she’d just learned a defensive move.

Much as we were making gentle progress, Zhara was still very nervous and I could see her reacting every time someone walked past the door. We explored situational awareness, looking for exits, the importance of knowing who is nearby and where you are going and making sure her parents always know where she is, be it using a location tracker on her phone or sending text messages to them.

As Zhara became more comfortable with me, I introduced a role play situation. We discussed personal space and the use of a semi-passive stance when an attacker gets too close and invades your personal space. We also talked about the butterfly feelings in your stomach when you know when something isn’t right, our inner alarm and how it helps prepare us in the event a situation escalates. In our role play situation, I became the ‘horrible girl’, the ringleader of the bullies. I started by being nice and friendly before changing my manner and starting to move towards Zhara – this is the point at which I encouraged Zhara to raise her hands (French fries!) and tell me to back off. However, I become more aggressive and stepped further into her personal space, which led to learning another technique – the Educational Stop.

Learning to not be afraid

The Educational Stop is both assertive and de-escalating. It demonstrates to the attacker – in a non-aggressive way – that we’re not afraid. We don’t want any trouble but, if trouble comes, we’ll be ready for it. The technique leads us into a fighting stance, the position we adopt when we know we need to be prepared to fight. However, overriding everything is voice. Our voices are so much more powerful than we often realise.

With self-defence techniques, the voice is key. An Educational Stop requires the student to be confident, use their voice and give the attacker instructions. Not surprisingly, Zhara found this a challenge and was reluctant but eventually told me, very quietly, to “back off”. We worked on this scenario several times and her voice became a little louder each time.

Next, we returned to the French fries game, which is actually known as a 360˚ defence. It teaches students to defend against a hit or slap, it’s even effective against the downwards thrust of a knife. This time I used a foam swim noodle to gently hit Zhara while she used a 360˚ defence, used her voice and either ran to an exit or took up a fighting stance – bringing all the techniques together. And when her dad came to collect her, she agreed (with a little encouragement) to demonstrate what she’d learnt.

The Zhara who left that first session was very different to the timid and scared young girl who had arrived. Because this was a 1-2-1 session, I was able to structure it around Zhara’s needs and conduct it in a calm and supportive way. It helped her build confidence whilst learning how to defend herself, and I ensured she understood exactly what she was doing and how it would help her in the future.

The power of self-defence to effect change

Over the next three weeks I saw her confidence rocket! She changed so much – her hair was tied back, she was shouting at me, she stood tall. We continued to work together for some months until Zhara felt confident enough to leave. By the time we said our final goodbyes, Zhara was no longer being bullied and she was back at school full-time.

When I set up Krav Generation, I wanted to empower others, to help those who felt they were victims become survivors. I feel very honoured to be able to help others live without fear. It makes me so happy to see the transformation in my students, to see them laughing and talking to others and standing tall and confident – Zhara embodies all of that and I feel incredibly proud to have helped her blossom and become the happy, confident young person she deserves to be!

If you’d like to find out more about 1-2-1 self-defence training, please get in touch .

Work towards your DofE award with Krav Generation!

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 14:23:16 GMT

Many schools actively encourage students to get involved in the DofE awards programme . Set up by The Duke of Edinburgh back in 1956, and now operating in more than 140 countries, the programme has evolved over the years and helps young people to grow as individuals.

Open to 14-24-year-olds, participants start with their Bronze award, progressing to Silver and then Gold. There are four key sections (five in Gold) – volunteering, physical, skills and expedition – with the focus on building confidence, teamwork and gaining useful life skills. With an underlying ethos of fun, friendship and personal development, Krav Generation fits really well into the DofE programme and we are delighted to help students achieve their awards.

How some of our students have used Krav Generation as part of their DofE awards

Below is just a snapshot of some of the young people who have completed sections of their DofE award through Krav Generation.

For her Bronze award Shayeri joined our classes to complete the physical section. She saw it as an opportunity to be more physically active and we saw her really develop in terms of fitness. Importantly, her mindset also improved and, having been fairly quiet when she first joined, Shayeri’s confidence increased. That and the self-defence skills she learnt along the way has given her powerful tools to protect herself and others.

Like Shayeri, Marie-Claire wanted to achieve the physical section of the Bronze award. She was very shy and rather reluctant to participate at first, but she quickly became one of the team and matured incredibly quickly. Seeing her grow in confidence and achieve proficiency in self-defence has been so rewarding.

Olivia had no experience of self-defence and was keen to learn something new – Krav Generation was a perfect fit for the skills section. As she progressed, she learnt a range of techniques, from being able to diffuse a situation to disarming opponents of guns and knives.

Lisa used Krav Generation classes for the physical section of the Silver award. Shy at the beginning, she kept coming back and being amongst familiar faces helped Lisa grow in confidence. The classes were great for her fitness, especially the warm-ups and the physical aspect of the self-defence techniques. Lisa is now planning to go for Gold next year and continue her self-defence training.

Camran is another Bronze award participant who joined Krav Generation for the skills section. The classes helped with his physical coordination and really improved his self-discipline. So many boys find themselves getting into fights but Camran learnt that it’s better to de-escalate a situation than to be confrontational – not the easiest concept to take on board at 14 or 15 years of age. Camran was a very conscientious student, always smart and he took pride in wearing his kit. His positive attitude saw him become extremely competent and technically skilled in self-defence.

We’re proud of what all of our DofE participants have achieved and look forward to welcoming them back to complete their next award. As students become more experienced in self-defence they will even have the opportunity to fulfil the volunteering section by supporting our instructors to teach other students.

Want to find out more about joining Krav Generation as part of your DofE award? Get in touch and book a free trial session.

Krav Generation against knives

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:05:25 GMT

In a previous article we talked about knives and young people , how rife knife attacks seem to have become in recent years. There seems to have be so many incidents that the names of the victims barely register, unlike Ben Kinsella, whose name has become synonymous with knife crime, and still resonates strongly 15 years after his death.

Of course, knife crime is not exclusively about street attacks on young people. Other incidents, such as the very recent stabbing of a teacher in a Tewkesbury school and, back in 2019, the fatal stabbing of two people attending a conference in Fishmongers’ Hall near London Bridge, that highlight just how random knife attacks can be.

Nobody goes to work expecting to be attacked. Nobody goes to a public event thinking that they may have to make a split decision about how to react in a sudden and violent situation. The attack in Fishmongers’ Hall highlighted just how courageously some people will respond in the face of danger. From one-on-one combat to grabbing chairs, fire extinguishers, even a narwhal tusk that was displayed on a wall, a number of people were utterly determined to bring down the attacker and prevent further injury. Equally – and I make no judgement here, everyone is different – others caught up in the situation may have frozen out of fear or immediately looked for escape in order to protect themselves. Ever wondered how you might react in such a situation?

How can Krav Maga help?

Krav Maga is a self-defence system that is both defensive and offensive. Unlike other martial arts or boxing, it’s not about competitive or about scoring points, it’s about being equipped with the knowledge and skills to defend yourself or others. Krav Maga is a practical system that teaches effective techniques to defend against a wide variety of attacks. From striking, kicking and grappling to escaping choke holds, learning how to deal with multiple attackers and being able to disarm an opponent of their weapons, Krav Maga is designed to keep people safe.

Training for knife attacks

Krav Maga teaches effective defence against knife attacks through scenario-based training, simulating what would most likely happen and how fast a situation can escalate. The training is designed to make the situation as real as possible but, naturally, the knives are fake. We use training knives that leave a red mark when there is bodily contact, so students quickly become aware of how unpredictable a violent attack can be.

Krav Maga is renowned for being brutal and physically demanding, but it also teaches a type of discipline that is invaluable. In our training scenarios students are asked to take on both roles, taking their turn as attacker and victim, which gives insight into different situations. The ultimate aim is to get students to a level where they have effective defensive skills that will kick in, almost instinctively, in the event of finding themselves in a dangerous situation. This includes the use of items they may have to hand – that takeaway coffee they’ve just bought, the bag they’re carrying, a chair in the room – that can change the situation, even momentarily, and provide better defence.

I hope that none of my students ever need to use Krav Maga in their lives. However, it is better to know Krav Maga and not need it than to need it and not know what to do.

If you’d like to find out more about learning self-defence, why not join us for a free trial session!

The positive impact of self-defence training on children and young people

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:04:47 GMT

Does a week go past without hearing about another awful stabbing incident involving a young person? Reading about the death of another teenager is heartbreaking – discovering that he was the friend of friends of my neighbour’s son, as tenuous a link as it is, really brings it home, knife crime can happen anywhere and to anyone.

According to the latest information released by the National Office of Statistics, the number of murders involving a knife or other sharp implement is at its highest since 1946. In the 12 months to March 2022, 282 people lost their lives after being stabbed. 99 were under the age of 25, including 13 aged 16 or under.

In an interview with the CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust, a charity set up after the senseless murder of 16-year-old Ben in 2008, the Evening Standard reports on a link between the increase in knife crime involving teenagers and the pandemic. Issues around drugs and gangs are well documented, mental health issues amongst young people post-pandemic are something we may not understand for years.

What does this have to do with self-defence training?

Martial arts are often associated with teaching discipline, anger management and teamwork. Over the years there have been many initiatives to use martial arts, and even boxing, as a way of supporting vulnerable young people. In response to legislation that requires schools, hospitals and youth groups to report those at risk of being drawn into knife crime many clubs were set up. Whilst there is evidence that such initiatives can prevent individuals from getting caught up in violence and gang-related activity in their local community, academic research suggests that this kind of approach can alienate young people and increase the problem rather than making it better.

Learning self-defence is different – it’s not about competition, it’s about having the tools in your personal toolbox should you need to defend yourself or someone else. At Krav Generation, we teach a practical system that equips students with a vast array of defensive movements against many types of attack – we even teach how to use everyday items, such as a school bag or drinks bottle, to gain an advantage. It’s knowledge and skills that can make all the difference in a threatening situation.

Taking self-defence into schools

Who would ever imagine that children as young as 4 can learn self-defence! Teaching self-defence to children helps to prevent them from becoming violent adults – we help stop aggressive behaviour before it begins. We’ve seen an increase in interest from schools of late – as they look to offer self-defence training as an extracurricular activity, ask us to give an assembly or run a session as part of their wellbeing events.

Teaching self-defence isn’t just about teaching technique. We discuss stranger danger, bullying, situational awareness, confidence, discipline and self-defence. We explore what self-defence means and why we can’t just go up to someone and hit them. We talk about de-escalation and walking away from a confrontation. We look at non-verbal communication and body language. We talk about just how important it is for children to listen to their inner alarm bell and be aware of their personal space – and how to recognise situations that doesn’t feel right. We provide a safe training environment where children can have fun, learn life-saving skills and make great friends.

If only such skills could be embedded into the school curriculum! I’m sure future generations would grow up far more educated and aware – plus it would be accessible for all children, not just those whose parents can afford to pay for clubs. Current government legislation highlights those at risk, often youngsters from deprived backgrounds and the least likely to be able to access training classes. Wouldn’t it be better to educate everyone – the attraction of gangs or thinking that it’s cool to carry a weapon can appeal to anyone, even those from affluent backgrounds. Sadly, such a change in thinking is unlikely to happen any time soon, which is a tragedy. Just imagine how the events of Sunday 23 July might have played out differently – a young man wouldn’t have lost his life, another wouldn’t now be facing life imprisonment.

Self-defence training is not specifically designed to take deprived children off the streets, nor does it glorify violence as a solution to societal problems. It does, however, have the ability to drive positive change within communities.

Interested in a visit by Krav Generation to your school? Looking to expand your extra-curricular activities? Why not get in touch!

Parents, we need to take a stand against the trend for attacks on children by children

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:28:07 GMT

Social media can be a wonderful thing, but it also has a darker and more dangerous side, and nowhere does it seem more nasty than how it’s increasingly used by children and young people. In the space of just a few weeks I’ve come across several articles in the media describing filmed attacks on children that are then shared on social media – one outside the school gates and another about a school where the trend appears to be endemic – horrific for the children involved and, quite apart from the anger the parents feel, heartbreaking as well.

Social media is empowering bullies

As a parent of three myself, when it comes to experiences of bullying I’ve been there. I’d go so far as to say that most children will experience some kind of bullying, even something as minor as one kid deliberately tripping up another in the playground, at some point in their lives. But social media is propelling bullying to a stratospheric new level. Not only is the violence horrific, sharing the videos online – with the possibility that they can go viral – is both humiliating and dangerous.

Just imagine how it might impact on a child’s mental health. Both articles refer to the feelings that those children interviewed are struggling with – the fear of going out, the desire to move to a different school. God forbid that such feelings should evolve into thoughts of suicide. Or that, one day, an attack will result in serious injury or even death.

No amount of safeguarding policy reviews by schools will resolve this problem. So what can we do for our children to keep them safe? Bullying will never go away but I would advocate for enabling our children to take care of themselves, to give them effective tools to defend themselves.

Learning self-defence can make a difference

Learning self-defence is incredibly empowering but let’s be clear here, it’s absolutely not about equipping children with the ability to give as good as they get if they are attacked – I am wholly opposed to the concept of churning out mini fighting machines. When a child learns self-defence, they also learn discipline, they develop greater awareness of their surroundings and situations, they grow in self confidence. These qualities are as integral to self-defence training as the defensive skills they learn – the ability to physically defend themselves is perhaps the very last resort in the event they find themselves under threat.

Bullies will always look for victims that they perceive to be weaker than themselves. Learning self-defence gives children an inner strength and sense of pride and self-belief. That mental shift can translate into physical change, the way in which they walk or even how they sit within a group. It can be almost imperceptible, but I never get tired of seeing how my younger students develop.

Would you like your child to learn self-defence?

We run self-defence classes for different age groups at Jubilee High School on Wednesdays and Cobham Free School on Thursdays. Private classes can also be arranged. Get in touch to book a session and don’t forget the first class is free!

Self-defence for children – helping them navigate their way through life

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 13:33:16 GMT

Krav Generation’s club ambassador Vish, a father of two young children, shares his thoughts on a recent incident in which someone attempted to abduct a child right in front of her parents.

‘PARK CREEP: Warning to parents after man tries to grab girl, 5, in park as cops hunt creep – what a terrifying news headline. As a parent I am instantly thankful that nothing like this has happened to my children or friends/family. My thoughts then turn to the parents of that particular child and I can only imagine how they felt during this experience – it must have felt like forever but was luckily over in an instant.

Unfortunately, such incidents aren’t uncommon and ‘stranger danger’ isn’t going to disappear any time soon. One part of the article that struck me is that the person was stopped by parents and bystanders, which is great. But I can’t help but wonder how did a stranger get so close to the child in the first place and why did no one notice or intervene before the attempted abduction took place?

Learning self-defence isn’t just for adults

Perception and awareness of your surroundings is something which self-defence training really instils in you. You quickly become consciously aware of everything going on around you, no matter where you are or what you’re doing – from walking down a street or shopping in the local supermarket to waiting for a train, visiting a museum or enjoying a meal in a restaurant.

My daughter initially joined Krav Generation because she wanted to do what her daddy did. But over the last few months this has evolved into her learning the art of self defence, not just through kicks and punches but also through heightened awareness of her surroundings and being confident to use her voice.

She now walks around more alert to what’s happening around her and actively steps away from situations where she sees potential problems. Her younger brother, for instance, is very boisterous and also has epic temper tantrums – before learning self-defence, my daughter would inevitably end up being in the middle of ugly situations. Now she knows to simply walk away from her somewhat unpredictable toddler brother if she sees a tantrum brewing. Yes, this scenario is within the family environment and the ‘danger’ is limited, but the change in my daughter and her understanding of someone else’s behaviour shows that she is successfully applying her new knowledge to distance herself from what she perceives as a dangerous situation.

Self-defence skills give kids greater confidence

In an ideal world my daughter will never be caught up in an abduction attempt like the one in the article. But if, for whatever reason, my daughter was grabbed by a stranger I’m confident that, thanks to her training, she wouldn’t be shy to use her voice and shout/scream to be heard or kick and punch, she’d do whatever it takes to get away.

I would say I observe my surroundings well, especially when I’m out with my children, so I do not foresee a situation where a random person could get too close to my kids – I’m not glued to my phone (unless I’m taking videos or photos of their antics) and I never wear headphones, I make sure I can both see and hear them.

Of course, I’m not always going to be there to look after them, certainly not when they are older and allowed out without adult supervision, but I know they will have the skills to be able to look after themselves – once he’s big enough my son will also be learning self-defence!

Introducing Vish, our club ambassador

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 17:38:44 GMT

Stepping into a martial arts or self-defence class for the first time can undoubtedly be a scary moment. To be honest, joining any kind of class can be nerve-wracking – will I fit in, am I too old/too young, will everyone else be fitter than me, am I going to look stupid? Those kind of ‘not good enough’ questions can go on and on if you let them!

Of course, not everyone feels that way and that’s great, but I know that many more come into their first self-defence session full of trepidation. And that’s fine too.

Our classes have a way of attracting a great bunch of people, people who are supportive and incredibly generous in that support. And that’s why Vish has become the very first club ambassador for Krav Generation – he loves learning self-defence, he cares about everyone he trains with and he really knows how to make people feel welcome.

So let’s find out a bit more about him. Vish says: “I’m a relatively confident person but I've never done any form of martial arts or self-defence in my life. I suddenly decided that I wanted to step out of my comfort zone to learn something new and self-defence classes seemed to fit the bill. As well as doing it for myself, I really wanted to show my kids that no matter what age you are you can always learn something new and be confident in doing it. What I didn’t expect to happen was that my seven-year-old daughter would become inspired to take up self-defence training herself – and she loves it too!

“Training is brilliant and grading was an experience like no other – almost three hours of gruelling close combat! I had to dig deep but getting through it and to be still standing at the end showed me that I have far more resilience than I’ve ever realised. What made the experience even better was to be doing it with other members of Krav Generation. We pushed each other every step of the way and seeing everyone pass their grading was every bit as satisfying as my own achievement.

“I feel incredibly proud to have been asked to become club ambassador for Krav Generation. I now help out in some training classes and make sure that new people joining or having a taster session feel welcome and comfortable in a new environment – I still remember my first session, we’ve all been there!

“I’m now a year into my journey with Krav Generation and, with the guidance of Laura, Andrew and David, I find myself wanting to push myself further to continually learn and grow. Importantly, this doesn’t just relate exclusively to Krav Maga training but to life in general – I feel like I approach life differently and am more empowered to explore new opportunities and experiences.”

If you’re thinking of joining one of our self-defence classes we’d love to meet you – Vish, along with the entire class, will make sure you have a great time!

Self-defence training – why it’s perfect for women

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 17:35:29 GMT

Joining a self-defence club can be a big decision for a woman – not for all women, but some will certainly question whether it’s actually a good idea or not. Some will make it through the door and discover it’s not as scary as they allowed themselves to believe. Others will talk themselves out of it and not even get anywhere near that door.

I firmly believe that a woman is more likely to come back and become a regular member if they see other women participating. This was certainly true of one student I know. Some years ago Eva (not her real name) mustered up the courage to go to a self-defence class. It was full of men. Men scared Eva – unfortunately, that was just the way it was for her, she’d had a bad experience in the past.

But these men made Eva feel welcome, they didn’t try to belittle her. Instead, and to her surprise, they empowered her. In that first class they showed Eva that it didn’t matter if she was physically small, she could take them down as quickly and effectively as a well-built man could. A penny dropped, Eva didn’t have to feel scared any more. She faced her fear and realised that she was no longer a victim of crime – she was a survivor.

Self-defence training has the power to change lives

Eva began to value herself. She discovered how capable she was, just how much inner strength she possessed and how resilient she could be. She kept going to that class and her self-confidence grew. Other women started attending the same class. They got the same warm welcome, but Eva’s presence enabled them to quickly and clearly see that they could achieve what she had achieved – they had a tangible goal. Eva empowered these women and they, in their turn, empowered the women who joined after them.

Equality can be a hard-fought battle. Let’s face it, going to the gym can be challenging as many women are reporting . And even in the workplace women can struggle to have the same rights (even salary!) as men. It’s wonderful then that, within a self-defence class, we are all equal regardless of gender, age or physicality. That’s because, together, we are a supportive community. When a woman surrounds herself with supportive people – both men and women – she is more likely to succeed. Why? Because her mindset will change, she will keep moving forward, she will feel valued and worthwhile.

That’s exactly what happened to Eva. Only Eva is actually Laura, the founder of Krav Generation. She was that scared, small woman who became confident to train with men physically bigger and stronger than herself and she’s been empowering other women ever since. Why not try a self-defence class yourself – ignore that negative internal voice, you really can do it!

Self-defence training empowers everyone!

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 12:58:13 GMT

So here’s a fact: a good self-defence class does more than just provide you with the knowledge and skills to defend yourself, it empowers you. Empowerment gives you the means to achieve more and the opportunity to become stronger in yourself, both mind and body. When you feel stronger in yourself, you become more resilient and more capable of dealing anything, even a threatening situation.

Many women and, yes, plenty of men feel they don’t have the strength or power to make choices or be decisive. Not surprisingly, this can have a detrimental effect on self-confidence. This becomes an issue in circumstances that set off one’s internal alarm, highlighting that something’s not right.

We’ve all had that feeling, maybe on more than one occasion, and many of us won’t actually respond to that alarm. Because we all too often ignore our instincts, listening instead to a highly critical internal voice – “It’s my fault this is happening”, “I got it wrong”, “I’m to blame” and so on and on and on.

Victims of crime often blame themselves for something that wasn’t their fault at all. The error, for want of a better word, is that we generally want to believe that everyone shares the same moral principles. Sadly, that’s not true of every person. We are all different with different perceptions of what is right and what is wrong. People who attack or mug others play on that exact notion and use it to their advantage. If you’re walking down a dark street and someone approaches you in such a way that your internal alarm starts ringing, you really need to listen to it!

So what does that have to do with self-defence?

Self-defence training empowers and builds self-esteem because you can feel at ease within a safe environment and learn to react and defend against attack. You don’t have to be physically big or even fit. The skills you learn are within anyone’s capability and, believe me, everyone that trains in self-defence feels more capable physically, mentally and emotionally. You stand taller and feel more confident and that means you become less of a target when you’re out and about. When a person feels vulnerable, they often try to avoid being noticed, almost trying to make themselves smaller. But that only makes them a bigger target – a bully, and that is essentially what an attacker is, looks for those who are vulnerable, smaller and weaker than themselves.

Knowledge of self-defence enables you to identify the resources you have around you, common objects that would be useful in a threatening situation. You look at your surroundings with greater clarity and you’re more alert to what is going on around you. Greater awareness means you’re better informed to make decisions if you need to defend yourself. It also helps you learn to drop inhibitions – like not feeling embarrassed to take action or, something many of us are reluctant to do, to use your voice. Rather than staying quiet you’ll automatically shout, draw attention and make other people aware that you need help. It’s all about having the confidence to be assertive and being equipped with skills to eliminate a threat as quickly as possible.

You may never need to use the skills you gain from self-defence training, but that feeling of empowerment will filter into so many other aspects of your life – why not try it and see for yourself?!