The Netflix drama 'Adolescence' has helped bring an important conversation to the fore – the negative impact social media and influencers are having on young boys and the rise of gender-based violence. Krav Generation runs self-defence classes for children and young people and teaching discipline, self-control and respect for others is one way in which we can help more positively influence youngsters.

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

Krav Generation's Parent & Child class is designed to teach parents and children how to recognise a dangerous situation and learn the necessary skills to protect themselves and each other. It's also very effective in helping young children who are shy or have been bullied. Join us in Esher or Staines!

Krav Generation's self-defence classes are for everyone as Len, our most senior member, has proved. Following an unprovoked attack in his local park, he decided to learn self-defence rather than change his lifestyle.

Emergency workers face physical and verbal abuse every day, they shouldn't have to work in fear. We run self-defence classes to equip them with effective skills and techniques to protect themselves on the job. Plus we offer a 10% blue light discount!

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. 

Krav Generation is running a four-week course for parents of young babies. Parents & Prams is designed to teach valuable self-defence techniques that will give you confidence when out and about with your baby.

Many of us wear designer clothing and use the latest tech gadgets, but did you know that certain brands are like having a target on your back? Canada Goose, The North Face and Apple in particular attract thieves and can mean personal safety is put at risk. Knowing self-defence can be very handy in such a situation.

The use of knives by children and young people is being increasingly reported. From using a knife as a threat to steal valuables from another young person or, worse, killing someone during a party, knives are ruining too many lives.