Women’s Group Safety & Self Defence Workshops
Upcoming workshops:
Women’s Self-defence Workshop
Empowering workshops in collaboration with Coach Joanne of Women’s Self Defence UK tailored to women who want to feel safer, alert and more in control. Perfect for beginners or refreshers, these sessions deliver practical tools, real-world scenarios, and confidence-building techniques focused on awareness, assertiveness, and de-escalation.
Having both Joanna and Nicholas – a female and a male instructor - running the workshops offers the participants the best possible perspective of a real-life scenario. With Joanna leading the workshops the participants will also have the opportunity to practice techniques during simple drills with Nicholas and become comfortable and mentally and physically prepared to deal with a male attacker.
Date: 14-15 March 2026
Venue: Ray Stevens Academy, 253 Burlington Road, New Malden KT3 4NE
Ages: Women 16+
Price: Day 1: £129, Day 2: £129, Both days: £179
DAY 1: STAND-UP DEFENCE (3:30-6:30pm)
Saturday, 14th of March 2026
This session focuses on self-defence from standing position. The coaches touch on building confidence through strong body language while teaching simple and practical techniques that anyone can use. You’ll explore how to control your space, maintain balance, and use basic blocks, strikes and escape techniques. Through hands-on coaching and guided partner practice you’ll develop practical skills you can rely on in real-world situations.
Agenda
Reflex and awareness drills
Footwork, balance and distance control
Verbal de-escalation techniques
Blocks, strikes and counterattacking
Escapes from grabs and holds
Scenarios with coach-led guidance
DAY 2: GROUND DEFENCE (2-5pm)
Sunday, 15th of March 2026
This session focuses on self-defence while on ground. The instructors will show what to do when you’re being pushed to the ground, how to fall safely, regain control, and use your legs and hips as powerful tools for defence. You’ll work through practical ground-based scenarios with expert coaches in a safe and supportive environment.
Agenda
Break fall techniques to minimise injury
Establishing a strong combat base
Defensive frames using legs and shins
Using lower body for strikes and sweeps
Recovery from ground attacks
From a recent Group Workshop at Ryan Steven’s Academy running with Joanna of Women’s Self Defence UK.
Nicholas Polo runs or or co-runs with Joanna group self-defence workshops for adult women across Central London. These workshops are designed to build confidence and teach practical techniques for personal safety in a safe, supportive environment.
Sessions include fundamental self-defence techniques for both standing and ground positions. Key areas covered include:
Upper and lower body strikes
Blocks and counters
Escapes from chokes and headlocks
Hair-pull defences
Takedowns and mount escapes
Workshops also touch on important aspects such as situational awareness, de-escalation strategies, roleplay, and defensive decision-making. Participants practice techniques with one another and also have the opportunity to work with Nicholas and his male instructor partner. This provides a realistic understanding of how to respond both physically and psychologically in the event of a confrontation.
Awareness
De-escalations
Defences
Counterattacks
“I design my workshops to cover key areas such as situational awareness, de-escalation, response speed, and explosive techniques,” says Nicholas. “Participants also get hands-on experience with fundamental striking moves like punches, kicks, elbow and knee strikes.”
Watch Nicholas in action leading a women’s self-defence workshop, demonstrating real-life defence and counterattack techniques.
Bring Safety & Self-Defence Training to Your Workplace
Give your team the confidence and skills to stay safe. If you're interested in hosting a corporate self-defence workshop, get in touch to discuss how we can tailor a session for your organisation.
Nicholas Polo, MSc
Instructor Member of The British Combat Association
Brown Belt Krav Maga working towards Black with the Institute of Krav Maga UK
Boxing Padwork Certified
Author of “7 Best Exercises to Lower your Cholesterol”
Articles at Men’s Health, Women’s Health, MailOnline
Health and Fitness Product Testing Panelist for Hearst
Member of One Heart Clinic, Harley Street
Collaborations with Harley Therapy, Harley Street
Self Defence Workshops volunteering for EGA girls school
Gift Purchase
Want to give your loved ones a gift that could lead to a life skill? You may purchase here!
Gift certificates are valid for 6 months. Women’s Combat Krav Maga Self Defence Sessions are limited to Hampstead, Hampstead Heath NW3 or surrounding areas. Terms and Conditions apply.