Self Defence Classes & Timetable in Southport
Every self defence class we run in Southport follows the same honest aim: give you skills you could actually use, taught in a way that's safe, friendly and never intimidating. A typical session starts with a light warm-up to get you moving, moves into focused drills on a specific theme — awareness, escaping a grab, using your voice, creating distance — and then puts those pieces together in controlled scenario work before a cool-down. You'll always know why you're doing something and how it applies to real life. No two sessions feel like a chore, and you can come in cold with zero experience.
Importantly, our classes run year-round with proper continuity, including straight through the school holidays. There are no long seasonal shutdowns, so the skills you build don't go stale and you never have to "restart". That consistency is a big part of why people here progress steadily.
Weekly timetable
Days, times and levels below. Final scheduling is confirmed at the gym.
| Day | Time | Class | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| [TIMETABLE — TBC] | [TIMETABLE — TBC] | General Self Defence | All levels |
| [TIMETABLE — TBC] | [TIMETABLE — TBC] | Beginners' Intro | Beginners |
| [TIMETABLE — TBC] | [TIMETABLE — TBC] | Women's Session | All levels |
| [TIMETABLE — TBC] | [TIMETABLE — TBC] | General Self Defence | All levels |
Class types
General self defence
Our core, all-levels class. Mixed sessions where you'll practise awareness, de-escalation and high-percentage physical techniques against partners of different sizes and strengths. This is where most members train week to week, and it's open to everyone aged 16 and up.
Beginners' intro
A gentler entry point for anyone who has never trained. We slow things right down, explain the "why" behind every drill, and build your confidence one simple skill at a time. Read our beginner's guide first if you'd like to know exactly what to expect.
Women's session
A women-led session focused on the scenarios women tell us they worry about most. Full details, including why our women still train against realistic resistance, are on the women's self defence page.
What to expect in your first class
Arrive five or ten minutes early, introduce yourself to a coach, and let us know it's your first time — we'll look after you. After an easy warm-up, you'll work through a few core drills with a partner, try some light, controlled scenario practice, and finish with a cool-down. Crucially, you'll partner with people of different sizes and strengths, including men. We do this deliberately: a real attacker is usually bigger and stronger, so training only against people just like you, or in a compliant way where nobody resists, would have no effect in reality and would be ineffective. It stays supportive and controlled throughout — but honest, so your skills are actually tested.
What to bring & what to wear
Just comfortable, loose clothing you can move in — a T-shirt and joggers or leggings are perfect — and a water bottle. Trainers are fine. You don't need any kit, uniform or equipment to start; we'll provide anything else you need for your first sessions.
Levels & progression — without the jargon
There's no belt pressure here and no syllabus to memorise. We measure progress by one thing: whether you could keep yourself safer than you could last month. You'll naturally build from the basics to handling more pressure over time, at your own pace. Families take note: as a UK Children's University learning destination, younger members can earn Children's University credits (Passport-to-Learning hours) toward graduation by attending.
How to book
Your first class is free. Claim your free trial, explore our workshops and courses, check the FAQ, or contact us with any questions before you come down.