Self Defence Workshops & Courses in Southport

Not ready to commit to regular classes? Our self defence workshops and short courses are the perfect way in. They're self-contained, beginner-friendly and designed to send you home with practical skills after a single session or a short run of weeks — no membership and no long-term commitment required. They're also one of the things that makes us a bit different in Southport: a low-pressure, high-value introduction to personal safety for individuals and groups alike.

Open workshops

Our open workshops are roughly two-hour intro sessions held at the gym and open to anyone aged 16 and over. In a single session you'll cover the essentials: situational awareness, trusting your instincts, using your voice to set boundaries and de-escalate, and a handful of simple, high-percentage physical techniques to break free and escape. They suit complete beginners, nervous first-timers and anyone who wants a confidence boost without committing to a weekly routine. Many people use a workshop as a taster before joining regular classes.

Short courses

If you want structure, our short courses build your skills over a fixed run of weeks — for example, a "Self Defence in 6 Weeks" beginners' course. Each week builds on the last, so by the end you've got a connected set of skills rather than a handful of one-off tricks. Courses run at fixed start dates through the year (including across the school holidays, as all our training does), so there's usually one starting soon — ask us for the next dates.

Private & group bookings

We love running tailored sessions for groups, and this is where workshops really come into their own. We regularly deliver private self defence training for:

• Workplaces & corporate teams — lone-worker safety, de-escalation for customer-facing staff, and team confidence-building.
• Hen parties — a genuinely memorable, empowering activity that's a world away from the usual.
• Community groups & clubs — practical personal-safety sessions tailored to your members.
• Students & youth groups — age-appropriate awareness and safety skills.

We tailor the content to your group's needs and can either host you at the gym in Southport or, for larger bookings, come to a suitable venue of yours across Sefton, Formby, Ormskirk and the wider Merseyside area. Groups often prefer to talk it through first, so do call us.

Women-only workshops

We run women-only workshops too, ideal for friend groups and workplaces. As in all our training, sessions are supportive but realistic — you'll practise against genuine size and strength because that's what makes the skills work. See our women's self defence page for the full picture.

For families & younger members

Because we're a UK Children's University learning destination, younger participants in eligible sessions can earn Children's University credits (Passport-to-Learning hours) toward their graduation — a lovely bonus for parents alongside the safety skills. Ask us how it works.

What's included & what you'll take away

Every workshop participant gets hands-on coaching, a certificate of attendance and a take-home personal-safety awareness guide to keep the key points fresh. Most importantly, you'll leave with skills you've actually practised under light pressure, not just watched.

Pricing & how to enquire

Workshop and course pricing depends on the format and group size — see [PRICE — TBC] or simply ask. To check dates or book a private group session, use the enquiry form below, head to our contact page, or call us. Curious about regular training instead? Grab a free trial class, or check the FAQ and our beginner's guide.

Enquire about a workshop

Prefer to talk? Call [PHONE] — groups are very welcome and we're happy to plan a session around you.