Wed, 05 Jul 2017 07:37:28 +1200WeeblySun, 02 Jul 2017 21:20:19 GMThttp://www.selfdefense.org.nz/news/womens-refugeOver the weekend we held a self defense class specifically for clients of Women's Refuge (which is our chosen charity partner).

The women who walked into the class were not the same women who left. the change was almost tangible. A light that may not have shone for a long time started to glow once more.

Thank you to the Women's Refuge team who gave up part of their day and made a difference to the lives of those who attended.

We love what we do, and we are so very proud.

​David & Chyvon
]]>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.selfdefense.org.nz/news/standing-tallerWe have already mentioned that we've been doing some one-on-one training for a young man who was being bullied a school.

Tonight he was different. He stood a bit taller, and held his head up.

He told me about how he used our training on two separate times. Once when another boy tried to hit him, and ended up face down, and another time when someone tried to grab his school bag, and ended up on his ass.
All he wanted was to be left alone, and guess what... that is whats happening.
We are so proud of him, he has changed his future.

David & Chyvon
]]>Tue, 06 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.selfdefense.org.nz/news/whats-it-all-aboutWe're often asked exactly what we cover in our self defense classes, so here's a simple breakdown of what we do...

• Section 48 of the crimes act (right to self defence)
• What not to do
• What to yell when in danger
• Awareness
• Mild techniques which are not violent but appropriate 
• Dealing with in appropriate touch
• Detect how to recognise someone is likely to be hostile
• Body language
• Deter someone who may be hostile
• Defend yourself easily (blocks) if attacked
• Deflect - use their energy against them
• Grab from behind - what to do to
• Choking - from victim to victorious

We hold monthly classes at St Andrew's Church in Whangarei although we are happy to teach on your own terms, i.e. one-on-one training or a private group.

David & Chyvon]]>Thu, 01 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.selfdefense.org.nz/news/zero-toleranceRecently we have been undertaking some one-on-one training with a teenager who is being terribly bullied at school.

Last week we also received several enquiries from concerned parents and even grandparents regarding some self defense training in regards to bullying.

When someone has the confidence that comes with the ability to defend themselves, you get left alone and no longer be a target of the bullies.
​
We are passionate about helping people defend themselves against bullying. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions and/or are interested in some self defense training for yourself or someone you care about.

As a society we need to have zero tolerance for bullying.

David & Chyvon

]]>Tue, 23 May 2017 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.selfdefense.org.nz/news/the-best-kind-of-feedbackI have just received an email from a sister of a recent client of ours. I have remvoed the names for privacy reasons.

Email as follows.
Hello David
I was talking with my sister who has had self defense lessons with you last year. She was involved in one of your programmes you ran with the Whangarei Womens Refuge.
Four nights ago, she was accosted by a male who tried to attack her.  She used your methods and took the guy down to the ground. The guy ran away and my sister felt confident to use the skills you taught her. I am very proud of my little sister for defending herself and am very grateful that you taught her the skills.
I definitely think that your classes are working and all women should attend.

We love what we do.

​David & Chyvon

]]>Sat, 06 May 2017 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.selfdefense.org.nz/news/why-we-do-itSelf confidence.

Everyone deserves to have it and its one of the reasons we teach the self defense class.

Today, we saw a visible change in a young girl when she became confident in her self. She went from being shy and nervous to being able to do some very simple and effective moves.

Kudos to her dad for bringing her along. You were fantastic and encouraging, and we appreciated your participation. This young lady now has confidence beaming off her.

We feel proud and humbled to have been party to her transformation.

David & Chyvon
]]>Tue, 02 May 2017 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.selfdefense.org.nz/news/proud-parentIt's awesome when we empower and educate.

Thanks to those who made it to tonight's class, it was our pleasure to meet you and teach you how to defend yourselves.

The effectiveness of what we teach is evident when a young lady half David's size can drop him to the floor. And, as always, we are raising money for Women's Refuge. Making a difference in any way we can.

We received a phone call this morning from the mother of a 14-year-old girl who wanted to thank me. Her daughter went home and demonstrated what she had learnt. Mum was really impressed.

​David & Chyvon
]]>Tue, 18 Apr 2017 23:30:00 GMThttp://www.selfdefense.org.nz/news/all-ages-welcomeWow what a fantastic inspiring class we had today.

It's great to see the change in confidence that occurs when someone who was shy/ nervous gains a valuable skill.

Our attendees ranged in age from 14 to 64 years old and we raised some good money for Women's Refuge.

The goal for every class is to create empowered lives, and we acheived that today.

We look forward to holding a class in the Dargaville and Hikurangi areas in the not too distant future.

David & Chyvon]]>