Self-Defence Training Testimonials

On Saturday I was there. Charlie did a great job. So passionate and professional. I really enjoyed it and I am sorry I missed Sunday.

Zara Fazelnia

We asked Chae to hold a self defense workshop for the staff, volunteers and young people at RainbowYOUTH as the environment we are working in can be testing at times. We weren't sure what to expect but the workshop completely exceeded our expectations. We did end up with a few bumps and bruises but it was definitely worth it. Chae was so enthusiastic and supportive throughout the day and the young people, as well as the staff members had a great time. If you´re looking for someone to teach you how to defend yourself in any kind of threatening situation, I would definitely recommend Chae because he's so passionate about what he does. Thank you so much for taking the time to make us feel safer in our daily lives!!

Vanessa Vordemfelde

My perception about the class nearly stopped me from going to the 2 day Auckland workshop but I'm glad I went out of my comfort zone and did go. The environment was really supportive and safe. Everything was controlled and well taught. The trainer is a fantastic teacher who explains, demonstrates and supports each step of the way. Yes it was a great workout too but I feel incredibly accomplished to have completed both days. I've learnt so much and feel more certain in my own ability to handle whatever life throws at me. I'd recommend this class to everyone and I'll definitely be back to keep my new skills sharp. Thanks for the amazing weekend!

Stacey Rodgers

Just completed the 2 day workshop in Grafton with Charlie. Highly recommend it !! I am a professional fitness coach and it was a breath of fresh air to be a student in such a professional training environment, where you learn very effective skills to defend yourself safely and strict with technique. You get such a lot of out of it, if you put in your 100% effort, as that's what Charlie does I definitely will be carrying on with Wednesday night classes held at the Combat Gym in Grafton . Thank you for your quality time.

Joanne Pearce

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Charlie Riley for the Self Defence workshops he delivered at Mount Albert Grammar this year. As part of our Year 10 Health programme, Charlie ran 6 junior health classes. Charlie was at the highest standard, he was interactive and met the educational needs of year 10 students. Charlie's passion for inspiring young people, and allowing them an opportunity to think about their personal safety and potential issues they will face in their lives is commendable. His messages about personal safety, consequences and responsibility was inspirational, valuable and informative. It is my belief that students came away with a wealth of knowledge which goes far beyond school but for their own personal lives and the lives of their friends and family. SAFE Self Defence are a valuable asset to our community and to any health programme. We will continue to invite Charlie in at various times over the year to enhance and reinforce the learning of our students. Thank you once again for presenting to our students.

Scott Greenwood

Thank you Chae for holding these incredible free workshops. I feel a lot more confident and hadn't realised how much I could learn in such a small amount of time. At the same time it has really highlighted how little I know in terms of self defence and protecting myself in case I might need to in a real life situation. If you haven't attended a Women's Street Smart workshop already I would highly recommend getting yourself to one ASAP.

Mimy Kim

I honestly didn't know what to expect when I signed up to the Wellington Workshops. I can't recommend enough the value of attending one of these workshops. I feel equipped and confident that I could look after myself if the situation ever arose that I needed to. Charlie was absolutely excellent. It was an intense weekend and the bruises, sorry combat tattoos, were worth it.

Jenna Shaw

Great workshop which you gain valuable knowledge very very practical! Everyone should do it. Charlie is a great teacher and instructor! Very hand on, lots and lots of practices! Give it a try, please!!!

Anna Hwang

An incredibly tough yet amazing workshop. Thank you to Charlie for putting us all through our paces, most definitely happy to spread the word about this teaching tool!

Sarah Leigh Thorogood

Hi Charlie, Thank you very much for the passion in teaching us the techniques. Now I feel confident and fearless to tackle people if I am attacked. By making the course intensive I have more options to use when attacked. I also feel more safe at home as I can defend myself. Thanks a ton. Thank you for your quality time.

Sagnita

A small snippett posted on Club Waipa's Facebook page... Hey a massive thank you to Charlie our instructor, very passionate, knowledgeable and a wee bit of a comedian. And what’s a workshop without those that attend. Outstanding and inspirational. You all should be very proud of yourself, it was not an easy day. Thank you all so much for supporting the workshop, Women’s Refuge and each other. And a BIG shout out to Countdown for providing us with lunch, you are what a community is all about. Thank you so very much. SAFE Self-defence (Charlie) has offered to come back in the New Year to repeat the workshop. To reinforce what was learnt, update any technique and catch anyone that missed out this time.

Lynda

A free two day workshop was run at Manurewa Marae for the young women in our community. Chae is an awesome instructor; we learnt some valuable life skills about keeping ourselves safe; it was suitable for any fitness level and worked well for the age group. The workshops were very empowering and i believe that the skills Chae teaches are a necessity for all young women! Nga mihi Chae, awesome mahi!

Zara Rihi Motutere, Manurewa Marae