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Self-Defence Training Testimonials

Read feedback from people and organisations who have attended MINDSET self-defence workshops, Adelaide classes and one-to-one training. Experiences include women’s workshops, community groups, education providers and workplace teams. Testimonials retain their original locations and historical context.

Featured experiences

Sarah was an excellent instructor. She was well spoken and clear. In all fairness I commend her even more for putting up with our group. What appealed more to me personally was seeing how much energy she could put out – which gave myself the confidence ‘if she can do it I can do it’. The class was fun, I learnt a lot. I also love how she laughed along side our group. Sara didn’t sugar coat situation; she was very direct. The way she also included herself in some of our activities was also great as it added that extra element of surprise for the people she joined in with. Would highly recommend her to any groups and would love for her to come back to teach us more.

Lilli Vea, Graeme Dingle Foundation

I work for a not-for-profit and assist persons who are marginalised in our society because of their sexuality, immigration status, or both. Finding a trainer that would welcome us and treat everyone with respect was my priority, and Charlie did not let us down. He was friendly, respectful, and we all felt comfortable to learn from him. The workshop was highly informative and dynamic, and every participant were excited about what they learned from him.

Lucas Lopes Rodrigues, BiCultural Peer Worker, STTARS (Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service - Adelaide)

I just completed a two day course with Sarah, Carrie and Mandy. They were so welcoming, non judgemental and cater to every ability and confidence levels in the class. What they taught was eye opening, using common real life scenarios that could happen and what you can do to get out of them. They do not sugar coat things either, be prepared to get physical and mentally challenged - this is great for practising for real life scenario. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I will definitely be back! It was a challenging fun two days. Thank you guys!

Meizi Ho

More participant experiences

Testimonials describe participants’ experiences at the time. Current training arrangements, availability and pricing may differ.

Awesome work, Charlie! The two-day course is an eye-opener - there are so many things you can do to defend yourself ! I learnt heaps and had a lot of fun as well. I recommend it!

Carolina Gonzalez

Just finished the 2 day women's self-defense workshop at Massey Albany campus and LOVED it!! Learned so many practical and useful techniques that everyone should acquire. Thanks so much Charlie for your time and sharing us your knowledge. Bravo

Misato Radovanovich

Charlie is a fantastic teacher and by the end of the weekend you really feel like you have a full toolbox in case you ever need them. I highly recommend this workshop to all women. It could save your life. Well worth the bruises!

Kat Johnson

Thanks so much Charlie for giving our group of teenagers, the skills and confidence they need that may one day save their life. We are very grateful for your expertise and time. We are all in awe of you and your skill set. Thank you so much Charlie!!

Pamela Saville

Hi Charlie, Thanks again for the awesome course in Wellington yesterday. A few hours of lessons could be all the difference between life and death, so really appreciate you giving up your time for these free courses. Once you've got dates locked in for your next Wellington course, just let me know and I can help spread the word through friends and work. I'm sure many of them would love to attend.

Natalia Far

Hi Charlie, Although I left early on Sunday, I just wanted to email and say many thanks for the course. It was brilliant and I will recommend it to a number of other women I work with. I was wondering whether you had ever thought about offering courses for men and women who were over 60 as I know a number who could do with learning the basics. The moves you showed us on that Saturday are brilliant...Anyhow I really just wanted to say thank you and let you know how much I appreciated your giving up the time to help us learn the basics of self defence. It has made me want to go on and learn more, despite the bruises.

Gail Holman

Just a big thank you to Charlie for his great weekend workshop at Massey...bruises yes... Painful yes... wud I come back for a weekly class YES

Sue

The 2 day workshop has not only brought self-defence knowledge and skills to us but also CONFIDENCE. I recommend this course to woman like me who thinks women are so vulnerable. Charlie is a great instructor who motives and encourages us to challenge ourselves. We learnt different skills for different scenarios. Spending a few hours on weekend was well worth the time and energy. I know for sure that if you go to this course once, you want to attend another one. Can’t wait to see Charlie again at one of the workshops.

Susan Ye

Monday was a painful day for me, I could barely move! The bumps and bruises were worth it however. I didn't know how defenceless I was until I met Charlie. Thinking I could defend myself and actually being able to defend myself turned out to be two completely different things. Bring on the next workshop!

Lea Springintveld, Academic Staff Member WINTEC

I'm covered in bruises and my muscles are sore, but it was 100% worth it. The workshop taught me so many new techniques and I feel so much more confident in myself and my ability to protect myself. Bruises are a small price to pay for the skills and confidence Charlie gives you.

Erica Donald

Such a great class! Charlie makes each class hard work but totally enjoyable! I especially enjoyed the fitness regime and learnt a lot of technical manoeuvres that really could save you from being seriously hurt. I'm still practising the moves on my family! ! It was lovely to meet such a fantastic bunch of hard working women. Thanks so much for all your hard work Charlie

Tracy Bull

My teenage daughter attended the Grafton workshop. Yes there were battle bruises on her arms ... but a small price to pay for the techniques that she learnt. The instructor had 30 years of Martial Arts experience. He knew his stuff and the course was lots of fun! I'll be signing up myself for the next one. A must do for any teenage girl, and thoroughly recommended for all woman.

Trina Bicknell

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