Self-Defence Training Testimonials

Charlie is a phenomenal instructor and funny at the same time. As a woman, I felt empowered and safe during my one-on-one lessons. I highly recommend Charlie for women seeking to enhance their self-defense skills and boost their confidence.

Olivia Rossi (Adelaide)

The workshop with Sarah and Carrie was amazing. We only did one day but could do so much more! They broke it down into bite sized chunks and gave us the space to share what we wanted to learn to meet the needs of our group. Sarah facilitated the space safely so we could have fun and still understand the importance and seriousness of self defence. We left the workshop feeling more prepared and more connected as a group.

Wesley Milne, RainbowYOUTH New Plymouth

Hi Chae, I just wanted to pass on a couple of comments we had through from the participants in the last self-defence block...I felt it was a safe space for women, and the coaches were really encouraging us to act like it was a real situation so we would be able to act accordingly if something ever happened. I remember a lot of what was taught, and I feel more prepared in a dangerous situation now...Absolutely amazing! The coach Amber was great and the skills learnt were practical and fairly easy to perform. It was based on body mechanics and therefore it didn't really matter much about how much stronger the 'opponent' is...It was really useful and I feel much more confident about my ability to defend myself if necessary. Thank you!...Feel free to pass this on to Amber too. You guys rock!

Madi Cronin, Programme Coordinator, University of Auckland

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend a two day women’s self defense course in Christchurch this past weekend. From the start of the course I was really struck with how totally engaged Charlie was as an instructor. It was evident how much his heart was in it. When I subsequently learned from the course facilitator that it was out of the goodness of his own heart that Charlie had travelled from Auckland to run the programme, I was moved to tears. I knew the training was free to participants but had presumed he received funding from a community grant, or the like. It was profound to encounter someone to whom, in such a tangible way, it is evident that the safety of women and girls matters so much. Charlie’s course is no-nonsense, physical, confronting, intense and everything it needs to be for women to grasp the reality of what is required when it comes to acting in their own defense. The drilling and repetition meant we all came away with bruises, or as Charlie calls them, combat tattoos. I am wearing my bruises like badges - I earned them doing drills designed to override any unhelpful default responses to fear, and any reticence about metering out violence. I feel better able to protect myself in a world that, for many girls and women, can feel unsafe. A gift I will never forget.

Wendy Blaas

I attended the weekend Women's Mindset Self Defence Workshop in Hamilton, and cannot recommend it highly enough. Sarah, the instructor, was skilled, confident and passionate, while being patient and supportive. The workshop covered multiple situations that a woman may find herself in, and I learnt how to more confidently protect myself in order to get out of danger. I believe that knowing the proven defence methods and how to apply them is the difference between freezing in terror, which is logical but deadly, and fighting back to get away. Bring an open mind and be willing to get into it and enjoy yourself as you learn. You won't regret it.

Jill M

Hi Charlie, I just wanted to feedback on our weekend self defence course and pass on a massive thank you from everyone in our group. We had the BEST time learning with Amber. I’m sure you already know this, but she is a rockstar!! Not only does she know her stuff, but she has a natural talent for teaching and she was able to take us through the moves in a clear logical way so that we could build on what we’d learnt and begin to figure out potential solutions ourselves. I will be recommending Mindset Self Defence to everyone. Thank you so much! It’s been a pleasure to deal with you.

Deirdre Coleman

Hey Charlie, I just wanted to pass on my thanks to both you and Amber for the session yesterday. The team had so much positive feedback from those that attended the event. I know of at least two women that are keen to do a weekend course now. Thanks again for helping us put on an event so 100% of the proceeds of the tickets sold could be donated to The Period Place. Have a great week

Hayley Thompson, F45 0ne Tree Hill

I didn't know where to post this review haha so I'll just send it over to you, I'm the asian girl thats always laughing ahha: The women's self defense workshop was one of the most empowering things I've ever done. In high stress situations I don't go into fight or flight, i freeze. And this is why the stress tests we did on each other were so powerful for me. They created real fear for the moment. I did freeze at first but after the repetitions I felt that I actually had control. It feels so great to break out of my freeze and actually stand up for myself. The instructors created a save space for me to open up and step into that discomfort. Highly recommend, so you too can see what you're truly capable of! Side note for you Sarah, seriously thank you so much. Keep doing what you're doing, you're a badass. And you truly are so inspiring, like you do this for free!? Amazing. Know that you've made a different in my life and grateful to have randomly found this event. Thank you

anonymous

Mate the feedback was awesome, we were asking about a train the trainer program if there was one. Thanks Mate was so appreciated, Sarah was amazing. Cheers Craig

Craig Marshall, Gore & Clutha Women's Refuge

I've just completed the two day women's self defence workshop in Hamilton. Absolutely brilliant! Excellent content and instructors. Hugely empowering. I highly recommend and would definitely attend again.

Maureen Harte

Today my daughter and I attended a SAFE Women's self defence course in Tauranga, even though at times, being physically testing, we are so glad we went, it was real and raw, we came away armed with skills, understandings and techniques that proved fundamental for protection. We learnt how strong us women really are. Our instructor Sarah did an amazing job of teaching us what we needed to learn in a fun, safe, but thorough manner. Find the time ladies, this is a MUST!

Tracey Thomas

Best workshop I have attended. Been training in Martial Arts for a while now but I've never been taught in such a professional, intuative and sometimes humerous way. The instructor was open to my questions and because of my Martial Arts background he would explain and show the difference and every now and then he would show me a technique to advance what we had just learnt and what I had already been shown in the Dojo.

Hine Knowles