Self-Defence Training Testimonials

I was so nervous about doing the workshop, but the instructors made me feel welcomed and before I knew it the butterflies had gone. The team who teach the Street Smart workshop are so friendly and helpful. I learnt so much good stuff and even had the courage to try it on my big brothers and father when I got home.

Rose Pewhairangi

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

All I can say is OMG...This has to be the best self defense workshop for females, it's certainly the most comprehensive, enjoyable and educational workshop I've ever done. So much stuff covered and the instructors were brilliant and caring. On the Sunday the chief instructor showed up from Australia and took the class, this man knew his stuff. So looking forward to the next one in July

Karen Stringer

I attended the Massey University weekend workshop. Amber, Ash & Charlie were excellent instructors. They made sure that all us ladies knew what had to be done, how to soften and to finish. Was absolutely stuffed at the end but I felt so happy that I completed it and didn't realise that I could do anything like that. Well Done Team, don't ever stop doing what your doing.

Pauline Ross

I can't speak highly enough if Charlie and his team and what they teach. Charlie has amazing skills and his workshop is very effective. It's hands on, relevant, and intense, but Charlie makes sure to keep it fun too. I left day two feeling totally empowered. Charlie is amazing, he does this for next to nothing, purely to help woman feel confident to protect themselves. This is a workshop I will attend again, and will be recommending it everyone I know.

Erin Easton

I attended the 2 day self defense course for women....WOW! This is a well structured, and highly practical course run by Charlie, a very experienced instructor who has the knack of imparting his knowledge in a straight forward, easy to understand manner, with a touch of humour along the way. The course covers how to deal with a wide range of real life situations and I found every single minute of the course to be relevant and useful. Participants do not require any previous knowledge or skills. Be prepared for full on days with plenty of exercise (as well as some laughs) and accept that you will come away with combat tattoos (not called bruises). Just attend with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and you will leave feeling empowered. I believe this is a must do course for all women and I will gladly attend again.

Dipika Patel

Taking the self-defense course was one of the best decisions I've made for my personal safety. As a single woman living in a big city, I often feel vulnerable walking alone, especially at night. But after completing the course, I feel much more confident in my ability to protect myself if ever faced with a threatening situation. The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, and the techniques they taught were practical and effective. I highly recommend this course to any woman looking to feel empowered and safe in any situation.

Dee Walker

Pls continue your amazing self defence workshops. You and your team are arranging amazing, life saving workshops. Pls keep on the good job.

Zari (Zahara Fazelnia)

I have deeply appreciated your willingness, efforts and dedicated work. Somehow too many women don't understand the need to learn this. Many thanks

Margy Revell

Hi Team, My daughters did the self defence course a couple of weekends ago in Tauranga and loved it!! A BIG thanks to amazing Charlie - we really appreciate the time and effort he put in. They are very keen to do the knife course and we’d like to know if you are likely to have another further down the year. Thanks Liz

Elizabeth Cerdeira

I attended weekly classes in Grafton and several weekend workshops. Charlie is an excellent instructor - professional, encouraging and empowering. Its gritty, tough stuff and he gets the job done

Isolde Byron

Cannot recommend highly enough S.A.F.E.'s Women's Street Smart Self Defence and Close Quarters Combat sessions. All of the instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, supportive and, crucially, realistic about which self defence tools are most useful in real-life scenarios. The course is extremely comprehensive and covers a huge amount of content, but focuses on giving participants the time and space to practice strategies for themselves (rather than lecturing you). The 'stress drills', in particular, were very helpful in encouraging us all to think on our feet. However, be warned that you WILL feel very sore afterwards, especially after blocking consecutive hits with your forearms at the start of the first session! Nevertheless, the bruises are completely worth the knowledge and confidence you will gain. In short, it's worth every cent. Thanks S.A.F.E. Team for a great and empowering experience!

Emma Wordsworth