Self-Defence Training Testimonials

Fantastic 2 days spent being pushed out of my comfort zone and gaining confidence with my own strength which I never knew I had. I am battered and bruised but really feel empowered and would recommend this course as a MUST DO for all woman. Charlie is a great teacher and you learn through small steps and different scenarios to keep you thinking all the while learning. Well worth spending the weekend doing the course.

Adele Piper

Just attended the SAFE Women's Street Smart Self Defense workshop. This was great and I definitely learnt heaps. This is a very hands-on and practical course and you will get a few bruises but it is definitely worth it for what you get out of it. Charlie is a great instructor and you learn a lot of useful techniques in a short amount of time.

Jemma Harnett

This weekend I took this self defence class, 2 days 10.30 till 4, I’m buggered!!!! This class is the best class I have ever done. It’s not a fluffy class it’s full on in the first half hour my wrist and hands were sore, over the weekend if Charlie or Amber got hold of you it’s as if the scenario is not a training sess but a real life situation, I’m… More now covered in bruising from doing everything as if was really happening, however if you want to learn to proctect your self REALLY protect your self this is the class. These guys are coming back to Tauranga this year it’s $10 for the weekend female only classes, mothers and daughters go together be empowered learn to protect yourself in every scenario. Charlie the instructor and Amber are awesome. Thank you

Maree McGarva

Just attended a 2 day workshop. No time wasted in talking, straight into action. It's not too technical, no prerequisite to attend! Just be prepared for the bruises as it's hands on and quite intense😅 It covers a lot of areas in a relatively short time. Fantastic instructors, thank you so much for your expertise

Sylvie Irvine

My Girl and I did the course in Chch with Charlie last year. It was fantastic and incredibly empowering. I cannot recommend it more strongly. Charlie is an ally and a mensch!

Learne Mcarthur

I attend the July Safe Self Defence class. I really enjoyed the class. Really practical and useful! Strongly recommend it!

Tongtong Huang

If you know anyone who might be interested this course is legit amazing!

Portia Lee

Hi Charlie, I just wanted to say a great BIG thank you for making yourself and Nina available to our community yesterday. The workshop was absolutely fantastic and I don’t think there was anyone who didn’t enjoy it. I have already had some people indicating that they would be interested in a follow up next year.

Josie Adriaansen, Chairperson, Murrays Bay Residents Association

SAFE Self Defence instructor Charlie Riley has been a wonderful addition to our Defence Programme and for our students over the past six years. He knows what he's talking about and makes the learning of Self Defence fun while maintaining the seriousness of the skills. He clarifies the WHY, WHEN and HOW when applying Self Defence. A no nonsense approach to his sessions; yet you cannot help enjoy yourself immensely and walk away feeling achievement and ready to go for another session. Each year my students would ask for more and more time with Charlie; what initially was a 2 hour session, became 2 weeks at a time. Thanks to his classes, Charlie has also helped direct many youth to take a pathway towards a career in Sports, recreation, self defence, security, personal training and the Police Force. I have found myself personally participating each year in Charlie's classes and always felt exhilarated with the new skills I learnt. Charlie's instructional style, great sense of humour and professionalism just makes hitting the ground so much fun.

June H Rhind, Youth Defence Force Tutor

I was initially nervous about this workshop, even though it had all 5-star reviews. After day one, I was exhausted but felt accomplished, pushing past my mental barriers. Day two was more intense and realistic, and everything led up to the crucial self-defence module. Huge thanks to Charlie and his team for offering such an eye-opening experience that highlighted the daily realities some women face.

Samantha Young

What a brilliant course!! Didn't expect anything, when I signed up for it and came out with so much more knowledge (and bruisings)! Just an amazing weekend, where you actually learn about what you're actually able to do! Big thumbs up team - thanks so much for offering something like that!!

Isabelli Zitzelsberger

What a brilliant course!! Didn't expect anything, when I signed up for it and came out with so much more knowledge (and bruisings)! Just an amazing weekend, where you actually learn about what you're actually able to do! Big thumbs up team - thanks so much for offering something like that!!

Doris Neubauer