Frequently Asked Questions
About our courses:
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If you work with other people, we have a course for you! Check out our Conflict Reduction Course for frontline workers, or our Confident Workers Course for building confidence when dealing with confrontational people.
We know that our customers might not be routinely training in martial arts or combative self-defence. That’s no problem for us - we’d much rather meet you where you’re at and give you skills that are relevant to your role, in your work, with your policies and procedures. -
Courses are a mixture of theory and practical exercises, with some self-reflection added in. In most of our level 1 courses we try to avoid role play where possible. It is most important that you are comfortable with the exercises that you’re doing, and participants are free to sit out as required.
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They’re not violent, but we do go into detail about violence and violent behaviour. Some of the exercises are physical, but the aim of the course is to reduce the chances for situations at work escalating to violence.
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Most participants wear smart casual, and there is no issue with jeans and a t-shirt. If you wear something particular for your work (e.g. a uniform or a particular item of clothing) then it shouldn’t be a problem to wear that on the day. If you’re unsure please check in advance.
Trainers are preferred, and please no high heels! -
Participation in the training is on an entirely voluntary basis, and if there is an exercise you feel unable or unwilling to take part in we have no issue if you want to sit it out. But, we will always endeavour to find a suitable alternative exercise if one exists.
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That depends! Usually, we come to you- all we need is a room to sit in, speak in, sometimes shout in, and move around in with some free space around. If this is an issue, don’t let it stop you. We are happy to discuss alternatives.
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As few as one. There is a strict cut off at 30 people, but 15 to 20 is usually a happy medium. If you have more staff to spaces, discounts for extra courses are available.
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The level 1 courses are both a full eight hour working day, although we will always try to finish in good time to allow for questions (and traffic!). There are breaks built in for coffee and lunch, but coffee and lunch is not provided.
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The risks in training are very low, and every effort has been made to ensure the safety of every participant. Occasionally accidents do happen (usually slips/ trips), but these are fortunately very rare. In fact, the most common injury in this type of training are as a result of pre-existing injuries, so we do ask that you disclose these before training.
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No. Unfortunately because of the physical training involved in these courses they cannot be taken online.
However, it is possible to deliver some of the theoretical aspects of the training, at a bespoke rate. If this is something you’d like to explore further please get in touch. -
Personal Injury and Public Liability insurance is in place through membership and association with Krav Maga Global UK, for activities recognised and authorised by same.
About the Useful Self Defence Company:
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The Useful Self Defence Company is a corporate specialist training provider. This means our courses are designed and tailored to teaching people how to face violent confrontation in work. As such, our expectation is that our customers may not be routinely training in martial arts or combative skills and may come
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Unlike other companies, our training focuses on the “soft skills” of self-defence, the less physical behaviours that occur before a physical altercation. We recognise that physical skills are important, however these take time, practice and constant feedback to perfect, whereas social training can have a much larger and longer lasting impact, more quickly.
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Courses at present are delivered by our lead instructor, Rob. Rob served as a Police Officer for ten years, during five of which he was teaching self-defence courses to other officers. He has an Expert 2 level in Krav Maga (under Krav Maga Global) and also trains in Mixed Martial Arts.
Rob has previously delivered sessions to HMRC and Ministry of Justice, as well as numerous other companies and charities.
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We can offer discounts for multiple bookings, returning customers and “noble causes” (i.e. charities). Please let us know prior to booking if you wish to discuss discount options.
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We are open to delivering bespoke courses if there’s something you have in mind. Get in touch to let us know.
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Payment terms are 50% of flat rate (excluding VAT) within 14 days prior to the course. Remaining balance including VAT to be paid within 28 days of completion of the course.
About Self Defence Training:
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10% of all workplace injuries are as a result of violence. As employers, we have a duty of care towards our staff and if we can help reduce that risk of violence, improve knowledge, and encourage confident and assertive behaviour, we can help our staff be happier, healthier, reduce sickness leave and turnover and create a more open workplace.
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At the Useful Self Defence Company our slogan is Knowledge - Confidence - Empowerment, because we see these as the biggest benefits of self-defence training. Our courses aim to teach useful information, to make participants more confident, so they can make smart decisions under pressure.
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The short answer is - anybody who has to say no to members of the public. But these aren’t the only risks, and different types of violence can affect different people in different ways. For example, lone workers are especially at risk from predatory violence, while violence against retail staff has increased 340% in six years. That’s why it’s important to us that we tailor our courses to your needs.
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This is a misconception. Some self-defence should be physical, but it is much safer to avoid, prevent or de-escalate violence before it happens. If you are safe, and you feel safe, then your self-defence is working.