Your First Self-Defence Class

A first class is a chance to learn about the training and decide whether the approach suits you.

Before you go

Contact the club to check which session to attend. Mention that you are a beginner, ask what to wear and check whether equipment is provided or required. Confirm arrival time and where to enter the venue.

Ask how the lesson works

Do not assume every self-defence class follows the same format. Ask about warm-ups, demonstrations, partner practice and the pace of the session. If a particular activity worries you, discuss it before taking part.

Understand partner practice

Ask how partners agree the pace and how to pause an exercise. You should understand what you are being asked to practise before starting. Let the instructor know if a movement or level of contact is uncomfortable.

What should you take away?

You are unlikely to master a skill in one session. Look for clear explanations, time to ask questions and a realistic discussion of what training can and cannot do. Awareness and opportunities to leave a situation are worth discussing alongside physical skills.

After the class

Think about whether the teaching was understandable and whether you felt able to ask for help. Before joining, confirm fees, equipment needs and how regularly you would be expected to attend.

Find a class in Heysham

Explore Krav Maga classes and the timetable. You can also read about self-defence beyond physical techniques.