self defence CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
It’s always so rewarding to hear that our self defence classes have made a difference - here are some of the students, schools, businesses, groups and individuals who have used our services.
"I booked Streetwise Defence to deliver an online workshop to our employees at Mortgage Advice Bureau Head Office and they didn’t disappoint. Thank you Dene for sharing your knowledge, expertise and passion to spread awareness around self defence and equip us all with valuable life skills! Thank you for being so open and sharing your own personal experiences, you really have given us more confidence to be able to protect ourselves. I highly recommend the courses to anyone - Dene's passion to educate on this topic really shone through."
Rhianna Benjamin, HR People Team, Mortgage Advice Bureau
“Dene did a brilliant Self Defence Masterclass via Zoom to almost 800 women who work in the media industry. His insights and advice were excellent. My main takeaway was understanding the behaviour that precedes an attack, and how to avoid it. I could not recommend Dene’s services enough.”
Emma Steventon, Marketing Manager, Delamar Academy, London
“The students were informed, entertained, and most importantly prepared for occasions where self-defence may be needed. The first strategy of avoidance was excellent and persuasively explained why physical defence is not the first part of self-defence. They loved the chance to try the palm strikes and the demonstration of shredding. I haven’t heard a single negative comment. All of the students that I have spoken to have said how informative it was and that they enjoyed it.”
Mrs C Charles, Deputy Head, Stamford High School Sixth Form
“The feedback I received from our students (aged 16+), following the workshops given by Dene and Daniel from Streetwise Defence in December 2021, was extremely positive. Their expert knowledge was passed on in an engaging and friendly manner thus enabling the students to learn new skills and so leave feeling more confident about being out on the street. The students very much enjoyed practising with equipment provided. A very worthwhile workshop!”
Jackie Gray, Deputy Principal, Northern Ballet School, Manchester
“Dene delivered a self-defence workshop, specifically for women and it was excellent. Dene has a wealth of knowledge and experience within close protection and self-defence. His delivery was professional, informative and I would highly recommend his services to everyone.”
Melissa Shaw, National Employer Training (NET), Grimsby
“The session was very informative and interactive. We especially liked the fact that we started out with real life awareness and avoidance examples. Dene’s knowledge was excellent and we all came away feeling much more confident in how to avoid putting ourselves at risk.
“We would highly recommend Dene’s session for any group looking to find out how to remove themselves from vulnerable situations and protect themselves if/when they find themselves at risk.”
Janet Bebb, Owner, Social Progress Ltd, Huddersfield
”Streetwise Defence training gives our members and the general public around us such a benefit. The female self defence program which Dene ran for us went down tremendously, the participants gave some great feedback and left more confident for fight or flight situations. It gave an in-depth knowledge on not just the physical aspect of self defence but the psychological aspect; the whys, the whats and hows.”
Ryan Gray, Co-owner, Feel Good Studio & Gym, Louth
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“They instantly made me and the other participants feel very comfortable, and created a safe space for all of us to get involved in. They covered various scenarios which helped to open our eyes to all possible places we would need to defend ourselves, and conversely, they helped us to understand how to avoid the situation also and just walk away before initiating any violence. The practical element of palm strikes was particularly exciting and after I had a chance to attempt shredding, which was even more intense. Overall it was an amazing session ran by great people, and I think I can speak for all the SHS students who participated that the class left us feeling not only aware but empowered.”
Year 12 student, Stamford High School Sixth Form
“I had a private session booked with Dene before I moved away from home to study. Dene covers everything from the psychology of violent people to physically defending yourself whilst also being realistic when thinking of real world situations. His main aim is to teach you how to avoid violent situations in the first place which is what most sane people want to do. I can tell that he’s highly experienced but he’s also extremely polite and puts you at ease. Dene also very kindly checked for potentially dangerous hotspots near where I’m moving, suggested apps I could use to keep safe and offered for me to contact him if I had any enquiries in the future.”
Miss S.D.
“Dene from Streetwise Self Defence is awesome!! We had a family self defense private course and it was well worth it. We learned about each other and most importantly from each other. We had thought self defense meant being fit and knowing moves, but the most effective defense mentally is self awareness and physically the move seems obvious yet so effective. No previous experience or fitness required for that move. We will be contacting Dene again for a refresher course as our child gets older. Looking forward to it.”
Ms K.B.
“The training with Dene has changed my views on self defence protection – I know how to prevent escalation, put myself first and be confident in my actions and decisions.”
Miss S.B.
”It was so interesting and really useful! Definitely feel much more confident when I’m on my own out in public now. I think a lot of what was discussed is different to ‘common ideas’ around self-defence and what you see in the media about how to protect yourself. I liked that it was different info to the generic stuff that’s out there currently and more simple.”
Ms A.C.
“I went along with a friend to the self defence class. We had great fun and learnt some really useful techniques. Very inspiring and thought provoking and makes you think about how to keep yourself safe. Would definitely recommend these classes and I’d be interested in attending others.”
Mrs S.R.
“Dene made the workshop enjoyable. The subject matter was sensitive in places but he did it in a good way. I have left feeling a lot better that I can defend myself.”
Mrs M.V.
The course has changed my view on self defence, I know about the law, pre-emptive strikes and that if I felt in danger I can act upon it first without them doing anything.”
Miss E.R.
I found the demonstrations most useful, plus there was good variety of material, figures and visuals - and Dene answered every question well. It has made me more aware of the environment I am in.”
Miss R.E.
“It was really helpful learning the different techniques on how to deal with situations, as well as different ways you can be grabbed and what to do. Also, learning we can defend ourselves before an actual strike when in danger.”
Mrs S.W
“I had a 1:1 session with Dene yesterday, which was excellent. He is reassuring, gentle, and it was an empowering session altogether. Well worth while, for people of all ages.”
Ms J.T
“Really insightful Teams session with my colleagues, speaking about various experiences and providing tips on how to best protect yourself. It was great that no area was left uncovered, even sensitive topics.”
Mr A.P
“I cannot recommend this training highly enough. The essential training all girls/women need to enable confidence that they have the methods to protect themselves if they’re ever in a situation where control is taken from them. Dene presents an honest and straightforward method that’s easy to remember without any unnecessary detail to complicate things (no martial arts here!). We booked the session for our daughters in readiness for them heading to university in big cities but, as mums in our mid-40s, this was an eye-opener and training that will benefit us all.”
Ms C.R