Checkout Our 5 Star Reviews

  • ‘‘I was really nervous about starting a course as it's completely out of my comfort zone or skill set, but Steve is so personable he immediately put me at ease. His extensive range in martial arts and training background is perfectly tailored into a course that gives you all the best techniques, should you ever need them. It's underpinned by very good subject knowledge as well as awareness and sensitivity to the issues that his clients may face. I learned so many useful techniques - I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.”

    — Tamara Fletcher

  • ''I've been attending these sessions since summer 2020 and they have given me so much confidence. Knowing what I've learnt from these classes empowers and reassures me whenever I am out somewhere by myself. Steve has a lot of knowledge of different martial arts styles and is a patient, professional and personable instructor. I'm looking forward to achieving the black hand (highest level) one day! I would, and do, recommend these sessions to anyone who wants to feel less afraid and more capable. Also, it's a lot of fun!''

    — Hannah

  • ''I decided to sign up for a self defense class because of professional requirements but I signed my daughter up (she is 15) because I believe that sadly this is a life skill necessary for all women to have. I was not disappointed with Steve's class! He is knowledgeable and personable. I can only imagine the degree of patience a former martial arts professional must have to teach little poor us but the lessons were concised, clear and professionally delivered. I only did the beginner class to start with but I feel I learned some life long skills that I hope never to put to the test. However, Steve was very happy to go way beyond what we paid for: answering all sorts of questions and deviating from the course training to adjust to our needs. I highly recommend this course and I truly believe this should be included in all secondary school curriculum.''

    — Simona Wallace

  • ''I've been attending sessions for a few weeks now and have a great time, I'm not a fitness expert and am pretty lazy but the sessions arent intense and we end up learning a lot, comfortably. I already feel my confidence has improved and bits of progress are shining through !''

    — E H

  • 'I've been attending Bouts for 5 weeks now and must say they are brilliant. I feel so much more confident than I did when I started and that's all thanks to Steve and his friendly and experienced teaching. You'll also be surprised by how much you remember week on week. I was sure it wouldn't stay in my head but when it came to the pressure test it came flooding back. Can't wait for the next Bout to start and looking forward to more years at this club 😃.'

    Chloe McLaughlin

  • Good fun, lovely instructor and good value for money :)

    - Lilah Mckim

  • I've loved these classes and PT sessions! Steve made me feel comfortable and showed a real understanding of why women need and want self defense, which has informed his approach. I feel more empowered and safe in my body, whilst also understanding there's so much more still to learn! There's clear structure with the rounds and bouts which helps track progress. He was also really adaptable e.g if I couldn't make a session and felt very supported. Would highly recommend!

    Tasha Mansley

  • I decided to sign up for the intensive all day class as I'm often out walking in isolated areas on my own and wanted to be prepared / have the knowledge of what to do should I need to defend myself (although hopefully will never have to use what I learnt!). Steve is very personable and happy to answer any questions you have or explain things you don't understand. He professionally delivered the lesson in a very informative and interesting way and he made it fun too, which is something you definitely need when you know the reasons why you are taking the lesson! I would highly recommend taking his lessons.

    Gemma Heaton

  • I’ve been looking for a while for a self-defence class and didn’t find any who would convince me to “come out of my comfort zone” and finally sign up for it, until I found out Brighton Women Self Defence which I choose to give it a go , and I must say I’m grateful I did. After 6 lessons I already feel more confident to be out by myself and I’m aware of the power that my body can actually have (I’m very small!) whether it is a learned kick to rely on or an escape move , and also mentally speaking I feel that I’m paying more attention about what’s going on around me , and on what could I count on or look for when I’m in unknown streets etc. The classes are warm and friendly where everyone is helpful with each other, including Steve of course who make it fun always helping to put you at ease, and you can definitely start seeing progress after the first rounds , whatever is your age, size or experience I would sincerely recommend the course to any women who would like to learn life-time skills and gain or bring up their self confidence overall. I look forward to spend much more time within the team 🙌

    Marlene Merella

  • I’ve been attending the sessions for 3 months now. I was a complete beginner to the discipline which made me nervous when I started, but Steve is very professional, friendly and patient and he will try to tailor the classes to people’s needs and interests as much as possible. The range of techniques and training that we cover in a class is impressive. I feel that I’ve learnt a lot and my confidence has improved. Come join the team and become a ninja ! 🥷🙏

    Rita Cimatti

  • I’ve not had the easiest upbringing and like so many others around the globe the past few years have been extremely difficult and almost unbearable at times. The biggest thing to affect me has been the loss of my mother during the summer of 2021. She left such a massive void in my life that I am currently in the process of attempting to fill and rebuilding myself as a person from scratch. I made a decision to try things that I have never done before no matter how outlandish or impossible they may seem. Self defence classes where top of the list. Sadly I have been a victim of violence in many forms, my family escaped civil unrest when I was a child and as a result I deal with Complex PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) further confounded by increasing race hate attacks and I have also experienced domestic violence while growing up directed at women in my family and friends and also in one of my own relationships. In all my experiences I’ve felt completely helpless and want to be in a better position to protect myself and others safely should physical altercations arise and not just rely on blind rage to protect myself which I have done in the few physical altercations I have been in, when I was forced to physically defend myself or my loved ones. I am also a very small framed woman with physical disabilities so wanted to see what and if my small frame could do when it comes to self-defence. After one session with Steve I felt instantly more confident on my journey home and have surprised myself massively with what my frame can actually do. I’ve also realised that it’s not all about physical training. Self defence also trains the mind in how to deal with physical altercations and will change your perception of the world in many ways and how you navigate it. I am still on my journey but after 2 sessions I am so happy with my progress. Not only is it helping me in so many ways mentally the one session a week is also helping with my physical rehab and once I have finished this programme/all my rounds I will be booking more sessions with Steve at Brighton Women’s Self Defence. All my health practitioners are also so happy for me and fully supportive of these sessions as part of my current recovery plan. I am eternally grateful for everything Steve and the other girls in my group have done for me and would highly recommend these classes for anyone who has experienced any of the things I have mentioned or even if you just simply want to try something new. Regardless of why you might end up at one of Steve’s sessions you will definitely walk away feeling good about yourself and more confident. I’ll let you know how I get on once the programme is done and wish you the best of luck if you do decide to try it.

    Rita Laker

  • Me and my 11 year old daughter did a 121 session with Steve. He is a lovely guy, learnt lots and we really enjoyed it. Thoroughly recommend!

    Tanlou Pat

  • I joined BWSD after a really difficult start to my year and not feeling very safe in Brighton. I felt welcome as soon as I got there. The classes were really inclusive and encouraging, perfect for complete beginners but with enough flexibility so those with some previous experience can also learn and perfect what they want. Steve really works with what students need and want to work on. I've met a bunch of brilliant people there and even though I'm now leaving Brighton I have some lasting friendships with brilliant women to give me a reason to come back to visit.

    Elle Davis

  • Before I found Steve's class, I looked around for ages trying to find the right self defence class. As soon as I started though I knew I'd struck gold! The classes brings together a variety of techniques from different disciplines so that practical self defence for real world scenarios are the primary focus, rather than tradition or routine. I had no background in anything like this before I started, and was surprised at how accessible it was from my very first session. There's always explanations as to why we're doing what we're doing, so you build your mental discipline as well as physical. Steve is warm & compassionate so every person in the class is made to feel welcome. There's a variety of ages & skill ranges so always the opportunity to grow at your own pace and a great sense of commadorie between everyone that attends. Initially I had only planned to do a short period before a solo trip but since joining and learning techniques I've become aware of just what an amazing and liberating set of skills you learn & have no plans to stop!

    Sam Williams

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