Eltham CKD 'Reality' Self Defence classes
Comments from Head Instructor
John Edwards
These articles are based on 'my own personal experience', what I have been taught at seminars attended by the most respected self defence instructors, and material I have read. I hope you will find them helpful with the practical and emotional aspects of your training. I realise and respect the fact that some of my students may not agree with everything I write, do and say. That is the way it should be and I'll defend their right to disagree. However, this is my page so here we go... !
My Path to the Martial Arts and Self Defence
Prior to becoming involved in martial arts and self defence systems I lived what I considered a 'normal' life, never considering that serious conflict or violence would enter my life. How wrong I was ! When violence finally came visiting I was totally unprepared, and in every sense 'the victim'.

It was a minor dispute that turned ugly, and before I realised what had happened I was being thrown around like a rag doll. Apart from a damaged pride (my wife and step father where present) and a few bruises I consider myself very lucky I didn't sustain any lasting physical damage. However, although I didn't know it at the time, I later realised it was a very positive experience !

The anger and humiliation I felt being a victim of violence was bad enough, but the thing that tormented me the most was how incapable I was at protecting my family should the violence had spread to them ! It was this anger, embarrassment and humiliation that burned away inside me, and I decided that I must learn some self defence techniques to stand a chance of protecting myself and my love one's in the future.

I tried various martial arts and threw myself whole heartily into them, and as my confidence grew I looked forward to each and every training session. It became a hobby, and a favourite pastime. I became fitter, happier, and reasonably sure that I could handle the majority of aggressive behaviour's that I was likely to encounter.

After a few successful grades and promotions I found that I was being called upon to teach, which served to further boost my self confidence. I had an empathy with fellow students - especially those that lacked confidence and those who had bad experiences. I know through personal experience how much courage it takes to enter the dojang (the place we train in ) for the first time and meet strangers in a strange environment. But this feeling is always short lived. I have met hundreds of martial artists and self defence instructors, and without exception they are all great people sharing a common interest. No matter what their level of competence in their martial art, no one acts more superior to anyone else. There is a common bond between all and that's good.

Apart from myself, my wife, step daughter and her husband now help run Eltham CKD. Eltham CKD was founded with an aim to teach 'practical' self defence systems that work for 'ordinary' people living 'ordinary' live's ensuring our students enjoy a good all round grounding in self defence techniques that actually work !

It is note worthy to mention that during the past four years I have had four occasions where I've had to use the self defence skills I have learnt. I can honestly say that on one of those occasions, involving a knife, without the training I have received, it is very likely I would have been severely injured, scarred for life, or most likely killed !

Finally, a few years ago I had a heart bypass operation, and was delighted when the consultant surgeon told me that my heart was in good condition, and he is convinced my fast recovery was due to the years practicing martial arts..

I continue to train with black belts from a variety of martial art disciplines, including ground wrestling and weapons self defence systems. I take the most effective techniques and adapt them to be easily learnt and practical for anyone to use.

So, if you want a training regime that incorporates effec tive, practical self defence, and a healthy lifestyle - Eltham CKD is THE place to start !
John Edwards
Had a great time meeting up with old friends and
fellow Self Defence instructors at the
Birmingham NEC martial art exhibition.
 What's going on here.
Has he lost his barrow ?
click picture to find out
This weeks thought...

How aware are you ? when just hanging around the streets in your local area ?
In the Dojan you expect to defend a mock attack in training. Is that ANY good in the REAL world situation ?

Here's a recent news item typical of any town or city in many countries. The 36-year-old man was walking down a local road. He was approached by two men and one asked if he had a lighter. The victim produced his lighter at which point he was PUSHED with both hands and
then cash was demanded. The other assailant produced a broken bottle from his coat and struck the victim three times in the face. The first offender snatched the guys wallet from his pocket and they both ran away...

One of the attackers 'disarmed' him with a question while the other had a unseen weapon. It was short lived and BRUTAL. No seconds out to a bell with a referee.

The man was treated in hospital and needed stitches to close up a wound.

What would you have done ?
Would the approach make YOU uneasy about their intent ?
If you HAVE to respond the same way, it has to be equally short lived and brutal or the risks to you are the same as the guy above who was sadly caught 'unaware'.

Bravery is not required, being prepared and having an escape plan is already the action of the brave. Just food for thought...