About


Self-defense is a skill that offers peace of mind in uncertain situations.

At Sanda Academy, we are privileged to have two exceptional coaches, Joshua and Kitty, who bring a wealth of expertise and experience to our training sessions.

Coach Kitty demonstrating self defence

Coach Kitty is a qualified self-defence coach and brings a wealth of experience from her background in Kung Fu and Sanda kickboxing. This experience is complemented by her training in real-world self-defense tactics, which equips her with a deep understanding of the practical applications of martial arts in everyday situations. Her approach goes beyond the ring, focusing on scenarios you might actually encounter on the street, where self-defense skills are most necessary.

The unique nature of self-defense

Self-defense isn't about winning a contest or mastering an art for its own sake; it's about survival. This mindset dictates a different set of strategies and tactics than those used in competitive or traditional martial arts. The key differences include:

Survival Over Victory: In self-defense, the goal is to escape harm, not necessarily to win a confrontation. This can involve avoiding fights, de-escalating situations, and using whatever means necessary to escape safely.

Legal Implications: Self-defense must align with legal standards, requiring an understanding of reasonable force and the consequences of excessive force.

Situational Awareness: Self-defense involves understanding and responding to potential threats before they escalate, including dealing with multiple attackers or weapons.

Unpredictable Scenarios: adaptability and responsiveness are cruical. There is no time to think; you need to fall back on your training for the right responses.

Safety and personal development

Safety is paramount in all training sessions led by Coach Kitty. She ensures that all participants use proper protective gear and that exercises are conducted at a controlled pace to prevent injuries and ensure's that individuals can work at their own pace. Her training environment is not only physically safe but also supportive and empowering, fostering a space where students can grow in confidence and resilience without feeling overwhelmed.

Coach Kitty's clear and effective communication style enables her students to quickly grasp complex techniques and strategies. She understands that self-defense requires rapid decision-making and tailors her instruction to enhance this ability in her students.

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