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Build Real Confidence. Learn Real Self Defence.
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Real Reviews. Real People. Real Results.
Don’t just take our word for it. See what parents, children and adults across Reading have to say about their experience at Self Defence Combat Academy.
5.0 ★ Google Rating
37 Five-Star Reviews
Parents ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Life-changing from the word
GO. A kind-hearted, wonderful gentleman with a badass black belt repertoire of tools both physically, mentally and psychologically. This man is by far the very best teacher, role model and guide in the industry. Master Dave has changed the lives of both my 6-year-old girl and my 42-year-old husband. It was evident from the day after their very first sessions that something had changed... watching both of them on their separate Self-Defence &
Martial Art journeys is in inspiring, magical, reassuring, exciting and powerful.
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Rebecca Gater
Parent
After looking for something to help my daughter gain confidence and to help defend her self in the pretty unpleasant world we live in i came across these guys. Absolutely brilliant she looks forward to her class every week she's definitely gained some confidence after just a few sessions Dave the trainer has been fantastic with her very patient and knowledgeable she had a free taster session and we weren't hassled into signing up in any way. Cant thank Dave enough for how much he's helping her come out of her shell definitely feel a bit happier about her being out and about on her own after just a few sessions. The classes are always fun and informative. If you're looking for any self defense training for you or your children I'd highly recommend this one. Great exercise great fun and definitely helps build confidence.
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Adam Peck
Parent
My daughter has been going there for a month or 2 now. Dave is absolutely amazing with her, kind caring and always encouraging her and building her self confidence too. I would highly recommend Dave to anyone whether it be just because you want too or because there has been an encounter where self defence is needed.
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Kim Peck
Parent
Dave is a superb teacher who engages my son and all the other students in the class. My son loves attending, learning new skills and playing an array of different games. It's been great for my son's overall development teaching him discipline, enhancing his fitness and making new friends. I would highly recommend this class!!
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Dan Bell
Parent
Would greatly recommend it.
Dave is very professional and my daughter loves this class.
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Juliana Bako
Parent
My daughter is really enjoying her sessions. She's learning so much and they are taught in a really practical, engaging and safe way.
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Esme Tiplady
Parent
My daughter has been doing self defence classes with SDCA for a few weeks now - the classes cover both physical skills as well as advice on safe behaviour, and I've been really delighted to see how much she enjoys the classes. Thank you so much!
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Leni Uden-Shreeve
Parent
5 stars for the coach and the environment. Fun, safe and empowering. Amazing place for kids to learn discipline and self defence. My son joined 2 months ago and he absolutely loves training here. Best self defence institute in town. My son looks forward to every class. Thank you to the whole team.
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Sharda Praveen
Parent
My son attends self defense classes with Dave and he absolutely loves it. Dave teaches in a great way to help kids gain confidence and ability to face any situation.
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Santhosh Kumar N
Parent
Very good quality, and ability to keep kids motivated. I definitely recommend !!!
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Marcio Drumond
Parent
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Annette Holden
Parent
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Theo Duncan
Parent
Great training sessions
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Dot Ko
Parent
The kids did a self-defence crash course with Dave and had a wonderful experience learning from him. He demonstrated a great balance in terms of teaching the key required skills and making them comfortable as well. The kids' confidence level has surely increased. Thanks to Dave! I would strongly recommend him
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Mohita Gupta
Parent
I recently signed my son up to the class, and he absolutely loves it. Dave makes the classes fun, with a mix of games and great self defense moves. I would absolutely recommend it.
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Andew Hislop
Parent
My son loves coming to the Thursday sessions in
Caversham. It is a great confidence builder and gets him active. It is a lovely group and they are constantly active whether it is learning a skill or playing a game. Other martial arts we attended in the past there was a lot of waiting around for your turn or just running which was very boring for young kids. Dave makes each lesson fun and they are constantly learning new moves and progressing with their belt colours.
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Sarah Head
Parent
My son is very much enjoying these self defence sessions with Dave and is excited to return for classes each week. Highly recommended for building confidence and staying active!
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David Toal
Parent
Absolutely amazing
experience. My daughter has ADHD and he was very patient with her and worked with her at her speed. Went over and over the same defence moves so she could learn them properly. I would 100% recommend this academy to anyone.
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Lily-Rose Carter
Parent
Amazing teacher! My children settled in very quickly and have gained solid techniques as well as excellent discipline. Would highly recommend for any parent looking to help their kids find a new activity to get involved in.
10/10
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Mayo Bademosi
Parent
My son has had a great experience at Self Defence Combat Academy. The classes are well run, and he's gained confidence and valuable self-defence skills.
A special mention to Dave, who runs the self-defence course. He's responsible, well organised, and creates a supportive, structured environment for everyone. Highly recommend!
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M Pust
Parent
Amazing skill and thought through moves to help in real life situations, classes kept to a reasonable size so all students get adequate attention. Moves are also attuned to individuals skill set at times which helps personal development for those at different levels. Skilled, thoughtful and experienced master/teacher. Very happy so far & worth the 1hrs travel each way 😅
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Food bee
Parent
Private Students ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dave's passion for the martial arts and self-defence
shines through. I recommend his modern and flexible approach tailored to the individual; whether you are a beginner or a more
experienced practitioner.
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Steve
Private Student
Fantastic club with a great and friendly instructor. Met some awesome people in the other students. Lots of room for growth still so I can't wait to see how high SDCA truly reaches 💪
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Sam Aspinall
Private Student
Dave is a brilliant coach, highly recommended!
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Akanksha Subramanian
Private Student
My daughter and I have been doing 1:1 self defence classes with Dave and they have been great at giving us useful techniques in a fun way. Dave is friendly, knowledgeable, easy going and great with kids! Definitely recommend.
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Lucy
Private Student
One of the best decisions i made in 2024. Dave is as patient and professional as he is skillful. I embarked on 1- 2-1 journey/lessons with Dave. My goal was to achieve Black Belt within a year. Dave went through the syllabus and budget with me on my personal aspirations and we made a plan. 5 months in and i am 60% through the course and subsequently i am much more confident. Grateful to Dave for his time
and love our training.
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Joshua Merrill
Private Student
An excellent self-defense class! 😊 The instructor is
highly professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and great at building confidence. The lessons are well-structured, engaging, and empowering. I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to improve their skills and feel more confident in their abilities. 😊
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Viktoria Krueger
Private Student
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Arushi Vemprala
Private Student
Dave is a masterful teacher
with a lot of patience. If you're looking for self defense training which works in real life there is no one better. And he's a super nice guy to boot.
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Pezzy C
Private Student
Great instructor with loads of knowledge, really enjoy the class
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ian over
Private Student
Dave is a great instructor, I would highly recommend the self defence class to anyone that wants to build their confidence in a welcoming and safe environment 💪
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Elise Cummings
Private Student
Great teacher, excellent classes! Highly recommend 💯🥊
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Alina Turcanu
Private Student
Dave is the best instructor i have known. Exellent knowledge and teaching skills. Highly recommended
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S F
Private Student
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Alex Stevanović
Private Student
Great Instructor as well as a great human being
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shahzad khan
Private Student
Dave is very friendly and knowledgeable. The whole family look forward to each session and learning something new.
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Gareth
Private Student
Dave is absolutely amazing of a coach and has a really good way of teaching. He always keeps the classes interesting. Would
recommend to anyone who is interested in self defence
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Sunny Miglani
Private Student
Don’t just take our word for it. See what parents, children and adults across Reading have to say about their experience at Self Defence Combat Academy.
5.0 ★ Google Rating
37 Five-Star Reviews
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