SDT contains so many systems. How can you possibly master them all?
You don't. Krav Maga is the core system and if you are going to master anything, that's the system you master. The others are there to allow students to deepen their skills in a specialist area that may interest them and to keep all of us exposed and challenged by the experts SDT is associated with in each of these areas.

Involvement in depth in these supporting systems is optional for students. But nonetheless all students will be exposed to elements of these systems as part of normal training and in the process their abilities in Krav Maga will be developed.

What sort of people train in SDT?
We aim to cater for 'normal' people. We don't attract those that think it is cool to dress in camouflage gear or those that like to hit other people. Both these types need the sort of help that we are unable to provide.

SDT is intended to cater for members of the public and those in the security industry who want to develop their skills in dealing with physical confrontations. Although Krav Maga, the core of SDT, has its origins in the Israeli military, SDT is NOT a military system. The needs of the military are different from the needs of the civilian and those that work in security.

Is SDT training suitable for any age?
Students are recommended to be 16 years and over. The training is not suitable for children and adolescents due to the level of physical training, the aggression drills and sometimes the language used in confrontation drills.

Is the training suitable for women?
Women train in SDT and are always welcome. However women should note that training is physical, involves confrontation drills and at times involves grabbing contact with other students. However, be assured that SDT takes a strong stand against any form of sexual harassment.

The specific motivation for women wanting to learn self defence is generally to become capable of defending themselves against attack by a male. That can really only be achieved by having a male simulate an attack. Anyone can opt out of part of training at any time - no questions asked (other than to ensure you are OK).

I have an old injury (arm/leg/back/neck etc.) which impairs my ability to freely move. Will this be a problem?
No. Some aspects of the training may as result of the injury prove more challenging but that should not be seen as a reason not to train. You are free to decide whether you are able to take part in certain aspects of the training based on your circumstances. This equally applies to those who have a temporary injury.

Can I start training at any time?
Yes. We don't have beginner's intakes at set times.

I am not that fit. Will this be a problem?
It of course helps to have a degree of fitness. You will need to monitor yourself during the multiple opponent drills and 'end of class' sessions as they can be quite taxing.

Do I need any previous martial arts training?
No, this is not important. Sometimes previous training can be more a hindrance.

What is the structure and format of a class?
Where there are back-to-back classes, each class comprises a 55 minute segment. In a two class period, the first class is devoted to defensive tactics while the second concentrates on technical skills from the supporting martial art systems. The training starts with a 10 minute warm-up followed by a short briefing on the content and purpose of the lesson. Then follows the body of the lesson that concludes with a 5 minute summary and debriefing. At the end of most evenings (but not all) there is usually a 10-15 minute combat fitness session involving aggression drills or contact games intended to develop combat fitness. These tend to be very anaerobic. Part of the training lesson may be conducted outdoors, regardless of the weather, and/or in low light conditions.

Do I wear a uniform?
Students wear the Krav Maga uniform (black pants with Krav Maga T-shirt) or the SDT T-shirt. However, you are free to train in other (suitable) attire if you feel the need. For example security personnel may wish to train in their security uniforms including boots and utility belts.

For those who wish to further develop their grappling skills by training in BJJ, then it is recommended that a grappling or judo uniform is acquired.

However, as this is a street defence system, there will be occasions when alternate forms of dress will be required, e.g. wearing jackets or overcoats so students become accustomed to training in attire worn in winter. The instructor will advise this prior to the time required.

Do I need to wear safety equipment?
By their nature you are always at risk of injury during training in the martial arts or self defence. Students are required to acquire their own quality mouth guard and groin guard as a minimum for training in SDT and wearing them during all training. This is a requirement of any student anywhere who trains in Krav Maga as the safety of the student is a key concern of the system.

Is there any contact in training?
Yes there is some but not for new students. That's both so they are not intimidated and for the safety of others as they cannot be expected to have good control. We try to strike a balance between realism and safety.

Is there any sparring in training?
Yes there is some as it is in the syllabus of Krav Maga, but more as a training aid. And if you practice any of our supporting martial art systems you spar in the traditional sense. But sparring is NOT what you do in a self defence situation. Sparring is something martial artists do. Sparring is a contest of skills between two martial artists fighting in a predetermined way using the skills of the style being practiced. This doesn't really occur on the street.

The type of 'sparring' we practice in defensive tactics is part of the aggression drills. It is far more chaotic and very brief in duration (no five two minute rounds with 30 second breaks). These are repeated at set intervals (anaerobic interval training) and most people do not last very long anyway. It taxes the mind as well as the body because the physical exhaustion brings on mental exhaustion. This is closer to what occurs in a real fight.

Do I need to buy other equipment?
You are also encouraged to acquire other safety equipment such as arm and shin pads as well as some bag mitts (not boxing gloves) to protect the hands when striking bags. If you take a particular interest in Eskrima then you will be encouraged to purchase bamboo Eskrima sticks and a wooden or rubber knife.

Can I train at another martial art school at the same time as SDT?
The SDT instructors actually teach and train at other schools themselves so there is no issue with students training in other schools or systems. However out of courtesy it is suggested that you may wish to inform the instructor of the other school that you have joined SDT.

I am concerned that SDT training may be too physical or aggressive for me. Should I be?
Only you can determine that.

For instance we are sometimes surprised to see small females mixing it with larger males in the aggression drills. But then we realize that they do so because we have created an environment where they feel 'safe' and are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and have a go. You are free to come and observe class and talk to the instructors or students to help you assess this for yourself.

Some aspects of training are very physical and aggressive and this aspect of training is essential in order to prepare students for the stress of street confrontations on both a physical and psychological level. Learning to swim will mean getting wet at some stage. But a fear of water is a challenge, not an impediment to learning to swim.