RSDA - The Reality Self Defence Academy Northampton

Started at the start of the year and although I've missed a few weeks with work commitments the club and James are really accommodating. Have learned some great new techniques and skills whilst getting a great workout. I really feel more confident that should a situation arise i could judge and deal with it (as a last resort of course)Highly recommended!

Two years ago after researching effective defences against knife and stick attacks for my jujitsu training, readying myself for my next Jujitsu grading I came across Krav Maga (KM) on YouTube. At first I thought KM was a person but it soon became evident that it was an Isreali Self Defence System based on many martial arts including Jujitsu. I was so impressed with the KMs philosophy of simplicity and effectiveness that I Googled KM for my local area and was amazed to find the Krav Maga Defence Academy (KMDA) run by James Hobson. I joined the KMDA after speaking to James and after my first night’s training it confirmed that KM was going to be an effective tool in my martial arts training. I found the self defence training James was providing second to none with the emphasis on fitness and stamina and have developed a huge respect for Krav Maga and the KMDA. James is a first class instructor and coach and has mentored other students to becoming instructors themselves. Dan is one of those students who has become a talented instructor in his own right. KMDA trains five nights a week in various locations in the local area so you can fit training in fairly easily if you have a busy schedule. KDMA is a very friendly environment in which to train, gain fitness, stamina and develop quality self defence techniques. James and Dan are dedicated, enthusiastic instructors and probably the best self defence coaches I have every come across. Try out the KMDA, I have no doubt you'll love it.

Really great club whether you're a beginner to combat sport or cauliflower-eared veteran.The trainers are all knowledgable and personable and everyone at the club made me feel welcome straight away.Wasn't an intimidating place to go, each class is a mixed bag of people with all different abilities and reasons for being there but one thing they all share is a good attitude.Price is spot on for what you get, i only needed one of the three free sessions to make my mind up to join. So if you're thinking about it, take the plunge! You'll be fitter and more confident for it thanks to everyone at KMDA.Dan

A great club, no ego's or attitudes that make new beginners feel uncomfortable, everyone is made to feel welcome. With mixed experience and knowledge, so always someone to learn from. A great workout and most importantly an effective self defence and fighting system. Delivered in a way that is simple and you can remember. The instructor team encourage students to avoid physical confrontation. However, if this is impossible or unsafe, they teach you how to finish a fight as quickly and aggressively as possible. For me there are no techniques that are considered impractical or based on disarming a samurai or holding stances that were used to fight in rice fields. This training to respond to a threats of violence using statically the most common attacks that you will find in the UK. All techniques are pressure tested and only those with high success rates are included in the syllabus. Not as cheap as a local boxing club, but you get what you pay for and this I would consider value for money and a quality, professional club to join.

I have studied two different martial systems previously up to a senior grade, but like many, have found that traditional and 'ring based' sport systems can lack real world solutions to the very real threats that are evident in our modern society. I had intended to try Krav Maga for a while, as after doing some research, it seemed a highly practical, very realistic answer to self defence in this modern era. I have very recently started attending classes with James at his Hitchin based class on wednesday evenings; and I have not been disappointed. It's a friendly club, with a good vibe and a gifted instructor.The system and ethos of Krav Maga seems to make more sense than anything else I have done.I would recommend this system and club to anyone that wants to learn to effectively defend themselves, improve their fitness and boost self confidence.

I started Krav Maga in August 2013 as I wanted to learn something more practical and have the realism of real situations that hopefully I will not find myself in, but if I do I can protect not only myself but the people I love. James (instructor) attention to detail is spot on, he teaches in such a way that its easy to understand the moves and techniques. One thing that I do love about the class is the 'like minded' students. We all get on well, and have some great banter. I have met some good friends and feel I have learnt so much in the short time I have been learning Krav. I would highly recommend to anyone reading this review to come along and give it a go. You will be welcomed with open arms and you will meet some really nice people that will be more than happy to help you.

3 Years ago I moved to the midlands from London - I had studied various different martial arts systems to a competent level and so started visiting different schools in order to carry on my training, but was struggling to find anything up to the standard I wanted. After my first lesson with James at KMDA I was hooked, it was the most effective, realistic, and practical system I had come across - with even the beginners learning defences for common knife attacks.I now train 3 times a week regularly and look forwards to every lesson both because of the good instruction and training I get, and also because of the fun we have as a class. It is the most approachable and friendly class that I have ever come across with a great atmosphere.Whether your a complete beginner to anything self defence / martial arts, or experienced in another system I would definitely recommend giving it a go!

I started as a complete beginner three months ago and I'm really enjoying it. Krav Maga is helping me with fitness, body awareness and confidence. The lessons are completely practical, the group is friendly and James is an *excellent* instructor. I found it very approachable as a complete beginner and after a few months I think I've progressed as far as mostly a beginner". :-)The focus is very much on defence and awareness: how to get out of difficult situations and defend yourself. The lessons (1 1/2 hours) are very energetic and physical

over the years i have trained in various different martial arts i never really found any of them that effective for every day situations that occur. living in Bedford i no it has a high knife and gun crime also like most places today people like to fight in groups and target one person armed unarmed which ever way they choose i have been training in krav maga in Bedford for a few months now and i can honestly say i have never trained in something more practical and realistic unlike a lot of martial arts where you have to be flexible krav works for all different types of people with all different body shapes and sizes. in the few months i have been training km has increased my awareness , fitness , speed , confidence , and most importantly gaining knowledge of how to deal with that unexpected confrontation or attack. james an dan are brilliant instructors very helpful the lads are all friendly we all have a good laugh i intend on carrying on in km and bettering my self to the best of my ability

Great reality-based self defence school. Friendly instructors and students. Focus on good technique, principles and striking skills rather than teaching lots of individual techniques that you would struggle to remember in a crisis. Recommended.