Highly acclaimed reality-based self defence, incorporating the most effective techniques from the following fighting systems:

  • Krav Maga
  • Karate
  • Jiu-Jitsu
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  • Aikido
  • Boxing
  • Muay Thai
  • Tae Kwon Do
  • MMA





Learn how to protect yourself from the UK's most common street attacks, as provided by national Police forces





Try your first class FREE without obligation




Beginners Package available:



First 10 classes

ONLY £60





Weekly evening classes in:

London Bridge,

Blackfriars (Southwark/Borough),

Bromley (Downham/Lewisham)

and

Kidbrooke (Lee/Eltham)




No experience necessary




Suitable for beginners or experienced martial artists alike




  • British Combat Association registered instructor





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'Urban Krav Maga is a no-nonsense martial art that works!'

- Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine





'World class techniques'

- Fighters Only Magazine




'People who know what they are doing'

- Peter Consterdine, Chairman, British Combat Association




'The world's best form of self defence'

- Time Out Magazine





'Pressure testing simulates real-life situations. The exercises bring out all the aggression needed to survive a real-life attack'

- Sunday Times Magazine




'It has more self defence cred than any other system we know about - and we know quite a bit about the subject'

- Combat Magazine




'Over the years I have done a few martial arts and this is the most effective and easy to learn'

- Sgt. John Millbanks, Metropolitan Police




'Would recommend Urban Krav Maga to anyone wanting incredible fitness, conditioning and the best self defence training I've ever done'

- Danny Haggis, Special Reconnaisance Soldier and Bodyguard, Iraq




'Fui Mee, Lee Ann and I enjoyed your 'Fighting on the Buses' workshop. It was superbly practical and clearly proved why so many techniques that look good are of little value in real life close encounters of the wrong kind! We look forward to attending more of these'

- Swee Lip Quek, former CEO, Master Sken Academy





'Your knife work is superb'

- Renshi Anthony Pillage, Chief Instructor, Way Of The Spiritual Warrior Martial Arts




'A great training session, thank you. Feedback from the group was very positive'

- Head of Surrey Police Force's Special Response Squad



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Here is a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:






(1)  Do I need to book in advance?


- No. Just show up at any Class and get stuck in.






(2)  Is there a beginner's class?


No. Beginners, intermediate and advanced students are all mixed in the same class. We find that students learn better this way.

- Experienced students are encouraged to help newer students, which in turn helps them to learn the technique. They learn the 'physical' part of the technique themselves, then the 'mental' part of the technique when they help others, by understanding and passing on the principles and biomechanics - the reasons why the technique actually works.

- This also means that techniques can be passed on by students, to their loved ones. Which can only be a good thing.

- Also, this means that people eager to learn the system are not waiting for beginners classes to fill up and become available.






(3)  What can I expect of my first class?


A welcoming and friendly class atmosphere. All egos are left at the door.

- Non-regimental warm-ups and cardio work.

- Clear instruction on simple, easy to learn, yet devastatingly effective self defence techniques that work from day one.

- A chance to hit the pads and release some of the stresses of everyday life.

- Pressure testing. The heart of reality-based self defence. A chance to put what you have learned into practice.

- Lastly, you will get a 'shout-out' on our Facebook page - a personal welcome on behalf of your new extended family!


Please note:

Students are encouraged to make the training experience as realistic as possible. The emphasis is on swearing, aggression and threatening behaviour.
This is to prepare students for the reality of an explosive verbal assault in a street situation, which can cause adrenaline dump, seriously affecting the body's ability to perform any kind of self defence techniques successfully.
We train as real as possible (without racist, homophobic or personal comments), while avoiding injury, to get the mind and body used to just about any kind of situation that might arise.
We make no apologies for this approach, as this is one of the factors that sets apart reality-based self defence from traditional self defence and martial arts classes.
To progress and evolve, you must be taken out of your comfort zone.
Please attend class with an open mind and do not be offended. Because on the streets, attackers do not say please and thank you!






'Pressure Testing simulates real-life situations. The exercises bring out all the aggression necessary to survive a real-life attack'

- Sunday Times Magazine






(4)  Where and when are the classes?


- Fitness First Cottons, Tooley Street, London Bridge (Lambeth Borough). Tuesdays 8:30 - 9:50 pm.

- Downham Health and Leisure Centre, Downham (Bromley/Lewisham borough). Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:45 pm.
David Lloyd, Kidbrooke, (Greenwich Borough). Thursdays 9:15 - 11:45 pm.
- Fitness4less, Great Suffolk Street (Southwark Borough). Fridays 6:35 - 8:00 pm.

- Class number 5 will be starting in 2012.

Please see Class Times and Locations for maps and more details...
 



(5)  How much is my first class?

- Your first Urban Krav Maga class is completely free, giving you a chance to try it out and see if it is for you.
 



(6)  How much are the classes after that?

- You can 'Pay-As-You-Go' for £12.00 per class.
- Purchase a Beginner's Package (first ten lessons) for £60.00, getting 50% off the Pay-As-You-Go price.
- There are several money saving options to choose from, after you have completed your Beginner's Package. Whether you will train regularly, intensive but temporary, or if you have many commitments and do not know when you'll be able to train, there is sure to be a package to suit you.

Please see Class Fees & Packages for more information...



 
(7)  How shall I pay?

- I accept payment by cash, PayPal and bank/building society standing order.
- Bank/building society standing order for payment in advance (monthly packages).
- Android/iPhone users can download the PayPal app for free and send funds via the handset to my mobile PayPal account.




(8)  I am a student/unemployed. How much do I pay?

- All classes are half price, at £6.00. Please remember to bring along a valid Student card or proof of benefit.



 
(9)  Do I have to bring anything along?

- Just comfortable clothes, such as Trainers, Plimsoles or Pumps etc., Tracksuit bottoms, Shorts, T-shirts, Rash Guards or Sports tops.

- Training equipment is provided, but it is advisable to bring basic personal protective equipment such as:

·         MMA (mixed martial arts) gloves – to protect your knuckles

·         Gumshield – to protect your teeth and jaw

·         Groin guard – for obvious reasons!


- A bottle of drink and a sweat towel.

Please see Class Etiquette for more details...
 



(10)  Can I train on weekends?

- Unfortunately there are no classes at weekends at the present time, but I can provide tailor-made private lessons seven days a week, to suit your requirements.

Please see Private Tuition for more details...




(11)  What if I have never done any martial arts training before?

- Urban Krav Maga is suitable for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced martial artists.
- It is designed to be easy to learn and retain. The effectiveness lies in it's simplicity.

Please see About Urban Krav Maga for more details...
 



(12)  Do I have to be fit to participate?

- As with any kind of strenuous exercise, if you have any doubts or worries, it is always best to consult a doctor or physician before taking part.
- However, Urban Krav Maga is designed to work for everyone, regardless of shape, size, strength or physical fitness.
- The more training you have, the fitter you will become.




(13)  Is Urban Krav Maga suitable for women?

- Yes. Urban Krav Maga does not rely on brute strength, making it perfect for women. You will learn techniques that are effective against much bigger and stronger opponents.




(14)  Can I bring my children to class?

- Unfortunately, Urban Krav Maga is not suitable for children. It is a reality-based self defence system, which means the training is delivered in a scenario-specific way, relevant to the types of attacks we may face on the street. This includes swearing, threatening and violent behaviour.
- Also, due to the fact that many of the techniques taught in Urban Krav Maga can cause serious injury or death, training is only provided to those aged 16 and above (15 if accompained by parent/guardian). This is due to insurance restrictions.
- At present, I have no plans to dilute any part of the system, to teach a children's class.
 



(15)  Can you train me for cage fighting?

- Yes. Urban Krav Maga has elements of MMA, so you can learn techniques for the cage.
- However, because it is a reality-based self defence system, a lot of the techniques are illegal in combat sports. Therefore it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the rules of the MMA events that you wish to compete in and adapt the techniques accordingly. Some of the banned techniques that are used in Urban Krav Maga include:
  • Finger strikes
  • Eye gouging
  • Hair pulling
  • Biting
  • Downward (6 o'clock) elbow strikes
  • Open-palm strikes to ears and nose
  • Strikes to throat
  • Strikes to back of neck and spine
  • Strikes to groin and bladder
  • Headbutts
  • Head stomps
  • Windpipe chokes
  • Grabbing of collar bone and clavical
  • Joint manipulation and destruction
  • Pressure point and nerve point targetting
  • Improvised weapons

- Clan Wars (www.clanwarspromotions.com), a Northern Irish MMA tornament, is run by Urban Krav Maga instructors.
 
- Urban Krav Maga students in Scotland (www.ukmselfdefence.com) have had recent success at the 'Honour 2' cage fighting event.



 
(16)  Do you train Police, Security and Military personnel?

- Yes. Urban Krav Maga contains highly effective control and restraint techniques, perfect for high risk situations.
- We have several police officers that are certified Urban Krav Maga instructors.
- I regularly train police officers, door supervisors and serving soldiers in classes and private lessons.
- Royal Marines and also ex-military operatives from various countries train within our system.
- Urban Krav Maga comes highly recommended by professionals operating in hostile environments.



 
(17)  Do you provide corporate training?

- Yes. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

View my Contact details here...
 



(18)  How soon can I expect to be any good at Urban Krav Maga?

- With 1-2 classes per week, you can expect the basic Syllabus to become 'muscle memory' in around three to five months.
- With more frequent training and/or Private Tuition, this time will be considerably shortened.
- The complete syllabus can be mastered in around 5 years.
- Take advantage of the 6 Month Package to master the basics of the system. Please see Class Fees & Packages page for details.
- Turbo-charge your training with the Rapid Progress Package, a 6 month class and private lesson combo. Please see Class Fees & Packages.
- You will be suprised at how quickly you will learn no-nonsense street self defence. Scroll down the News page for details of new students fighting back and successfully defending themselves.
 



(19)  What is the difference between the styles of Krav Maga?

- Urban Krav Maga, as opposed to Krav Maga, is a system specific to the threats we may face in the UK, with a syllabus based on the ten most common attacks, as provided by national police forces.
- Urban Krav Maga was developed - and is continually updated by a group of experienced martial artists with backgrounds in a wide variety of different fighting systems such as Krav Maga, Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Traditional Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, Boxing, Muay Thai, Tae Kwan Do and MMA.
- Urban Krav Maga has a vastly improved groundfighting system.
- Although striking is taught within the system, the main focus is leverage. Put simply, the easiest and most effective way to defend yourself, regardless of size, strength and physically ability. Some systems teach multiple punches as counter-attacks; this can present a problem if the opponent has a strong neck (chin). With leverage, you have the advantage!
 



(20)  Why Urban Krav Maga?

Because it is the only style of Krav Maga that:

(i) has been asked to provide a British Combat Association Masterclass

(ii) has produced 2 highly acclaimed DVD sets in 2008/2009 - with more coming very soon.

(iii) has been created - and continually updated - by a number of Martial Artists experienced across a range of disciplines

(iv) has a syllabus based around defending the 10 most common attacks you are likely to face in the street

(v) teaches a range of pre-emptive strikes and moves adapted to work for people against bigger/multiple opponents
(vi) covers third party protection - training to defend a fellow human being under threat or attack

(vii) has Leo Negao, 4-time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion as an Instructor; Leo is also our Advisor on groundwork and regularly trains the top Instructors

(viii) has been asked to run the Krav Maga stand at 2010’s Seni show, the biggest Martial arts exhibition in the UK




 
'I have been attending Darren's class for about 5 months now - I was really impressed by how practical and usable the system is from the first lesson. Darren is an excellent instructor and the time he spends explaining how and why a technique works makes it easier to learn. For me this is much more effective than the watch and repeat approach of other martial arts systems'
 
 
- Douglas Sampson





If you have a question that is not answered above, please feel free to Contact me.






DARREN SELLEY - CERTIFIED URBAN KRAV MAGA INSTRUCTOR

BRITISH COMBAT ASSOCIATION REGISTERED SELF PROTECTION INSTRUCTOR

SOUTH LONDON URBAN KRAV MAGA - BRITISH COMBAT ASSOCIATION REGISTERED GROUP

PLEASE CALL: 07915 206 555 (advertising and marketing calls not welcome)

OR EMAIL: UKM.MMA@GMAIL.COM (advertising and marketing emails not welcome)

FACEBOOK: SOUTH LONDON URBAN KRAV MAGA

TWITTER: DARRENSELLEY