About StreetWise Defence
Streetwise Defence provides trauma-informed personal safety, violence prevention and self defence training.
We want to empower people with the knowledge, skills and mindset that they can stay safe and that they are worth protecting.
We offer self defence classes for schools, colleges, universities, businesses, groups and individuals.
And, we have a range of online self defence courses that are affordable and can be completed at home.
OUR VISION
A world where everyone is safe – both emotionally and physically
OUR MISSION
To educate people to protect themselves from the trauma of attack or abuse by empowering them with personal safety, self defence and violence prevention knowledge, skills and mindset
OUR VALUES
Empowerment
Integrity
Courage
OUR ETHOS
We feel that people are missing the vital life skill of keeping themselves and others safe.
The reality is that there are no winners in violence.
And the myth that you need to be a tough fighting machine to defend yourself, is just not true.
What we teach works for anyone of any age, ability and gender.
Prevention, avoidance and a simple but effective physical response is what we believe and know to be real self defence. Violence should always be the last resort.
Many instances of violence can be prevented or de-escalated.
Especially, social violence – where we can drop our egos and learn how to talk someone down and walk away.
Sadly, we need to understand that there are elements of society that always have been and always will be violent.
These people use violence either for enjoyment or to get what they want. These people see you as a toy or a resource.
We would love to live in a world where there was no violence but the human race has not evolved to that level of peace and understanding yet.
Until that time, we will continue to educate people how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe – both emotionally and physically.
WHO WE HAVE TRAINED
We have trained thousands of people in personal safety and self defence – take a look at our testimonials page to see a list – including NHS Birmingham, Regent’s University London, YMCA, Cardiff University, Capstone Foster Care and Kennedys Law.
Self Defence Training & Personal Safety WORKSHOPS
Streetwise Defence classes, workshops and courses are friendly, enjoyable and uplifting – even though very sensitive subjects are often covered.
WHAT DO I LEARN IN A SELF DEFENCE CLASS?
In a Streetwise Defence self defence class you’ll learn simple but effective techniques to keep yourself safer.
These include switching on to your environment, avoiding threats, learning how to de-escalate social violence and discovering the physical responses that are your last resort.
We do NOT teach martial arts, kicking or punching - we teach memorable techniques that work for people of all ages and abilities.
Take a look at our training pages for more info on what is covered in our courses.
Don’t worry if you can’t find what you are looking for though, just drop us a note - we can create a bespoke self defence class to suit your requirements.
ONLINE SELF DEFENCE COURSES
Due to popular demand, we have created affordable online self defence courses people of all ages and abilities, including:
Our courses contain video teaching from Dene and the Streetwise Defence team and are packed with practical tips, advice and demonstrations.
When you enrol on a Streetwise Defence self defence course, you will receive lifetime access to this crucial education.
These online self defence classes are easy to purchase and you can watch the video lessons and demonstrations in your own time.
Dene’s Story
If you want to know more about Streetwise Defence, then you really need to understand the story of its founder and lead instructor, Dene Josham.
Dene has experienced his fair share of incredible adrenaline highs and extreme lows, but what has been steady throughout his life are his values of helping people and passion for what he does.
Discipline, Focus, Fitness
“I first got interested in boxing at around the age of 13. After being bullied at little school, suddenly having the ability to look after myself was a big change for me. Knowing that I could physically defend myself and experiencing that feeling of security and confidence is something that has stayed with me throughout my life.
“I’ve since trained in Kung Fu, Thai Boxing, Jiu Jitsu and a mixture of others, I just wanted the best parts from each that would be practical and effective in a real street fight.
“I like the discipline, focus and fitness of martial arts, and the fact that you only have to rely on yourself.”
Highs and Lows
Dene’s early career saw him juggling various jobs such as a Fireman and casual work, whilst considering a professional career in Kickboxing.
It wasn’t until he joined the Royal Marines at the age of 26 though, that he found his true calling.
“It was the feeling that working together we could achieve anything – nothing was impossible - and being at the absolute peak of physical fitness, it felt like everything fitted into place.”
A tragic accident whilst on leave during training, where Dene was hit by a drunk driver, put an end to his career in the Marines, suffering lower leg and foot injuries which required multiple pins and plates.
The nature of the injury led to him contracting MRSA, where he was confined to isolation in hospital for three months.
Crack On
A life-changing accident can affect people in one of two ways – you crash and burn or you crack on with it.
And you can probably figure out which way this story goes …
After recovering from his injuries, Dene was offered some security work, which he quickly took to – enjoying the combination of the physical and mental sides of the job.
Training in and progressing his career in close protection became his new goal.
“I’m fortunate to have taken my career as a bodyguard to the highest level, looking after some of the world’s most famous celebrities, actors and CEOs.”
Dene bodyguarding Russell Crowe
To see video clips of Dene bodyguarding A-list stars, take a look at our memorable clients page.
A Life Skill That Everyone Needs
Nearly 20 years on, Dene still does some close protection work, but his real passion is teaching self defence.
“I guess my experiences in the very high-pressure environment of celebrity bodyguarding have influenced my style of self defence. What I teach is real, these aren’t just textbook theories on self defence. They are techniques that have been pressure-tested in a live environment and I know they work.
“Self defence is a life skill that everyone should have. I want to share my knowledge and skill set to keep people and their families safe and feeling confident and empowered.”
Dene teaching a self defence class at a school
“I went along with a friend to Dene’s self defence class. It was very inspiring and thought-provoking and makes you think about how to keep yourself safe. We had great fun and learnt some really useful techniques. I would definitely recommend these classes and I’d be interested in attending others.”
Mrs S. R.
Qualifications
· Enhanced DBS Checked
· Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health Informed Schools and Communities (Trauma Informed Schools UK) Level 5
· Mental Health First Aider (MHFA England)
· First Aid at Work (Lives Training) Level 3
· Safeguarding Everyone (Virtual College) Level 1
· First Aid for Knife Attacks (Pro Trainings) Level 2
· PBA (Professional Bodyguard Association) Diploma
· SIA (Security Industry Authority) Level 3 Close Protection Certificate (Front line) and is licensed by the SIA (this includes the DBS Check)
· ISS (Israel Security Systems) VIP Protection and Advanced Driving Training
· BCA (British Combat Association) – Self Defence to teach. Dene also holds Associate Instructor Membership with the BCA and is fully insured
· WABBA (The World Governing Body for Bodybuilding and Fitness Education) – Personal Trainer course.