Self-defence in Langley

Self-defence classes that build real skills and calm confidence

Self-defence isn’t one trick. It’s awareness, a strong voice, good distance and simple strikes, practised until they’re automatic. At Safeguard it’s part of every karate and kickboxing class, for kids, teens and adults.

A kickboxing student throwing a jab, gloves up

What you learn

The skills that actually keep you safe

  • Awareness first

    Noticing trouble early, keeping your distance and getting away. The best fight is the one that never happens.

  • A strong voice

    Standing tall, saying “Stop!” like you mean it and setting boundaries. For kids, this is how standing up to bullying starts.

  • Escapes from grabs

    Getting free from grabs and holds, practised with a partner, slowly at first and then with more pressure.

  • Strikes that work

    Palm strikes, punches, elbows, knees and kicks that rely on technique, not size or strength.

  • Calm under pressure

    Pad rounds and partner drills get your heart rate up, so your body learns to think clearly when it counts.

  • The fitness to back it up

    Every class builds stamina, strength and balance, which makes everything else work better.

At every age

Self-defence for kids, teens and adults

What “self-defence” means changes with age. We teach what fits each stage, in classes matched to age and size.

  • Kids 5 to 12

    Confidence and bully-proofing

    Kids learn what to say, how to walk away with confidence and how to stay safe when walking away isn’t enough. They practise a loud voice, a strong stance and escapes from grabs, all in a safe, coached setting.

    Martial arts for kids
  • Teens

    Awareness and real technique

    Teens train in the teen and adult classes, karate or kickboxing. They build the awareness to avoid trouble and the striking skills to protect themselves, along with the confidence that comes with both.

    Teen and adult karate
  • Adults

    Practical, no ego, beginners welcome

    Simple techniques you practise every week until they’re automatic, in evening classes that fit after work. Complete beginners are welcome: you start where you are.

    Martial arts for adults

Karate or kickboxing?

Two good ways to learn to protect yourself

KarateKickboxing
Best forSelf-defence with discipline, focus and belts to work towardSelf-defence with a hard workout
You learnStances, blocks, strikes, kicks, kata and partner self-defenceJab, cross, hook, uppercut, knees and kicks on pads and bags
Ages3 to adult8 to adult
Free trial2 weeks (4 classes)1 week of unlimited classes

Not sure which suits you? Read which martial art is best for beginners, or try both: each has its own free trial.

Reviews

From Safeguard families and students

5.0 from 76 reviews on Google

Read them all on Google
  • ★★★★★

    Our son has been attending since 2017 and has grown in confidence, strength, ability and has found a social connection as well. The Dojo is always clean and well equipped. They teach more than just the martial art. There is also a focus on empathy, knowing wrong from right, plus the importance of community and of perseverance. We have a deep trust in their commitment to safety.

    Wayne & Chad · February 2023

  • ★★★★★

    Sensei Troy and Sensei Tina have been amazing with making my son feel welcome and engaged. The classes are dynamic and interesting, with many important takeaways to build strength and confidence in a safe, friendly and kind environment. Very impressed with the care and attention each child gets.

    Dana K. · May 2023

  • ★★★★★

    Safeguard is my happy place. I started going to Safeguard when I was about 9 and ever since then I have gained so much confidence and strength. I have become super close with the students there.

    Tanner D. · January 2023

Questions

What people ask us

Do you run a separate self-defence course?

Self-defence is built into every karate and kickboxing class instead of a one-off seminar. You practise it every week, so it’s still there when you need it.

Which is better for self-defence, karate or kickboxing?

Both teach you to strike, move and protect yourself. Karate adds kata, belts and self-defence drills with a partner; kickboxing is pads, bags and conditioning. You can try either one free, or train in both.

Is it safe for complete beginners?

Yes. Everything is taught slowly and with control first. Partner work is supervised and matched to your size and experience, and nobody is ever forced to spar.

Do I need to be fit or strong?

No. Good technique matters more than size or strength, and fitness comes from training. You work at your own level and build up.

What age can kids start learning self-defence?

Junior Karate starts at 5 and includes standing up to bullying: what to say, how to walk away with confidence, and how to stay safe when walking away isn’t enough. Tiger TOTS, for 3 and 4 year olds, builds the listening and confidence it grows from.

How do I start?

Book a free trial: two weeks (four classes) for karate, or a full week of kickboxing. Pick a time at the bottom of this page.

Find your class and book a free trial

Who’s training?
CallBook a trial