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.

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 kidsTeens
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 karateAdults
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
| Karate | Kickboxing | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Self-defence with discipline, focus and belts to work toward | Self-defence with a hard workout |
| You learn | Stances, blocks, strikes, kicks, kata and partner self-defence | Jab, cross, hook, uppercut, knees and kicks on pads and bags |
| Ages | 3 to adult | 8 to adult |
| Free trial | 2 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.
Where to learn it
Classes with self-defence built in

Karate · ages 5 to 7
Junior Karate 5–7
Real karate basics, with focus, respect and anti-bullying skills built into every class.
Free 2-week trialClasses & prices
Karate · ages 8 to 12
Junior Karate 8–12
Real Shotokan technique, kata and self-defence for kids ready for a challenge.
Free 2-week trialClasses & prices
Karate · ages 13 and up
Teen & Adult Karate
Traditional Shotokan for beginners and returning black belts. Fitness, focus and a great crew.
Free 2-week trialClasses & prices
Kickboxing · ages 13 and up
Teen & Adult Kickboxing
A full-body evening workout with real technique. Complete beginners welcome.
Free 1-week trialClasses & prices
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
Your class
Tiger TOTS ages 3 and 4
Your child’s first class is free, so you can both see if they’re ready. After that, it’s $99 a month.
Pick your first class:
Your class
Junior Karate 5–7 ages 5 to 7
Start with a free 2-week trial: 4 classes to see if karate is a fit. After that, it’s $199 a month.
Pick your first class:
Your class
Junior Karate 8–12 ages 8 to 12
Start with a free 2-week trial: 4 classes to see if karate is a fit. After that, it’s $199 a month.
Pick your first class:
Your class
Teen & Adult Karate ages 13 and up
Start with a free 2-week trial: 4 classes to see if karate is a fit. After that, it’s $179 a month.
Pick your first class:
Your class
Youth Kickboxing ages 8 to 12
Try a full week of unlimited classes for free. After that, it’s from $179 a month.
Pick your first class:
Your class
Teen & Adult Kickboxing ages 13 and up
Try a full week of unlimited classes for free. After that, it’s from $179 a month.
Pick your first class:
