About us
London Self Defence Academy combines martial arts and real-world self defence into a curriculum that builds confidence and practical skills, for beginners through to advanced students, at every age.
Our team brings many years of experience across different martial arts and self defence styles, with roots in Japanese martial arts and Aikido. Every instructor is fully insured and holds an enhanced DBS certificate.
Founder & Head Instructor · 2nd Dan black belt
Ondrej founded London Self Defence Academy and wrote its syllabus, which he reviews and improves every year. He is an experienced Aikido teacher and has trained in boxing, Systema, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and swordplay.
His strength is turning a wide range of techniques into simple, practical self defence that people of any age or fitness level can learn and remember. His sessions cover mindset, awareness and de-escalation as well as physical skills. He is also the author of Self Defence for Beginners.
Head Instructor
Sam has more than ten years of martial arts experience, starting with Aikido as a child and going on to boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. He spent seven years in the Army Cadet Force and earned the rank of Master Cadet for his teaching and leadership.
Sam has also worked in the security industry for eight years, from private events on the Thames to high-end retail in Knightsbridge. That gives him first-hand experience of real situations, which he brings to staff training, de-escalation and the UK law on self defence.
Instructor
Shan began training in mixed martial arts while at university and has since trained in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Wing Chun.
She grew up in London, so she understands how important it is for people, especially women, to feel confident and prepared in everyday situations. Her teaching is practical, encouraging and based on real-world awareness. She helps groups build physical skills and personal confidence together.
Instructor · 1st Dan black belt
Bysshe has trained since he was 14 in Cornish wrestling, kickboxing, Aikido, Iaido and Kendo. He specialises in simple, effective ways to respond to weapons, which makes him well suited to knife awareness sessions.
A former county football captain and varsity rugby player, he is also an academic specialising in English Romantic poetry (academic profile). He brings a clear, structured teaching style to every group.
Instructor
Berengere specialises in technique over strength: using leverage, movement and timing to stay safe against a larger person. She loves the detail of the techniques the Academy teaches and how each movement connects to the next.
She knows from her own experience how much self defence training can boost confidence, and she passes that on to every group she teaches.
Instructor · 1st Dan black belt
Alex has trained in Aikido for twelve years and also has experience in weapons, gymnastics, boxing and jiu-jitsu.
He enjoys teaching and sharing the skills that have kept him safe over the years. His patient, approachable style suits beginners and mixed-ability groups.
Our methods and standards are recognised by two UK governing bodies, Sport England and the British Aikido Board. All instructors hold enhanced DBS certificates and are fully insured, so schools, employers and parents can book with confidence.
Our book
Written by our founder, Ondrej Matej: techniques, mental and physical strategies, de-escalation, and what you’re allowed to do under UK law.
“This is the 2nd workshop I’ve organised with the London Self Defence Academy. Ondrej and Sam are a dream to work with and their sessions are informative, fun and always go down a treat.”
Lizzie C.
Workshop organiser, Google review
“Great experience. Sam taught a lot of techniques in the time we had as well as ran through relevant scenarios and laws, which was super helpful. Fab attitude to teaching too.”
Jessica C.
Google review
“We booked two private sessions for our family of 5. Our instructor Ethan was great! He is very knowledgeable and patient and made sure we really understood the different moves and techniques and were able to execute them confidently.”
T. H.
Private family sessions, Google review
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