The Evolutionary Approach:
Our training methodology is simple:
to continually seek the most efficient solutions to the issues around violence and victimisation through a holistic, realistic and scientific approach which is freely adaptable.
This evolutionary approach allows us to find, evaluate, test and implement new training methods with complete freedom.
We operate without a set syllabus. Instead, a core of training methodologies are implemented, yet they are done so freely. The training methodologies themselves are kept adaptive so that training at any one point can be kept relevant and efficient for the individual trainee.
We operate under a core set of training ethics, which can be found here.
Forms of Evolutionary Self-Protection Training:
ESP training takes many forms, so here is a little detail on the different kinds of sessions we provide:
ESP Classes:
Classes are available to the general public, and full details of all classes are on the classes page. They typically last for 1 or 2 hours, and consist mostly of physical training, though other aspects of self-protection are covered throughout. Fitness classes are also available, but with our training you won’t need one anyway! Our training is efficient, focused and consistent. Prices depend on the class and are listed on the classes page.
ESP Lectures:
No physical training takes place in lectures. Given by an instructor or a team of instructors, lectures can encompass vast amounts of background knowledge on technique and theory behind training and combat which would otherwise be ‘drip-fed’ through standard class-based training. Lectures generally cover personal security, but any subject can be covered, often with demonstrations and examples from the instructor/s, and typically last around an hour. Questions are encouraged either throughout or at the end. These sessions are, unless otherwise stated, open to all regardless of ability and experience, and are planned so that beginners can understand as well as those experienced in self-protection training. Lectures are announced on the events page, and prices vary depending on duration, location and format; get in touch and let us know what you want for a quote.
ESP Seminars:
Seminars are usually mostly physical training, but the background knowledge is also taught. A seminar is basically a long class with a specific focus. Seminars vastly improve the participants’ grasp of the topics covered very quickly. Seminars typically last 2 or more hours. These sessions are, unless otherwise stated, open to all regardless of ability and experience, and are planned so that beginners can understand as well as those experienced in self-protection training. Seminars are announced on the events page, and prices vary depending on duration, location and format; get in touch and let us know what you want for a quote.
ESP Workshops:
Combining the physical training of a seminar and the nonphysical training of a lecture, a workshop accomplishes both. Normally the physical training follows on from the lecture, which introduces the topic/s to be covered. Workshops typically last around 4 or 6 hours. These sessions are, unless otherwise stated, open to all regardless of ability and experience, and are planned so that beginners can understand as well as those experienced in self-protection training. Workshops are announced on the events page, and prices vary depending on duration, location and format; get in touch and let us know what you want for a quote.
ESP Personal Tuition:
Personal tuition can take place anywhere, and is arranged between the student and instructor. Pricing varies depending on duration, location and any rent (if applicable) for a training area. Personal tuition for junior members requires the presence and consent of their parent or guardian. Personal tuition can be taken regularly or on a session-by-session basis, alongside class-based training or not, and is open to all abilities. Sessions can be broad and comprehensive or focussed around particular areas of interest, and can be either physical training, nonphysical tuition or a mix of both. Sessions are typically 1 or 2 hours, but longer sessions can easily be arranged. Personal tuition needn’t necessarily be for a single student; a group can train together, and such an arrangement is subject to cumulative discount (the more of you there are, the cheaper it is for each of you individually). Cancellations must be given 48 hours before the session is due to begin (unless it’s an emergency or something – we’re not unreasonable), and when booking a session the date, time and location must be confirmed with the instructor, along with any special considerations you wish to be made (particular focuses, etc). Full details are on our private training page.
Short-Term Personal Tuition:
Some prefer to book a short course (whether weekly sessions, multiple sessions a week, or one long session) to get a basic understanding of ESP training and concepts. While this allows for an intensive learning experience and fast uptake of basic concepts, please be under no illusions – that is exactly what a short course is. Many seem to think of short courses as almost a vaccination against victimisation, and we at ESP would hate for any student of ours to walk away from a short course in basic (or even advanced) concepts with a false sense of security. It will help, in fact we believe greatly so (or we would not be teaching and training it ourselves) but the course in itself will not protect you. Your own training that follows from it, however, can. This applies to seminars, lectures, workshops, etc too.
Long-Term Personal Tuition:
This is the preferred method of learning for most, and we believe is the most effective. This approach is one of continued learning and training over time. The difference between this and short-term training is that the concepts can be assimilated by the student much more naturally and easily between the sessions, and generally stay with them much more easily. In addition, another significant difference is that longer-term tuition allows for the student’s individual attributes to be brought out and influence the training much more. In effect, you control the focus based on what you need at any given time.
To book, simply send us an email at evolutionaryselfprotection@gmail.com and we’ll discuss instructor availability, and see what you’re after. Individual instructors can offer different focusses, for example self-protection, martial arts, meditation, health and fitness, etc. If you want training in something you haven’t seen mentioned, feel free to ask if anyone does it! If none of us do, we’ll be happy to ask around through professional networks to see if we know anyone reputable who does.
Exclusivity:
Classes, Lectures, Seminars and Workshops are open to the public unless otherwise stated. Personal tuition is, of course, exclusive to whoever has booked it.
Evolutionary Self-Protection 