Personal Safety for Emerging Independence

Building Confident, Capable, and Safe Teens for Life Outside the Home

An introduction for Teenagers

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The ages of 12 to 15 are a crucial stage. Teenagers start travelling alone, socialising independently, and navigating public spaces without direct supervision.

The Youth Empowerment Course, designed and taught by Nick Wood, helps them build the confidence, awareness, and practical self-defence skills they need to stay safe and make smart decisions in the real world.

Its not about fear, its about awareness, confidence, and smart choices.

Structured in an age-appropriate, supportive way. Through interactive and practical training, participants will learn

  • Situational Awareness & Street Smarts - Understanding surroundings, recognising potential risks, and trusting intuition.

  • Conflict Avoidance & Verbal Skills - How to handle confrontation safely, set boundaries, and walk away with confidence

  • Basic Self-Defence Techniques - Simple, effective movements to escape common grabs or holds, and create space to get away.

  • Travel & Everyday Safety - Public transport awareness, safe routes, use of phones and devices responsibly, and staying connected.

  • Confidence and Mindset - Managing fear, assertive communication, body language, and decision-making under pressure.

  • Social Awareness & Online Boundaries - Recognising manipulative behaviour, online safety and peer pressure management.

This course is real-world tested and taught by a multiple black belt instructor and Tier 1 protection specialist. Its designed to build confidence and independence while keeping safety at the forefront, giving both teens and parents a peace of mind.

My son recently attended Nick’s two session (4 hour total) self-defence awareness course. I was able to observe throughout and participate in the outside “block walk” where the group discussed situational awareness. We both found it incredibly useful.

After the block walk, course attendees took turns to role play a range of challenging physical and mental scenarios. They also learned the importance of having a minimum level of physical fitness!

As the parent of a young teenager living in central London, my son’s safety is a priority, particularly as he enters the riskier ‘young adult’ stage. I particularly recommend the course for kids who are taking early steps towards moving independently around town, or students who are heading off to a university town. Adults of all ages will also benefit from this short course covering mental and physical aspects of self-defence. You’ll come away informed, aware and a little more confident.
— Scott Ransley, Parent

Nick’s approach keeps learning practical and engaging:

  • Small group sessions with a positive, supportive atmosphere.

  • Scenario-based drills that build awareness and muscle memory safely.

  • Discussions on real-life situations - what to do, what not to do, and when to act.

  • Clear moral framework: defence is always about protection and escape, not aggression.

We build strength and awareness - not fear.

I really enjoyed Nick’s self defence course. The first session was interactive and interesting, we went outside for a walk and were given examples of what to do in certain situations: using the environment to our advantage, windows as mirrors, cars as shields, and so on.

In the classroom/mat area we learned about offensive and defensive techniques and what dangers to look out for.

Throughout the sessions Nick tested us on what we had been taught earlier, making sure that we remembered everything. I would recommend Nick’s course to any child who wants to feel safer and more aware on the streets.
— Sam, age 13

Requirements

  • 12 - 15 Year olds

  • No previous experience required

Sessions include

  • Expert instructor (20 yrs experience)

  • Top quality instruction

  • Online videos & support

Session

  • Min: 90 minutes - Max: 180 minutes

  • 1:1 or private group

  • Online sessions available

Duration

Two half-day interactive safety intensives

  • Day 1: 1.5 hours

  • Day 2: 1.5 hours

Help your child build the confidence to move through the world safely.

£120 per person

4 to 10 people

Booking for a group?
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Private Group & School Bookings

Private sessions can be arranged for friend groups, youth clubs, or parent networks. Consent is adapted to your environment - Travel safety, after school independence, or online confidence.

Enquire for group rates and school programme partnerships.

Contact Nick

Why Train with Nick

  • Multi black belt martial artist with over 20 years experience.

  • Instructor to celebrities, executives and professionals - and passionate about mentoring youth.

  • Combines martial arts precision with real-world personal safety principles.

  • DBS-checked and fully insured.

  • Runs training for Tier 1 Protection (International) Ltd, teaching professionals in threat control and deescalation.

 FAQs

  • No, All techniques are taught safety and progressively. No sparring or impact drills.

  • Yes, the sessions are co-ed. We focus on equal confidence and respect for all participants.

  • Parents are welcome to observe part of the session to see the approach and safety measures.