I want to learn how to defend myself. What makes Progressive Defence different from any other martial arts or self defence system?
Progressive Defence differs from traditional martial arts in that we address violence in a holistic manner. We recognise that there is far more to real-world violence than just the physical. You can know all the fancy moves in the world, but still freeze in a street fight or a mugging if you are not adequately prepared for the adrenaline dump and various physiological changes happening in your body. As such, we use the medium of scenario training to replicate these situations and study violence not only on a physical level, but also on a behaviour, emotional and psychological level.
Also as part of Senshido International, we go a step further than any other organisation also teaching reality-based self-defence. It is one thing to teach a person how to survive violence by being a better fighter than their assailant, but another to teach that person to control their ego, pay attention to their intuition and maintain awareness to avoid being in that situation in the first place. In this way, self development is as much our goal as self defence.
You say you focus on self development. How do you accomplish this through self defence training?
Great question! We accomplish this partly through education, but mostly through emersion! There’s only so much you can learn about swimming without getting your feet wet. Often times, putting someone into a confronting scenario replication allows them to see for the first time how they react under pressure. Sometimes these reactions are what was expected, and sometimes they are not. This alone gives us a great stepping stone from which to evaluate why someone reacted perhaps too aggressive or too passively. Good scenario training also forces a student to abandon their ego and continue fighting even if a mistake is made. This can, and has done wonders for the confidence of many students. One graduate of a Progressive Defence course called “Sweaty, messy, lung-busting therapy.” If that’s not an endorsement, what is?!
What do you mean when you refer to “The Peaceful Warrior”?
The phrase “Peaceful Warrior” is a testament to Dan Milllman’s classic work “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” which has had a massive impact on the mindset and essence of all Progressive Defence and Senshido International material. Our definition of a Peaceful Warrior is someone that knows they have the capacity to defend themselves with a strong confidence in their ability to do so, but seeks not to prove this unless absolutely necessary. A Peaceful Warrior will seek to avoid violence at all costs, but will not hesitate to do all that is necessary, if required, to protect themselves or others.
Do you have regular classes or just seminars?
Please refer to the Training menu above for all details on our classes and seminars.
Will I get beat up at a Progressive Defence seminar? I’m not comfortable being roughed up.
Everyone that comes to a Progressive Defence seminar will be in control of how much they are willing to experience. A lot of what you will learn in a Progressive Defence/Senshido International seminar will not include physical interaction. However, when it comes to learning the physical portion of self defence, it is not possible to do this effectively without realistic interaction with a human aggressor. Rest assured however, that if you have any previous life traumas or are uncomfortable with aggression or physical contact, that you may opt out for any reason at any time. You may choose to work with an instructor who will scale the intensity to a level you are comfortable with. We are in the business of empowering people – not breaking them!
I’m interested in training hard. I like to sweat and don’t mind bruises. Do you offer this kind of training or are you non-contact?
Absolutely! As mentioned above, everyone is in control of the intensity of their own training. There are some seminars that are rougher than others, and a lot depends on the group of students present. If you want to train hard, you will no doubt find a willing partner at any of our classes or seminars. Our instructors come from hard-training, full-contact backgrounds, so we are definitely not adverse to this kind of training. We just recognise that it may not be for everyone!
Do I need to have any prior training to attend a Progressive Defence/Senshido International seminar? Do I need to be fit?
We believe that everyone has the right to self defence. As such, we provide classes and seminars for all levels of fitness and physical capabilities. Even those with physical disabilities will be able to complete certain seminars or parts of seminars, upon consultation with the seminar organiser.
Prior training, for most seminars, is absolutely non-essential. In fact, those with no training tend to pick up the material much quicker than those that may have prior martial arts training in their muscle memory. The only pre-requisite is an open mind!
Please note that some seminars, such as the Street Judo, LE Judo and StreetClinch seminars do require a good standard of fitness due to their intensity and physical demands.
Do you do private lessons or private seminars?
Yes to both. Private lessons are available upon request, and private seminars are readily provided to groups of eight or more. Please contact us for costing.
I’m an instructor in another style of martial arts. Can I do a course to become a Progressive Defence/Senshido International instructor?
The short answer is, no. Unlike many other systems that market themselves as reality-based or self-protection systems, we do not have a “quick-turn” instructor program. All Senshido International instructors go through a rigorous selection process and are personally signed off on by Richard Dimitri. Becoming a Senshido Instructor is far more than simply learning all the physical tools; it is as much about sharing the vision and demonstrating it through actions as it is being able to teach the Shredder. Most Senshido Instructors had regular personal contact with Rich over a number of years before being invited to become instructors.
Progressive Defence follows a similar method, with so far only one long-term student being permitted to commence the instructor development program which includes regular training and acting in the role of assistant instructor until such time as full competence is proven. So it is not impossible to become a Progressive Defence or Senshido International instructor, but it does take time and there is no “course” as such.
If you have a question not answered here, please contact us.