About us

At ESD, we make self-defence approachable and accessible for all, preparing you for everyday scenarios.

Practical self defence for everyday life

Too often, learning self-defence means enrolling in a local martial arts class or committing to long-term specialist training – both of which might not be suitable or effective for everyone. That's why we established Everyday Self Defence (ESD). At ESD, we focus on self-defence techniques that are practical, understandable, and usable by most people in most situations. Working with crime and conflict experts, we've studied the most common risks people encounter daily. Our courses offer effective skills that can be learned quickly and reinforced with video-based support before and after physical training. We also provide follow-up training programs to refresh or upgrade your skills, tailoring to specific situations or work-related incidents. This commitment to comprehensive and continuous learning has made us a preferred training partner for major companies and public sector organisations.

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Meet the Founders

Jon Bullock

Jon has over 18 years of experience in the field of self-defence and personal safety having served in the British Army, Royal Military Police, Close Protection Unit and in the private security sector. Jon has taught and studied physical defensive tactics, conflict communication and de-escalation training across the world and is now considered a subject matter expert. He advises and delivers training around the world for Corporate Entities, Governmental Departments, Law Enforcement Agencies and Military Units.

Marc Nohr

Marc has over 30 years of experience advising many of the world’s biggest companies. Having studied at Oxford and London Universities, as well as London Business School, he is also member of Harvard’s Institute of Coaching. His areas of interest include neuro-linguistics, behavioural psychology, communications and leadership. He is Chairman of several companies including in the fitness and wellness space. He is also a qualified Krav Maga instructor and has taught the Israeli system of self defence for almost 20 years.

Our coaching team

ESD's coaching team comprises of experienced coaches, each selected for their extensive backgrounds in self defence and conflict resolution. All our coaches complete our Master Coach Programme to qualify to teach our courses.

Our advisory board

ESD is supported by an advisory board of experts in the fields of conflict resolution and physical self defence training from around the world.

Rory Miller (USA)

Rory Miller is a seventeen-year veteran Corrections officer with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in Portland, Oregon. Rory is best known as the author of Meditations on Violence and Facing Violence which are widely regarded as some of the most informative and thought provoking publications on the subject of the comparison between training, and real world violence. Rory is a globally respected expert in the subjects of conflict and violence and has delivered training and key notes all over the world.

Jon Hegan (UK)

Jon Hegan is a self defence expert with over 30 years of teaching and training experience and holds black belts in Judo, Krav Maga and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.  Jon brings a wealth of first-hand experience of conflict and violence having worked for many years in secure units with violent adolescents convicted of serious offences, who were deemed too vulnerable for mainstream young offenders institutes. 

Tammy Yard-McCraken (USA)

Dr Yard-McCraken is a psychotherapist with a doctorate in psychology. She also holds a Master's Degree in Professional Counselling and is a Licenced Professional Counsellor. Tammy is the owner of US-based Personal Defense Industries (PDI) and provides training and instruction for private companies, international safety & security organisations, and non-profit groups serving populations at high risk for violence.

Eyal Yanilov (Israel)

Eyal Yanilov is best known for the modernisation of Krav Maga, the Israeli system of self defence.  He is well known for being the first to offer Krav Maga training outside of Israel.  His training organisation, Krav Maga Global is the largest in the world and he has authored a number of best-selling books on both practical self defence and mindset for self-protection.

Daniel Killeen (UK)

Daniel Killeen is a former Metropolitan Police Officer with 25 years of experience. During his service, he delivered defensive and officer safety training to uniformed officers and specialist operations teams. Daniel was also part of the Officer Safety Lead Team responsible for designing, delivering and reviewing all Police safety training.

In addition

We would like to acknowledge the input of two advisors associated with the military and defence services whose details we cannot publish online.

ESD training includes

01

How to enhance personal safety awareness

02

Coping with fear and reducing the ‘freeze’ response

03

Effective ‘talk-down’ de-escalation skills

04

Easy-to-learn techniques to escape to safety

Training with us

Start your ESD training journey with our Level 1 Safer Staff Course, delivered over half a day, combining online and in-person training. We also provide courses focused on de-escalation and conflict resolution, enhanced training for security teams, and customised training programmes.

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“I would recommend this course to anybody, to boost their confidence and their skills to keep themselves safe.”

Team Member, SKY

"The instructors were fantastic, extremely friendly and approachable, and their knowledge was fantastic. Very encouraging and patient!"

Field Technician, Virgin Media O2

"I approached ESD for a level of specificity and expertise to upskill our staff to deal with conflict.  I would not hesitate in using ESD again to fulfil our training needs!"

Head of Corporate Security, Enfield Council

“A very well-structured course. Many helpful techniques. Instructors were clear, concise, and professional. It was a great experience.”

Field Technician, Virgin Media O2

All our courses

Safer Staff

An intensive corporate personal safety and self defence programme combining pre-course and post-course e-learning with in-person practical training. This course is also available as a programme specifically for women.

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Conflict Communication & De-escalation

A comprehensive de-escalation programme that dives deep into effective verbal de-escalation and conflict resolution methods.

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Enhanced Security Team Training

Elevate your security team's performance with this intensive course that goes far beyond standard SIA training.

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Customised Courses

Advanced or bespoke programmes tailored to specific roles and environments, designed with you by our expert instructors.

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