Frequently Asked Questions About SEPS Self Defense
How fit do I have to be to practise SEPS Self Defense?
An average SEPS self defense class lasts 1 1/2 hours and contains periods of both high and
moderate physical activity - if you haven't a reasonable level of fitnes i.e. struggle
to do 10 push ups, 20 sit ups and would have difficulty completing a mile long jog
you will certainly feel the effort of a class. HOWEVER you are encouraged to work at
your own pace and work to your own limits (classes are non-competitive in nature, if
anything we encourage people to work together), which means that this is an ideal way
for you to get fit if you're lacking in this area.
As well as being a Self Defense instructor I am also a qualified personal trainer so I am used to developing individuals personal fitness as well as conditioning them to survive a street fight.
Whatever your fitness level you will be pushed to achieve a higher level but never beyond your capabilities.
What's a SEPS Self Defense class actually like?
A SEPS self defense class will start with a gradual warm up, to raise the pulse and mobilise the joints. We then practise 'fighting games'; these are drills and games which help
to teach judgement of range and distance, improve reactions, develop balance and generally
improve the way an individual moves (making sure feet don't cross, weight becomes too
planted etc).
We then practise the techniques that were taught in the last lesson before moving on to new techniques. We try and practise these in 'context', either by replicating street scenarios or practising them in a sequence of attacks in which they are likely to be found.
Somewhere during the class there will be a stress component or a period of agression training.
We finish with a brief discussion, which everyone is encouraged to take part in, of what we have covered and why we have practised it in such a way.
For a more detailed explanation of self defense class please click here
Will I get hurt practising SEPS Self Defense?
There is no simple answer to this question. Safety is stressed above everything in our classes however self defense training when done realistically isn't tiddly winks and accidents can happen. In the many years I've been teaching the injury rate I've seen has been well below that of other sports such as football/soccer etc.
Of all the other martial arts/systems I have practised I have received less injuries through practising SEPS self defense.
Is there an age limit for SEPS Self Defense classes?
Students (unless a class states otherwise) must be at least 14 years of age. There is no upper limit, all welcome.
What should I wear?
We are not a traditional martial art, so we have no formal uniform (students are asked to purchase an association t-shirt at some point when they feel that they will become regular attendees).
Tracksuit & training shoes or regular gym kit is fine. We don't train bare feet so some form of footwear needs to be worn.
Many students also wear some form of groin protection.
Is SEPS Self Defense suitable for women?
Definitely! For more information about female self defense please click here.
Are there gradings in SEPS Self Defense?
There are gradings in SEPS though we don't wear belts and it's not the focus of what we teach. Our intention is to turn out individuals who are capable of defending themselves in a real life street encounter not individuals who can demonstrate a multitude of techniques.
Gradings are optional and there is no pressure on any individual to take them.
If one of your first questions is, 'how long will it take me to become a black belt?' etc, then SEPS may
not be the system you are looking for (please take a look at the martial arts
I teach in the Massachusetts area by clicking here. If on the
other hand your question is, 'How long before I can deal with violent situations?',then the system is most definitely for you.
Progression through the system is based on dealing with ever more complex problems, the solutions i.e. the techniques themselves don't get any much more complex from level 1 through to level 7.
How long will it take me to get to a reasonable standard in SEPS Self Defense?
The great thing about SEPS is that not everything you learn is physical. The first thing that is always taught is simply how to position, yourself and act when dealing with an aggressive individual. You will come out of your first class with knowledge and skills.
Most people manage to get to a point where they can deal with most most striking, grappling, ground fighting and kicking scenarios a long with the most common knife attacks and threats and be able to successfully defend themselves, during a 5 minute stress test within 6-8 months (training twice a week).
A lot of the major improvements (in physical ability) after this come as people develop their movement and balance as well as their appreciation of distancing and range. The use of awareness and de-escalation skills progress at a fairly steady rate and mirror the amount of time spent practising them.