Intelligent Self Protection
SELF DEFENSE FOR SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES
One of our top priorities is educating teenagers and young adults in violence prevention, street awareness, self-defenses, and personal safety. We believe that understanding how to protect yourself—both physically and emotionally—is a vital life skill.
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We deliver in-person self-defenses training to schools, colleges, and universities across the America, and offer flexible online programs to reach learners worldwide. Scroll down to learn more and hear directly from the schools we’ve trained.
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Our programs are designed not only to teach practical self-defence skills but also to support the mental well-being and confidence of every student we work with.
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Should Self-Defense Should Be Taught in Schools?
Self-defense training is more than just physical movement — it’s a life skill. It empowers students with the awareness, confidence, and tools they need to stay safe in an increasingly complex world. Here's why self-defense education belongs in every school:
1. Promotes Safety and Preparedness
Students are vulnerable to a range of real-world dangers — from bullying and harassment to street violence and online grooming. Self-defense classes equip them with practical strategies to avoid danger, de-escalate conflict, and protect themselves if necessary.
2. Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem
When students learn how to defend themselves, they carry themselves differently. They become more assertive, confident, and less likely to be targeted. This increased self-assurance extends beyond safety — it improves classroom engagement, social interaction, and mental health.
3. Reinforces Boundaries and Consent
Self-defense education isn’t just about physical moves — it teaches young people how to recognize red flags, assert boundaries, and understand the concept of consent. These are essential lessons in personal autonomy and respect.
4. Reduces Bullying and Victimization
Students trained in self-defense are not only less likely to be bullied — they are also more likely to stand up for others. Programs that include bystander awareness and verbal assertiveness empower students to create safer, more inclusive school environments.
5. Supports Trauma-Informed Learning
A trauma-sensitive approach to self-defense acknowledges that some students may already have experiences of violence. With the right instruction, self-defense can be empowering, not triggering — helping students reclaim a sense of control over their bodies and lives.
6. Develops Lifelong Skills
Unlike many subjects that may be forgotten after graduation, the lessons learned in self-defense training stay with students for life. These skills support their transition into adulthood, making them safer and more self-reliant in college, work, and social situations.
SELF DEFENCE WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENTS
Teenagers and young adults should be able to enjoy school, college and university as the enriching experiences that they are.
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Sadly, all too often, we hear of attacks on students, many of whom leave themselves vulnerable due to a lack of awareness of what is going on around them.
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Our self defense training for schools brings personal safety awareness to students.
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It opens their eyes to dangers and the reality of the world we live in.
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This isn’t to frighten them, it is to empower them to look after themselves and stay safe.
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Self Defense For Schools- Colleges - WHAT’S COVERED
Our self defense for students workshops includes:
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How to use situational awareness
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Adrenaline and how your body reacts
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Evaluating risks and avoiding violence
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Mindset and body language
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Types of attackers and their rituals
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Common types of attacks
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Verbal de-escalation
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How to set boundaries
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Self defense and the law
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Effective physical self defense techniques – learning about soft tissue areas, responses to holds and grabs.
We do not teach boxing, kicking or any martial arts - we teach simple but highly effective physical responses based on evidence based research.
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No experience or prior knowledge is required.
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The techniques we teach are inclusive and suitable for people of all abilities, genders and levels of fitness.​​
Self-Defence Class Formats
CVPSD offers a range of flexible training options to suit your students, staff, and schedule. Whether you're looking for in-person workshops, live remote sessions, or self-paced online courses, we can tailor our approach to your needs.
1. In-Person Self-Defense Workshops
In-person sessions offer the most engaging and interactive experience. We’ve found that students benefit greatly from hands-on, face-to-face training.
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Content: Primarily focused on education and awareness, supported by live demonstrations and video content.
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Practice: Students have the opportunity to try physical techniques with our instructors — though participation is optional. Many choose to observe and still gain great value.
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Duration: Our minimum session length is 60 minutes. Our standard workshop runs for 3.5 hours.
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Scheduling: We can deliver multiple sessions in a single day to fit your timetable and make the most of your budget.
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Tailored Training: We’ll collaborate with you to create a format that matches the age and developmental stage of your students. Our approach is fully flexible and customizable.
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2. Live Remote Self-Defense Training
When in-person delivery isn’t possible, we offer virtual classes via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or your preferred e-learning platform.
Ideal for reaching large or remote student groups.
Offers the same core content as our in-person sessions, adapted for a live digital format.
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3. Online Self-Paced Courses
We also offer on-demand video training for students and staff:
Your Instructor: Will DeMuth​
With over three decades of dedicated research in conflict management and personal safety enhancement, Will's approach encompasses a integrated strategy that includes conflict de-escalation, effective conflict resolution, and heightened situational awareness.
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Will is a strong advocate for prevention, believing that it is the best defense against potential threats. He integrates preventive strategies with practical, evidence-based self-defense techniques in his training programs, ensuring that his clients are well-equipped to handle a variety of situations.
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Psychology of Violence and Combative Training
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Craig Douglas - ShivWorks Close quarters (0-5 feet), integrated training with firearms, edged weapons, and empty-hand techniques. USA
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Lt. Col. Grossman - On Combat Certification USA
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Bob Kasper - GHCA Close combat training organization USA
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Carl Cestari - Tekken Ryu Jujutsu USA
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David Kahn- Israeli Krav Maga-IKMA
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Lee Morrison- Urban Combatives UK
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Kelly McCann - Kembativz - High risk environment, protective training. USA
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Geoff Thompson - Private security specialist UK
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Ed Calderon - Security specialist with operational experience along the US-Mexico border. Tijuana, Mexico.
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Rory Miller - Former corrections officer with expertise in violence dynamics, self-defense, and conflict resolution. USA
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Dene Josham - Close protection specialist UK
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Nigel Feberuary - Specialist in South African violence, knife culture and endemic anti-crime tactics. Cape Town, South Africa.
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Leadership Experience
DeMuth co-founded a privately held company valued at $10 million, employing over 100 staff, which earned a spot on Inc. Magazine's list of fastest-growing companies for five consecutive years.
Nationwide Self Defense Training Program with Extensive Local Partner Network
Student Feedback
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I highly recommend the self defense class!! It was empowering both mentally and physically. Instructors were thoughtful, very knowledgeable, and the course was very well done!
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Simply Excellent!!!! The information on this site needs to be taught in all schools worldwide!
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The presenters were excellent. Very informative. Feel much better attending this seminar. Hopefully I will never need it.
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I learned so many informative things today. The class was fun and engaging. I will remember that I am worth defending and I go I go I go home
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I feel safer that I have some knowledge that I can apply if necessary..
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I learned so much during this class. It was helpful. Setting boundaries and watching my tone.
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Training was great! Good knowledgeable trainers loved the content and will definitely use it.​
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