Ask me why I was learning Martial Arts even two months ago and I’d give a very different answer to today. Recent events have switched my thinking from simple fitness and exercise to actual self defence. Both in terms of work and out on the street, London is feeling more dangerous these days. And I’d like to know how to defend myself before I actually get into a situation.

True I’m more likely to run into a situation at work with how things have been going recently. Being confronted by a shoplifter swinging a length of bicycle chain was something of an eye opener. Even before that violent or potentially violent shoplifters have been more of a thing. Not that I’m going to be confronting them in the line of duty unless push really comes to shove. It’s much safer to let them leave and report to the police. Still if something does happen it would be good to know how to deal with it.