F.A.S.T DEFENCE Freqently Asked Questions

A:People choose FAST DEFENCE because of what it's proven to deliver. Each FAST DEFENCE course provides a highly trained team delivering an award winning programme. Fast is not a single Instructor teaching a whole class. Instructors are entirely focused on your needs and your success. You are supported individually by a coach and get the opportunity to practise full power on a resisting attacker. FAST works and you'll see the proof.

Q: Can anyone learn FAST DEFENCE.

A: Yes. FAST DEFENCE teaches students to how avoid and de esculate possible confrontations. This in its self has been proven to prevent conflict escalating to violence on at least 70% of incidents and is cited in research by bodies such as the FBI. FAST DEFENCE will provide students of all abilities with a range of mental and physical tools to avoid violence and where unavoidable how to deal with it and escape.

Q; Isn't FAST just a man in a suit?
A. No. Many people confuse the suit with the product. FAST is a highly effective, research based programme of intense training. FAST uses sophisticated training methods to teach students control the effecys of fear and if necessary to master 5 simple combative techniques. Due to the level of psychological arousal during the training, the techniques are very effectivley retained in the part of the brain used under real stress. The function of the suit is merely to allow the student to practice under the effects of stress safely and in a realistic manner.

Q: I have issues from my past, can I do FAST ?

A; Absolutely yes! FAST is a robust and therapeutic programme often used to support survivors of abuse. Students who feel disempowered by abuse are often unable to say no or assert them selves in the face of conflict or intimidation. For some this is a first. Our students gain huge amounts of knowledge from FAST courses have a look at the Testimonials.  FAST Courses have an intensive, highly supported atmosphere. Even under pressure every student is coached all the way by a coach and supported by the whole group. The effect is outstanding and can be a very emotional experience for some.   FAST can be an intensely positive and life enhancing experience.

Q: What Martial Arts Style Is FAST Defence based on?

A: Fast Defence is not based on any specific Martial Art Style, though the techniques can be found in many styles. FAST DEFENCE uses 5 simple strikes that are simple, gross motor skills designed for a smaller person to employ against a possibly larger attacker.

Q.What I expect on a FAST course ?

A. The teaching methodology used in FAST allows students to control and focus the adrenal rush that occurs in any sort of verbal or physical attack.  An adult or child can be conditioned to be a fearful or a victim for their entire life by just one significant incident. A skilled FAST team can train students to use the adrenal fear rush as their ally and promote positive outcomes and positive management of conflict from just one FAST Course. 

Q: Why just 5 techniques, isnt it better to learn a wide range of techniques ?

A: Research has shown that under duress the major parts of the brain shut down. The part of the brain that continues to function is only capable of simple gross motor skills and a maximum of 5 bits of information. Thus, a person who is correctly trained can effectively employ a maximum of 5 techniques while experiencing the adrenaline rush! (Most street fighters successfully use 2-3 techniques in their real life attacks. Even professional boxers use only a handful of techniques at most in their bouts)! In short, the greater the range of techniques a student has been trained to apply to a situation the smaller their chances of successfully using them. In self defence 'less is more'.

Q: What if a person has no training at all ?

A: The most common responses to the adrenal fear are to freeze or to flail punches ineffectually. FAST DEFENCE provides the necessary training to overcome these common responses with simple techniques designed for people of any size to employ against a bigger and stronger opponent.

Q: What if I train in the Martial Arts?

A: The Martial Arts are a wonderful path of discipline and physical dexterity. But in truth many a Black Belt has been beaten in street fights because they were not prepared to deal with the intense bio-chemical and emotional response of a real life attack. Complicated techniques using fine motor skills go right out the window when suddenly someone is in your face yelling and threatening. Realistic self defence training should rely on simple, natural movements.

Q: Does this mean that the martial arts are worthless?

A: Martial arts and self defence are not necessarily the same thing. Studying a Martial Art is a great thing to do. Its great for your mental and physical health and can be a passion many follow throughout their lives. Often self defence training within martial arts focuses more on the technical aspects of training with little acknowledgement of the effects of fear or anger. Think of FAST DEFENCE as the missing link to Martial Arts training. Initially there is a transition period while Martial Artists adjust to the adrenal rush. Once they get through this adjustment, they do very well under duress. But the myth of looking like a movie star in a real fight has to be left behind as the fantasy that it is. Real life fights are messy and scary and people get hurt.

Q: What if I'm not in good shape?

A: Can I still defend myself? The effects of adrenaline supercede physical conditioning. Although physical conditioning is an attribute, it matters little if you cannot focus the adrenaline fear response. A person who can harness this powerful force is capable of amazing feats despite physical conditioning. Who hasn't heard of women lifting cars off a pinned infant, or men tossing 500 lb. bombs of the deck of a burning ship? Adrenaline is the great equalizer! When combined with simple strikes to vulnerable areas, FAST Defense becomes quite effective for people of little physical conditioning or strength.

Q: How many years does it take to achieve this?

A: As little as 4 ½ hours! The step by step process works amazingly quickly. Just as a person can be negatively conditioned for years to freeze up in a single short attack, FAST DEFENCE trains a positive successful reaction in a very short time. And the results stay with you for years. Much like riding a bicycle or swimming, FAST training is there in your subconscious until you need it. One might not swim for many years after childhood lessons. But toss them into a pool and they will swim!

Q: What if the attacker has a weapon or if there is more than one??

A: FAST DEFENCE has advanced levels of training that teach defence against an Armed Assailant, and Multiple Attackers! And since many fights end up on the ground, there is extensive ground fighting training as well.

Q: I am nervous about conflict what if I cant do it ?

A: Students are supported by the group and a coach to overcome the adverse effects of adrenalin and use it positively. FAST DEFENCE has extensive experience helping students over come huge obstacles from previous life experience to poor self confidence. You'll learn how to predict aggression, how to manage and diffuse and where necessary how to protect yourself if it becomes necessary. FAST DEFENCE will help you meet and challenge your own fears successfully. You are not alone and will be supported through the whole process by highly trained instructors.

Q: I am an instructor can I book a FAST course at my club.

A:Yes. We do a profit share scheme with instructors This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it us to discuss your requirements.

Q; What courses do you offer

We offer a range of FAST and NON FAST Courses. For further information see our courses section here