If your question isn’t answered below, please email or call me and I’ll answer anything you want to know.

What content is included in your workshops?

You can expect the following course content:

• Situational Awareness
• Self Defence Laws
• Impact Factors
• Danger and warning signs
• Stress and Performance
• Defensive fence
• Upper body and lower body strikes
• Release from grabs
• Ground defence
• Knife defence
• Fist Suit Experience (person in a padded suit to practice strikes on)
• Mini Scenarios

How old do I have to be to do the workshops?

Attendance on the course is based on the individual rather than their age. Around 12/13 would probably be the youngest age I would consider due to the nature of content covered. However, I am considering workshops based on younger children in the future.

How much will the course be?

Prices vary based on the content, the venue and any partner agencies I am working with.

Where do you deliver the workshops?

Workshops are delivered in Sussex – the courses put on by myself are usually at Southover Primary School, in Potter’s Lane, Lewes. Courses with partner agencies have ranged from London to Eastbourne.

Could I get hurt during the workshops?

You can do as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. It’s your body and your course. Anything self-defence related will have an element of risk attached to it, and if it doesn’t, then it isn’t realistic. My team and I are trained to a high level in safeguarding students and risk assess every aspect of each class to avoid any injuries.

Do I need to be fit to take part in the course?

You can take a break at any point in the sessions based on your fitness levels. You mostly need to be able to get up off the floor fairly easily and not have any medical conditions that could get worse as a result of you doing the course. You will be required to complete a health questionnaire before the course. If you choose not to disclose any conditions that could affect your training or previous injuries and you aggravate this, you may not be covered by my insurance.

Training is dynamic but doesn’t involve long periods of “cardio”. Email me if you aren’t sure and want further advice.

What if I’ve got additional learning needs?

We can accommodate a variety of learning needs such as dyslexia or dyspraxia which can affect the way you process the techniques being taught and you might need a bit more time to grasp them. We are all trained to make reasonable adjustments for individuals and there is no judgement here, and I am very passionate about that!

What should I wear?

I recommend clothes that you are comfortable in and can easily move around in. Trainers, joggers or leggings and a T-shirt would be appropriate, and consider a sports bra for additional support and comfort. Some techniques and warm ups may involve some rolling around on the floor.

What if I’m really shy or anxious?

That’s really common. I was a really shy teenager until I started Taekwondo. I meet lots of people throughout my work who are shy and I like to think that I am pretty understanding with it. I will always do my best to explain everything before hand, I am happy to answer any question, no matter how silly, and a big part of the course is to increase your confidence. I will never put you on the spot or single you out in front of everyone, I truly foster a safe environment.

What training and experience do the instructors have?

I (Michele Cavallin) will be the lead instructor on the course and will have various male and female assistants to demonstrate on, that will also be able to coach during practice. All assistants will either have a black belt in Taekwondo, or extensive experience as a self defence trainer.

I have:

• An enhanced DBS
• Public Indemnity Insurance
• First Aid Medic
• Safeguarding Training
• 17 years within the teaching and training industry
• Qualified Teacher Status
• Qualified Police Personal Safety Trainer
• Qualified Taekwondo Instructor
• Level 2 Fitness Instructor
• 5th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo
• Multiple World, National and local titles in Taekwondo including World Champion in Sparring x2 (2013 and 2016)