Self Defence

Increase strength, boost self-confidence, learn how to give a damn good kicking and reduce your chances of being attacked by taking a self-defence course.

The best place to start is with your campus student union. See if there are any programmes offered through the uni or college’s sport or security departments because these are more likely to be affordable and convenient.

Failing that, snoop around your local health club or ring up the local council. Some self-defence courses are open only to women, so if you’re male, make sure you ask whether you can participate.

Or, if Bruce Lee-stylee action is more your thing, try a Martial Arts course, such as Ju Jitsu, Karate, Aikido, Judo, Atemi-Jutsu, Kempo, Shiai (Competitive), Iaido, Ken-Jutsu or Kung Fu.

These are generally for people serious about training and are put on by specialist clubs, so check the Yellow Pages or wander around your neighbourhood to find out if there are any beginners courses. But if you can’t commit to training every week, for example, you may want to take a shorter-term class.

And soon you’ll be ready to go forth, and conquer.