By appointment
Private lessons
One-to-one or small-group tuition for people who prefer focused instruction, a defined course and flexible lesson appointments.
- 10 hours of instruction
- Individual or groups of up to four
- Suitable for complete beginners
Dunedin, New Zealand
Practical self-defence training
Choose focused private lessons by appointment or join structured weekly training through the Todd Group.
Choose how you train
Two clear ways to begin
Both options teach practical self-defence. The difference is the format, pace and level of ongoing commitment.
Ongoing programme
Weekly training
Regular group training for people seeking continued practice, progressive development and broader training within the Todd Group system.
- Regular two-hour training sessions
- Structured progression
- Application and acceptance required
What the training is for
Preparation for situations that are not sporting contests
Training develops practical responses to personal danger, with emphasis on recognition, avoidance, controlled decision-making and creating an opportunity to disengage or escape.
The methods draw on established Todd Group close-combat and military self-defence systems. They are taught here for personal protection, not for competition or military occupational training.
Read about the training approach
Training principles
Direct, responsible and progressive
Recognition first
Good self-defence begins with noticing developing danger and making sound decisions early.
Practical actions
Instruction focuses on direct principles and actions that can be trained and recalled under pressure.
Controlled training
Skills are introduced progressively under instructor supervision, with clear safety and conduct requirements.
Responsible applicants
Because of the nature of the material, training is available only to people who meet the joining requirements.
Delivered through the Todd Group
A long-established Dunedin training organisation
The School of Self Defence is a Todd Group training service. The organisation’s history extends back to the Baldock Institute, established in Dunedin in 1927.
This site keeps the focus on the training available now. Further history and lineage information is available for people who want the fuller background.
About the School and Todd Group- 1927Origins in the Baldock Institute in Dunedin
- Dunedin HQPrivate and weekly training delivered from the Todd Group headquarters
- Small groupsFocused instruction with limited places and responsible applicant standards
Start here
Choose the training format that suits you
Private lessons offer a defined course by appointment. Weekly training provides ongoing practice and progression.