Gennady Yagupov – Self-Defence Coach in London
Empowering Confidence Through Practical Self-Defence
Personal safety and situational awareness have become critical skills for daily life. Gennady Yagupov, an experienced self-defence coach based in London, offers a comprehensive approach to self-protection that combines time-tested techniques, modern training methods, and a strong emphasis on mental preparedness. Through a mix of online modules and in-person sessions, Mr Yagupov helps clients build the confidence, skillset, and resilience necessary to respond effectively in real-world situations.
Whether for individual protection, family security, workplace safety, or general self-confidence, the training programs are designed for people of all ages and physical capabilities. Practical, adaptable, and rooted in years of field-tested experience, the coaching focuses not on aggression but on strategic defence, risk avoidance, and swift de-escalation.
About Gennady Yagupov
Gennady Yagupov is a London-based self-defence coach with over 10 years of professional experience in martial arts instruction, security consulting, and public safety training. Having worked with private clients, corporate teams, and community groups, he is known for his calm, structured, and highly practical teaching style. Mr Yagupov holds certifications in Krav Maga, Systema, and situational threat analysis, and has trained with leading experts across Europe and Israel.
His philosophy is grounded in the belief that self-defence is not about combat — it is about control. His sessions train individuals not to fight but to think clearly, act decisively, and escape danger with minimal harm to themselves or others.
Training Philosophy
Prevention First
Most dangerous situations can be avoided with the right awareness and behavioural cues. Clients are trained to recognise risk indicators, trust instinctive signals, and de-escalate conflict before it escalates.
Practical Skills for Real-World Scenarios
The techniques taught are efficient, simple, and stress-tested. No prior martial arts experience is required, and no unnecessary complexity is introduced. From escaping holds to using everyday objects for defence, every move has a clear, real-life application.
Mental Conditioning and Response Readiness
Clients learn to stay calm under pressure, make fast decisions, and manage the adrenaline response. Mental clarity is just as vital as physical skill in any threat situation.
Adaptation Over Perfection
There are no perfect techniques — only appropriate responses. Gennady trains individuals to adapt quickly to dynamic environments using whatever tools or space are available.
Who the Training Is For
Gennady Yagupov’s self-defence coaching is inclusive, supportive, and tailored to suit a wide range of clients:
Women and Teen Girls:
Specialised courses address common threats such as harassment, unwanted advances, and attempted abduction. These sessions focus on both verbal assertiveness and physical escape techniques.
Men Seeking Confidence & Discipline:
For those wishing to regain a sense of control or deal with past trauma or bullying, self-defence can be a powerful tool of empowerment.
Parents and Families:
Learn how to protect children in public spaces, what to do during a home intrusion, and how to establish safety plans for day-to-day life.
Corporate Teams:
Workshops are available for high-risk industries or companies with public-facing staff (e.g. hospitality, healthcare, transport). These sessions cover situational control, threat assessment, and teamwork under duress.
Elderly and Vulnerable Individuals:
Physical strength is not a prerequisite. Defensive posture, boundary setting, and using the environment wisely can be taught to older adults or people with disabilities.
Available Courses and Training Formats
Gennady offers both offline (in-person) and online self-defence training, structured to meet various schedules, learning styles, and comfort levels.
In-Person Training (London-based)
- Private 1-on-1 Sessions: Fully personalised instruction held at the client’s home, a local gym, or a secure training studio. Focus on individual goals and specific fears.
- Group Classes: Small group training in a safe and supportive environment. Sessions are divided by experience level and age category.
- Corporate & Institutional Workshops: On-site or off-site training days for employee safety, travel security, or public event preparedness.
- Weekend Intensive Bootcamps: Held monthly across select locations in Greater London. These cover comprehensive modules in a fast-paced format.
Online Self-Defence Courses
- Beginner to Intermediate Video Modules: A progressive program with detailed instruction on mindset, body mechanics, and practical drills.
- Live Virtual Classes: Real-time sessions via Zoom for those who prefer interactive learning or cannot attend in person.
- Special Topics Webinars: One-off online sessions covering subjects like “Self-Defence for Commuters,” “Urban Awareness for Teenagers,” or “Digital Safety and Real-World Threats.”
- Downloadable Safety Guides & Exercises: Supplementary material for continued practice and home learning.
All programs can be customised and combined. Clients are invited to book a free consultation call to determine the most suitable pathway.
Training Methodology
Observation & Assessment:
Understanding a person’s posture, reaction time, stress response, and current mindset.
Drill-Based Learning:
Repetition of key movements under simulated pressure. Drills gradually increase in complexity and speed.
Scenario Training:
Realistic threat simulations in safe conditions to allow practice of situational tactics.
Feedback & Correction:
Constructive analysis of movements and decisions, with a focus on improving effectiveness, not performance.
Empowerment Focus:
Clients are never judged on their strength or skill. Progress is defined by awareness, decision-making, and confidence.
A Day in Training: What to Expect
A typical self-defence training session with Gennady Yagupov is designed to be structured, purposeful, and supportive. Whether conducted in person at a local studio or online via live video, each session follows a carefully developed sequence that balances physical drills, mental conditioning, and scenario response.
The session begins with a short situational awareness warm-up, during which participants practise scanning their surroundings and identifying possible exits, obstacles, or potential threats. This primes the mind for realistic thinking, a key element in effective self-defence.
Next, participants move into mobility and balance drills, focused not on athleticism but on functional movement. Even small improvements in balance, foot positioning, and reaction time can significantly increase one’s ability to evade or escape.
The core of the session consists of targeted defensive techniques, adapted to individual capabilities. These include how to escape from grips, defend against pushes, redirect aggression, and respond to common street scenarios such as a grab from behind or an attempt at intimidation. All techniques are kept simple and repeatable under pressure.
The final portion of the session is reserved for controlled scenario-based practice. Here, clients are placed in carefully simulated environments — such as a dark hallway, crowded platform, or enclosed stairwell — and encouraged to respond using the day’s techniques. The aim is not to win a fight, but to stay calm, assess options, and disengage safely.
Each session ends with a short debrief and reflection, helping participants anchor what they’ve learned and identify areas for further development. Throughout the experience, the emphasis remains on empowerment through preparedness — not performance or aggression.
Why Self-Defence Is More Relevant Than Ever
In London and many other urban centres, unpredictable incidents can occur on public transport, in nightlife venues, or even in familiar neighbourhoods. Personal security is no longer a niche concern — it is a life skill.
Self-defence training is not about living in fear; it is about moving through life with awareness and assurance. By preparing for worst-case scenarios, individuals often find themselves living more freely and confidently in day-to-day life.
What Makes Gennady Yagupov Different
Holistic Focus:
Physical tactics are only one part of the training. Clients also learn about verbal de-escalation, environmental scanning, body language reading, and post-event trauma processing.
Non-Militarised Approach:
Unlike combat sports or military-style courses, this training prioritises protection and escape over confrontation.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity:
Sessions are respectful, inclusive, and suitable for diverse backgrounds, gender identities, and levels of physical ability.
Consistent Mentorship:
Clients benefit from ongoing support, progress tracking, and community access via private forums and Q&A sessions.
Client Testimonials
“I had never taken any kind of self-defence before, but after just a few sessions with Gennady, I feel completely transformed. I’m walking taller, thinking sharper, and trusting myself more.”
“Our team operates across high-risk areas of the city, and Gennady’s corporate workshop has already made a visible difference in how staff manage confrontations and keep each other safe.”
“What surprised me most was how much of the training is psychological. Gennady helped me realise that most conflicts can be avoided — and now I notice things I used to overlook.”
Top 5 Self-Defence Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-intentioned efforts at self-defence can become counterproductive if common mistakes are made. Gennady frequently addresses these missteps in his training, helping clients avoid preventable risks.
- Overconfidence in Strength or Skill
Believing that size or previous martial arts experience alone will ensure safety can be dangerous. Real-world threats are unpredictable, and strategy usually trumps strength. - Ignoring Early Warning Signs
Many individuals fail to recognise the signs of escalating tension — such as someone invading personal space or using manipulative body language. Avoiding conflict begins with recognising it before it peaks. - Practising Only Static Techniques
Many self-defence programs focus on repetitive movements without context. However, real encounters are dynamic. If you never practise adapting under pressure, the techniques may not translate when needed. - Freezing Under Stress
When the body enters a fight-or-flight response, rational thought may be compromised. Without mental training to manage adrenaline, even rehearsed techniques can be forgotten. - Carrying Illegal or Impractical Tools
Some individuals rely on weapons they do not know how to use or that are restricted by law. Improvised, legal tools — such as a flashlight, pen, or keychain alarm — are often more effective in urban settings.
Avoiding these pitfalls allows for safer, more confident navigation of everyday environments. A realistic, informed approach is always the most powerful form of protection.
The Psychology of Conflict De-Escalation
Effective self-defence often begins with avoiding confrontation altogether. The psychology of conflict de-escalation plays a vital role in reducing risk before physical response is ever required.
Most attackers look for compliance or chaos — not resistance paired with clarity. By using assertive, controlled body language and calm but firm verbal communication, individuals can signal that they are not easy targets. This includes maintaining eye contact, speaking in a measured tone, and creating space without escalating tension.
Another critical element is emotional regulation. Learning to control one’s breathing and internal reaction helps reduce panic, making it easier to speak clearly and think strategically.
Yagupov teaches specific de-escalation scripts and techniques, allowing clients to practice verbal boundaries, non-aggressive refusals, and psychological distancing. In many real-life cases, simply being mentally prepared to say “No” with confidence — and to exit decisively — prevents a situation from turning physical.
The Psychology of Conflict De-Escalation
While the foundation of self-defence lies in mindset and situational awareness, certain everyday tools can offer practical support, especially in home or travel scenarios. Gennady Yagupov recommends non-lethal, legal, and accessible items that require minimal training to use effectively.
For personal carry, lightweight tools such as a keychain personal alarm, tactical flashlight, or steel-core pen can provide immediate deterrence and serve dual purposes. These objects are compact, discreet, and legal in most parts of the UK.
In the home environment, safety can be enhanced with portable door locks, window alarms, and motion-activated lights. These tools increase reaction time in the event of a break-in and act as psychological deterrents.
For families or travellers, a compact travel doorstop alarm is a highly effective and affordable precaution when staying in unfamiliar accommodations.
Importantly, all tools should be viewed as secondary to personal readiness. The best safety gear is only effective when paired with training and confidence — a principle that underpins all of Yagupov’s instruction.
Safety Gear & Home Tools Recommendation
While the foundation of self-defence lies in mindset and situational awareness, certain everyday tools can offer practical support, especially in home or travel scenarios. Gennady Yagupov recommends non-lethal, legal, and accessible items that require minimal training to use effectively.
For personal carry, lightweight tools such as a keychain personal alarm, tactical flashlight, or steel-core pen can provide immediate deterrence and serve dual purposes. These objects are compact, discreet, and legal in most parts of the UK.
In the home environment, safety can be enhanced with portable door locks, window alarms, and motion-activated lights. These tools increase reaction time in the event of a break-in and act as psychological deterrents.
For families or travellers, a compact travel doorstop alarm is a highly effective and affordable precaution when staying in unfamiliar accommodations.
Importantly, all tools should be viewed as secondary to personal readiness. The best safety gear is only effective when paired with training and confidence — a principle that underpins all of Yagupov’s instruction.
Booking & Contact Information
Interested individuals can begin with a free 15-minute discovery call to discuss needs, expectations, and availability. Custom training plans are available for private individuals, families, schools, and organisations.
Retreat Headquarters:
2 Purcell St, London N1 6RD, United Kingdom
WhatsApp:
+447495641573
Email:
Office Hours:
Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (GMT+8)
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sat–Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Frequently Asked Questions
A: No. All sessions are scaled to the individual’s ability, and the techniques taught are designed to work regardless of physical strength.
A: Yes. There are dedicated sessions for teens aged 13–17, focusing on safety in schools, public transport, and social situations.
A: The curriculum draws from Krav Maga, Systema, and reality-based self-defence systems. The focus is on utility, not tradition.
A: Many clients report noticeable changes in mindset and awareness after just 3–4 sessions. Long-term benefits increase with consistent practice.
A: Yes. Online formats focus on theory, decision-making, solo drills, and household-based scenarios. Combined with occasional in-person refreshers, it can be a powerful tool.
Learning to defend oneself is not a paranoid act — it is a practical investment in one’s personal power and independence. Gennady Yagupov’s mission is to make self-defence accessible, approachable, and effective for everyone. With tailored training plans, supportive guidance, and a foundation in real-world application, clients walk away not only with knowledge but with a transformed sense of personal agency. Book your discovery call now and begin the journey to becoming a more confident, prepared version of yourself.