Welcome to Self Defence and Combat Academy - Reading
I’m Master David Putnam. Hello and welcome, there’s every chance you’ve landed here for a very valid reason.
Outside of family (my wife and young daughter), martial arts is my one true passion and I’ve dedicated my life to teaching real-world self-defence. I have over 30 years of martial arts experience and hold 7 black belts across multiple disciplines. What matters most to me is using that experience to help people grow in confidence, strength, and self-belief.
​People are different, be it a young child struggling with confidence, or bullying, to an adult looking to ease their social anxiety. Even so, I'm a firm believer we all have our own superpower. I genuinely love teaching and seeing that same spark in my students when things start to click. Everyone is capable.
I’m easy-going, approachable, and I always aim to make people feel comfortable from day one. I'm here to mentor, teach and guide, and I tailor my training classes to suit the people in them. Everything I do is rooted in respect, self-discipline and tolerance and empowering people to build inner strength — both mental and physical.
I work with a broad and diverse range of students of all ages and backgrounds, offering group classes, intensive courses, tailored programmes and private one-to-one training.
So, what's stopping you? Explore my classes and book your free taster today.
Learn Self-defence with us: Why People Join & What to Expect
At Self Defence & Combat Academy - Reading, training is built around you. People join us for all kinds of reasons; to feel safer, build confidence, ease social anxieties, improve wellbeing or simply to try something new. Most importantly, training is always shaped around who you are as an individual and what goals you want to achieve.
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There is a structured syllabus for those who enjoy clear progression and complete variability for those who don’t. The way I teach will always remain flexible and personal, be that in a group class or a one-to-one setting, ensuring you and/or loved ones can grow at a pace that feels right.
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My professionally accredited self-defence system is shaped by decades of training across over a dozen different martial arts and periods of learning under respected Grand Masters. It focuses on practical, real-world techniques rather than complex, performance-based routines. No flashy sequences, no unrealistic movements and no ‘fluff’. Instead, take to real-world skills that help you feel safer, stronger and more capable in every aspect of life.
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​Expect a supportive environment, honest guidance and steady, meaningful progress. Together, we'll build a solid foundation and add layers over time, so you develop genuine confidence and the ability to protect yourself and your loved ones should you ever need to.
Your Options: Self-defence Classes
For a full overview of all of the options and classes available to you, family and friends, then please visit the general self defence classes & information page.
Why us? Enjoy Practical Training Built for Real Life
Unique, Accredited System
Learn a complete self-defence system you won’t find anywhere else, built to stay relevant in real life.
Train at Home
Work towards your blackbelt from the comfort of your own home. Flexible one-to-one training to fit around your schedule.
Real-World Techniques
​Ready to go techniques focused on capability, not choreography and a layered skillset that evolves with you, over time.
This is Where Real Growth Starts
Every student I work with arrives for their own reasons; some want confidence, others want peace of mind, others simply want to feel capable again.
Whatever brings you here, my approach begins the same way. With a clear understanding of where you’re starting from and what you actually need. No judgement, no pressure, just practical steps forward.
Your self-defence journey begins with the first honest conversation.
Over the years, I’ve watched people from every background walk through my doors; anxious teens, parents wanting to feel safer, professionals burned out from stress, even people who felt “too unfit” or “too inexperienced” to try.
What they all discover is that real-world self-defence has nothing to do with looking the part, and everything to do with building capability layer by layer, at a pace that feels right for them and ultimately, you or your loved ones.
Time to Take Back Control
What people love about training with me and with the academy is that our sessions focus on what works in real life. No nonsense, no theatrics, no unnecessary complexity — just techniques that build confidence quickly and give you a foundation you can rely on.
You’ll learn how to stay calm, stay aware, remain in control and then take charge, even in situations you hope you’ll never face.
Self-defence for Anyone
Most importantly, this is a place where people surprise themselves. I’ve lost count of how many times someone has said, “I didn’t think I could do that,” after a breakthrough moment. You don’t need experience to start — just the willingness to take that first step.
Every class, whether private or in a group setting, adapts to your experience, pace and goals so you always feel supported, capable and able to progress with confidence.
Your Self-defence Journey Starts the Moment You Decide
You don’t need to feel ready, skilled or confident as I can make the promise that those things build with time, practice and support. What matters is choosing to move forward.
If you or your loved ones are looking to grow, feel safer, or simply become stronger in yourself, there’s a path here for you.
When You’re Ready, Take Back Control
Remember too that everyone’s journey starts at a different point — some want confidence, some want clarity, some simply want to feel capable again.
Wherever you or loved ones are beginning from, and whatever your motivations may be, you can take this step at your own pace. When the moment feels right, I’m here to guide you forward. Feel free to explore the rest of the site or contact me directly below: