Master Dave: Instructor, Mentor, Founder.

Hi, I’m Master Dave — founder and lead instructor at the Self Defence Combat Academy in Reading.

For more than 30 years, martial arts has been my way of life. Not just the techniques, not just the belts — but the discipline, the confidence, the mindset, and the ability to walk through the world with purpose.

I’ve taught hundreds of students over the years; kids, adults, complete beginners, and even advanced practitioners from other disciplines. Every one of them mattered. Every one of them had my full attention, my full energy, and my full commitment.

I don’t just teach martial arts.

I help people grow.

Let's talk

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

How It all Started:
Martial Arts Changed my Life

My journey began unlike the way it begins for many people, although there are natural parallels. After having to undergo very serious surgery at the age of 7 and needing to take time out from school. During and after recovery I found myself wanting, lacking, anxious and unsure.

I wanted to build confidence and to be able to front up to some of the ‘nay-sayers’. I wanted to feel in control of my own safety. And once I discovered what real training could do for a person, I never looked back.

From my first classes as a child to the decades of study under world-renowned instructors, martial arts didn’t just change my life — it shaped who I became. Eventually, I knew it was my turn to pass that forward.

That’s why I founded the Self Defence Combat Academy: to help people become safer, stronger, and more confident than they ever thought possible.

Why I Teach Self-defence and Martial Arts

This is what I live for.

Every class I teach, every child I coach, every adult I guide… it all comes from one place: genuine passion.

Not the flashy kind. The real kind. The kind you earn through 30+ years of training, teaching, and watching lives transform right in front of you.

I don’t just run a martial arts club. I build;

Confidence

Happier & safer families

Discipline

Calmer & sharper thinkers

When a shy child steps in for the first time, then leaves stronger, louder, and believing in themselves — that’s what drives me. When a parent messages to say their child finally has confidence… that’s my fuel.

When an adult tells me they feel safe walking home again… that’s why I keep going.

I love what I do, and I put my heart into every single session.

If you want to train with someone who genuinely cares, who gives 100% every time, and who will push you to become the strongest version of yourself… I’m here.

I’m not just a coach; I’m a mentor who lives and breathes real-world self-defence. I founded the Self Defence Combat Academy in Reading to help local people take control of their safety, confidence, and mindset.

My background blends Karate, Krav Maga, Thai Kickboxing, Weapons, Ground Survival, and Pressure Point Tactics — but I don’t teach techniques for show.

I teach to change lives.

My Self-defence Credentials & Experience

I’ve been training in martial arts and self-defence for over 30 years, and I’ve dedicated my life to helping people feel safer, stronger, and more confident. I’ve trained under some of the most respected instructors and Grand Masters in the world and earned gradings across multiple disciplines.

It is my knowledge of such a variety of disciplines that has afforded me the opportunity to build my own self-defence program you see today.

Martial Arts: So, what is it I have done?

I have trained across and studied over a dozen differing forms of martial arts, with my specialities being held in the following disciplines;

Open Circle Fighting Method (OFCM)

I trained directly under the tutelage of Russell Stutely where I hold a 3rd Dan Black Belt in OCFM.

I am also a savant and hold the honour of being a qualified OFCM Coach.

Furthermore, I specialise in Pressure Point Fighting, holding a 1st Dan Black Belt, PPDT Level 5 International Instructor, and PPF Instructor certifications.

Muay Thai

My Muay Thai journey took me to Grand Master Toddy, where I earned;

Muay Thai Trainer Instructor
Muay Thai Kru Instructor
Muay Thai Grade 10 (This a blackbelt equivalent)

Jitsu (Jujutsu)

Under Grand Master Art Mason, I achieved;

Kyusho Jitsu Level 3 Instructor
Kyusho Jitsu 3rd Dan Black Belt
HPPT Level 3 International Instructor

I also Hold:

1st Dan Black Belt in Combat Hapkido
Tai Chi Instructor certification attained under Jesse Tsao

Other:

Alongside these formal grades, I have trained extensively in:

Krav Maga
Wing Chun
Filipino Martial Arts
Ju Jitsu
And multiple weapons systems including tomahawk, knife, kali sticks, Kubaton, and walking stick.

Let's start a conversation:

Book Taster

Every qualification I’ve earned came through rigorous training and examination. My goal has always been the same: Teach skills that actually work in the real world.

What My Students Get (and expect) from Me

When you train with me, I invest fully in you as a person and a student of mine. Furthermore, you don’t just learn punches, kicks, or drills. We’ll work together and you’ll both learn and benefit from:

Real-world self-defence. Skills designed for real situations — not sport, not just theory.

Confidence you can feel. Whoever you may be and whatever your background.

Discipline and clarity. The kind of discipline that spills into school, work, relationships, and everyday life.

A supportive, encouraging environment. Everyone starts somewhere — and everyone is welcome.

100% commitment. I give everything I have in every session. If you show up willing to try, I’ll be with you the whole way.

And finally.

Away from the academy, I’m a dad, husband, a lifelong learner, and someone who still trains every day. I believe in showing up, putting the work in, and leading by example. Martial arts isn’t a hobby to me — it’s the way I live my life.

And I’m here to help you change yours.