Hard Target Self Defence

 

 

Aidan Carroll - Chief Instructor Hard Target Self Defence Systems

Aidan Carroll(right) pictured recently with Geoff Thompsom(left).

Aidan Carroll has been teaching martial arts and self defence since 1990.The Hard Target syllabus was devised by Aidan based on his continued cross training experiences in the arts as well as his experience in live situations. Having worked as a doorman for over 3 years you learn quick what does and doesn't work when under pressure. I continue to develop and adapt the system to keep myself and my students on the cutting edge of self defence and combative training.

My Qualifications:

Founder of Hard Target Self Defence Systems.
British Combat Association Self Defence Instructor( awarded by Geoff Thompson)
2nd Degree Black Belt Kickboxing
Krav Maga Self Defence Instructor( IKMF)
Personal Trainer( Focus Fitness Ireland)
Strength & conditioning coach
Sports injury rehabilitation therapist
2nd Degree Black Belt( Self Defence Federation UK)
Qualified in emergency first aid & CPR
Level 1 close protection body guard
Qualified Instructor in F.I.S.T Police Tactical Suit

 

 

Paul Byrne - Instructor Hard Target Self Defence Systems

 

Paul is training with Hard Target Self Defence Systems for over 5 years. He is the most experienced instructor on the team.In May 2010 he was awarded his 2nd Degree Black Belt by Chief Instructor Aidan Carroll. Pauls dedication, discipline and enthusiasm has impressed everyone who trains with him. As a teenager Paul spent many years cross training in the traditional arts and boxing. In November 2007 after 6 moths of training in the UK Paul was awarded his self defence instructors certificate from Geoff Thompson of the BCA (British Combat Association)

 

 

 

Steven Meighan - Instructor Hard Target Self Defence Systems

 

Steven has been training with Aidan since 2007, starting with a 6 week self defence course in Drumcondra. Since then he has successfully completed his 1st Dan Black Belt Instructor's Programme. He is also a trained Combat Conditioning Coach and qualified in Occupational First Aid (including the use of an AED).

He has trained in the traditional martial arts of Judo, Aikido and Kempo over the past 10 years. He currently holds a brown belt in Judo and is progressing towards his black belt.

Due to the nature of his job as a Garda, he is well too aware of the nature of violence and it's unpredictability. He is a passionate advocate of the functional simplicity and effectiveness of the Hard Target System.
He is enthusiastic about personal fitness and these passions comes across in his teaching and desire to iimpart his knowledge to his students.

 

Mary O'Leary - Instructor Hard Target Self Defence Systems

 

Mary has been training with Aidan for over 4 years. Everyone who trains with her is always surprised and a bit shocked :) of how explosive and dynamic she is while teaching the HT system. Over the past 5 years Mary has trained with some of the most respected names in the industry- namely: Tony Somers, John Skillen, Tamir Gilad and Peter Consterdine. In fact John Skillen commented- " Mary really impressed me, her aggression and forward pressure during the class blew me away" High praise indeed from such a experienced instructor. In May 2010 Mary became the only woman to pass the Hard Target instructor programme. The team is so much stronger with Mary on board.

 

 

Matty Boyle - Instructor Hard Target Self Defence Systems

 

Matty Boyle has been cross training in martial arts from a young age. He has a passion for MMA and continues to train in BJJ. Matty deals with real violence on a regular basis in his job a door supervisor. It was his experiences of dealing with REAL aggression that prompted Matty to explore reality based self defence. On this journey he trained with Aidan Carroll in the Hard Target system. In March 2010 Matty was invited to take part in the gruelling Hard Target Instructors programme which he passed with distinction and was awarded his 1st Dan Black Belt. We are very proud to have Matty as part of the team. A REAL WARRIOR

 

Sarah Jane Mc Cluskey - Assistant Instructor Hard Target Self Defence Systems

Sarah Jane Mc Cluskey is the newest member to the HT team. She brings a wealth of experience to the team. Sarah Jane has been involved in martial arts for over 12 years. In that time she successfully competed and won titles at national level. She has trained extensively in Chinese Kick-Boxing, Kung Fu and more recently has concentrated on studying and developing her knowledge of reality based self defence at the Hard Target school.

Sarah is a registered trainer with the NCEF, and is also qualified to teach boxercise, aqua fit and spinning. She also holds diplomas in anatomy & physiology and leisure management. Her enthusiasm and passion for teaching is unique. We are very honoured to have Sarah Jane on the team.

 

Albert Mc Cready - Assistant Instructor Hard Target Self Defence Systems

In the summer of 2008 Albert successfully graded to level one- trainee instructor in the HT syllabus. Over the past 2 years Albert has trained with many of the most respected names in the industry - namely Tony Somers( BCA 5th Dan), Jamie Clubb- founder of the CCMA ( Clubb Chimera Martial Arts) and Eyal Yanilov ( IKMF) Chief instructor to name a few. He is actively teaching modules 1-2 of the Hard Target syllabus.

Anyone who has trained with Albert will be inspired by his genuine passion to help others. He is a excellent teacher, communicator and above all - he is a gentleman. We are very honoured to have Albert on the team.