Tony Somers - Intelligent Self Protection
I first made contact with Tony from Intelligent Self Protection in January 2007 by email and asked would it be possible to have him over to give a seminar in Ireland. Due to a heavy work schedule on both parts we arranged to have Tony over on March 10th. I collected Tony from Dublin Airport at 9am, just giving us enough time for a quick chat before the seminar began at 10am. He began the seminar with a gentle warm up, getting the group to hit the focus pads with what ever punches they wanted. He explained to the group the purpose of this is to release some of the adrenaline they may be feeling- and it was great idea, as it got them all working together and with different partners straight away.
The atmosphere was very relaxed after this. Tony's way of teaching is very clear and precise. He then took the group trough the correct body mechanic's of how to developed maximum impact when striking. And it was obvious to everyone in the room the Immense power Tony generates when striking.
A wide variety of strikes where covered, straight shots, upper cuts, slaps etc. All in attendance where striking harder than they had ever done before. From there we covered some adrenaline testing drills all worked from the "FENCE".This really got the group pumped up, the purpose being verbal dissuasion, and "fighting without fighting" as Tony termed it. Getting all the students to use there voice as aggressively as possible to deescalate without physical contact.
We then took a 20 minute break for some lunch. This gave the group a chance to chat with Tony and the other students. After lunch Tony went more in-depth into the mind set of an attacker. Explaining that 99% of self protection is awareness and avoidance and that all defence techniques shown during the seminar are to used only as a last resort.
We finished the day with some grappling.Tony showed to group how to defend against a 2 leg take-down,fighting from your back, defence against Ground and Pound, shoot take down defence & rear face bar.
I have to say I don't meet many people with the qualities Tony has. He is a first class instructor.I was inspired by Tony in many ways. He has a fantastic energy about him, that everyone in the room I talked with felt.
I hope it will be the first of many visits to come.
Introducing Real Life Self Protection by Matty Evans & Tony Somers
Volume 1 - The Fence & The line Up. Power & Punching. Chokes & Strangles. Aggression Training
