Ireland’s longest established Reality Based Self Defence School.
Self-Defence Classes
General Self Defence
Beginners and newcomers are always welcome. This class is open to everyone, all ages and levels.
Box-IT Fitness
Box- IT is a unique form of fitness training designed to work every major muscle in the body.
Women's Self Protection & Self Defence, 6 Weeks Course starts September 2018
This is a self-protection & Self Defence 6 weeks course. The course is a combination of theory and physical modules.
Kidz Kombat
These popular self defence classes are conducted in a safe and fun environment, suitable to children.
Teen Self Defence
Teen Self-Defence training is a unique self-defence program designed with today’s teenagers in mind.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are a great way to get one-to-one specialised Self-Defence and fitness training.
Give that special someone
the “Gift of Safety”.
Gift Vouchers to suit ever pocket starting from €10 – simply choose your amount, download and print off or email your voucher!
Speciality Courses
August 25th & 26th 2018 - Masterclass in Self Protection & Self Defence (Weekend Seminar)
Saturday & Sunday, August 25th & 26th, 2018.
The Hard Target System brings together many different systems, such as Krav Maga, Kick boxing, Real Combat, grappling and ground-fighting- but our primary objective is to teach REAL self defence.
We don’t train for sport or competition, what we teach are simple techniques that have been completely pressure tested to work for everyone in today’s world.
Understanding body language before conflict
Protecting your personal space
Pre-emptive strikes
Release from chokes & strangles
The Fence (protecting your personal space)
Defence against knife hold ups
Knowing when and how to strike
Self Defence and the Law in Ireland
Wheelchair Self-Defence - Date: TBC
This weekend self-defence course has been specially designed in conjunction with wheelchair users to meet their specific defence requirements. Date: To be confirmed.
Close Protection Bodyguard Training
Fully accredited Close Protection Operations (Bodyguard) Training course. Essential to work within Ireland, Europe or England.
Corporate & Employee Self Defence
We specialise in offering safety training workshops to businesses and employees in all sectors including finance, customer care and emergency services.
Call us touch today on (01) 807 5037
or request a free call-back.
Our Latest News, Articles and Tips
Hard Target Self Defence Talks to Dr. Ciara Kelly of Newstalk
Hard Target’s Aidan & Debbie Carroll discuss women’s self defence & self protection on Newstalk.
Thanks to Dr. Ciara Kelly and the Lunchtime Radio Show, over 80 Women arrived to take part in our FREE Women’s Workshop in June!!!!
read more
Catherine Sanz of The Times Newspaper Drops into Hard Target Self Defence
It might sound counter intuitive, but a fight club at a gym in Co Dublin is offering a new course aimed at preventing people from engaging in violent altercations and making them streetwise.
“Know Fear”, a six-week non-physical self- defence course at Hard Target Self Defence Academy in Donabate, is for women and men. It combines role play with lectures on body language.
Participants are taught how to avoid dangerous individuals, nullify the effects of stress and say “no” confidently.
Physical Training is very important but never as important as building mental strength.
Many people take to the gym to practice techniques and lift weights in a bid to build a stronger physique. Whilst developing a faster punch and a chiselled six-pack, they often ignore the most important part of training; the mental workout. Of course, physical training is very important and beneficial; though never as important as building mental strength. Building a strong
read moreWhat People Say about Hard Target SD
My 3 sons have been doing Kidz Kombat since last year and they love it. They have not just learned how to defend themselves but have gained valuable life skills and confidence and everyday street smarts in a safe and warm environment.The teachers at hard target are trained to the highest standard and brilliant with the children and parents and are very welcoming and approachable. I would strongly recommend the Kidz Kombat to anyone and enjoy knowing my sons are learning to be safe while having fun.
Laura MahonThe course was extremely well organised and implemented. It was far and beyond my expectations. The course teaches the students what not to do and how to avoid hostile situations. This course is a must for anyone who has ever felt nervous while socialising in Dublin today.
Shane TeskeyThe course has helped me immensely with some fears I have and although I hope I will never have to use any of the self-defence tactics, I have gained much confidence knowing that I can now defend myself better should a situation present itself. The advice on pre-empting an attack was invaluable and this is something that I know I will use in everyday life. From the first evening of the course I already felt more confident and some of the simplest tips have taught me to ensure safe surroundings while at home or out on the street.
Amy Rose McGovernI was introduced to Aidan after a discussion I had about nightlife in Dublin and how it’s impossible not to worry about my sons who are 17 and 20. Aidan encouraged me to take the training sessions with my sons which I did, even though at 52 I felt too old. Being able to train with my sons and learn together has been a fantastic experience. The training itself is not about fancy moves or complicated regimes, it’s practical and real. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to educate themselves or their family about how to avoid and if necessary deal with physical threats or confrontation.
Pat Whelan