Mastercard Ireland Lunch ‘n’ Learn Session

Mastercard Ireland Lunch ‘n’ Learn Session

Hard Target Self Defence were delighted to have been recently invited out to Mastercard Ireland in Leopardstown to discuss with staff the topic of personal safety. Some of what was discussed:

The Colour Codes of Awareness; what colour code are you in?

White: completely switched off to your surroundings ie. walking & talking on phone, walking & texting on phone, earphones in, head down etc. etc.

Campus.ie – One of Ireland’s Largest Student Websites Talks to us about Student Safety

Campus.ie – One of Ireland’s Largest Student Websites Talks to us about Student Safety

Last year while making her way to work at 8 am in the morning, a young woman fell victim to an unprovoked attack on Dublin’s Grafton Street. One startling comment she made following the assault was her surprise at how many people rushed past her pretending not to notice what was happening! It took a couple of minutes before a guy finally stepped in to assist her.

Catherine Sanz of The Times Newspaper Drops into Hard Target Self Defence

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.

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

Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of FEAR

Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of FEAR

Making a big life or business change is scary. But do you know whats even scarier?  Regrets! The film ‘The Moneypit’ comes to mind when I think about what’s been happening here at the academy! How long will it take to complete? “two weeks”. A month later,  how long more? “two weeks”!!!! But we’re almost there! Our new training area, changing rooms, shower and locker facilities are certainly within sight now!

Dublin Fire Brigade Training

Dublin Fire Brigade Training

It is always an honour to be asked to teach Dublin Fire Brigade personnel and paramedics conflict resolution skills and self-defence tactics. We were once again invited back to The O’Brien Institute, Dublin to train the latest recruits as part of their training programme. Topics included:

Conflict Resolution
Verbal de-escalation
Scene Safety

My Failing Relationship, By Aidan Carroll

My Failing Relationship, By Aidan Carroll

If I am being honest with myself, the signs were obvious. I chose to deny them. Believing the relationship was strong, this was reinforced when friends and family would often comment how solid our bond was. There were times when we seemed inseparable. An allegiance welded together and nurtured from when we first met many years ago.

Notice Me! by Aidan Carroll

Notice Me! by Aidan Carroll

Abraham Maslow, the renowned American psychologist is probably best known for creating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. His theory of psychological health based on innate human needs.
When we look at his theory we see the most important is Physiological as the foundation of human needs; categorized as food, water, air, sleep, homeostasis and excretion.

Self-defence tips you shouldn’t leave the house without. First of all, the “keys between the fingers” approach is a bad idea…

Self-defence tips you shouldn’t leave the house without. First of all, the “keys between the fingers” approach is a bad idea…

Self-defence tips you shouldn’t leave the house without First of all, the “keys between the fingers” approach is a bad idea…
As the chief instructor at Hard Target Self-Defence Systems in Donabate, Aidan Carroll is well-versed in the best methods to get you out of sticky street situations as unscathed as possible.

NEWS!! Check out our NEW Tatami matted training area.

NEWS!! Check out our NEW Tatami matted training area.

Since moving to our new home in September last year, we’ve been busy fitting out the academy, slowly transforming it into a comfortable state of the art facility to train. Just this week, after a lot of hard work and committment, we’ve finally completed our new Tatami matted training area. Thanks to Shaker Carroll for taking the time to fit the mats for us.

Keep that Dog on a Leash!

Keep that Dog on a Leash!

I’ve just finished a consultation with a new client; a young gentleman in his late twenties. He called the office a few days back after he was involved in an altercation in a bar.
Thankfully he escaped with no serious physical trauma but he is struggling with the “black dog”. This dog is no stranger to me. Over the years he – the black dog and I crossed paths many times, and thankfully