Hard Target Self Defence

WE HAVE RELOCATED TO BLAKES CROSS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, NORTH COUNTY DUBLIN, K45 CKOO.

(3 mins from our previous location). Really looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Hard Target – The home of real-world
self-defence.

Learn how to protect yourself and get home safe with Hard Target Self-Defence lessons. Train for real world situations in a safe enjoyable environment.

Gift Vouchers

Give that someone special the “Gift of Safety”. Gift Vouchers for everyone, download and print off or email your voucher! We donate €1 to charity from every voucher sold.

Passionate About Self Defence

“Aidan Carroll is one of the best martial artists to graduate from my Master Class Instructors Course. He is a powerful instructor and a very charismatic man. I am proud to have him representing my system in beautiful Ireland.”  GEOFF THOMPSON – MARTIAL ARTIST & BAFTA AWARD WINNER

Ireland’s longest established Reality Based Self Defence School.

Self-Defence Classes

General Self Defence Lessons

General Self Defence

This class is for Intermediate to Advanced level students.
Box-IT Fitness Training

Box-IT Fitness

Box- IT is a unique form of fitness training designed to work every major muscle in the body.
Women's Self Defence Classes

KNOW FEAR Non-Physical Course

This is a self-protection online course delivered through ZOOM. The course will focus on how to recognize, understand and avoid potentially threatening people, dangerous personalities and situations.
Kidz Kombat Self Defence Class

Kidz & Teenz Self Defence Kombat

These popular self defence classes are conducted in a safe and fun environment, suitable to children & teens.
Teen Self Defence Training

Teen Self Defence

Teen Self-Defence training is a unique self-defence program designed with today’s teenagers in mind.  
Private Self-Defence Lessons

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”.

Self-Defence Gift Vouchers   Gift Vouchers for everyone. Simply choose the amount, download and print off or email your voucher!

Speciality Courses

January 2018 Self Defence Weekend Seminar

November 2nd & 3rd, 2024 - Self Protection & Self Defence (Weekend Seminar)

Saturday & Sunday, November 2nd & 3rd, 2024

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.

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Understanding body language before conflict

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Protecting your personal space

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Pre-emptive strikes

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Release from chokes & strangles

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The Fence (protecting your personal space)

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Defence against knife hold ups

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Knowing when and how to strike

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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) 843 0673

or request a free call-back.

Our Latest News, Articles and Tips

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.

read more

What 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 Mahon

HT Student

The 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 Teskey

HT Student

The 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 McGovern

HT Student

I 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

HT Student